Agúzate Productions is an organization dedicated to the promotion of Afro-Latin music and culture in Chicago. Our mission is to foster cultural understanding through artistic expression. We provide independent music groups with low-cost representation and promote events to benefit musicians working outside of the mainstream.

Agúzate is a space where Chicagoans and visitors can find valuable information related to the local arts and music scene. Music being our primary focus, we specialize in the Afro-Latin genres, which can include Salsa, Latin Jazz, Rumba, Bomba, Son Jarocho, Tango, Candombe, Samba and much more.

Founders Omar Torres-Kortright and Abner Bardeguez met in 2001 and started Agúzate in November of 2003. Previous partnerships and collaborations include events with The Old Town School of Folk Music, Hothouse, Revista Contratiempo, Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center, The Chicago World Music Festival, Sonotheque, Africaribe, Radio Chamba, Radio Arte, Dimensión Latina, and Chicago Public Radio.

Visit these pages to learn about workshops, jam sessions, concerts and more.

Agúzate!

Click on our calendar for more information on local and international live music events in the Windy City.

What is the meaning of the word?

"Stay sharp" and "be informed" are ways of describing the meaning of the word. Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz's 1970 album titled Agúzate made its mark in Latin music history. Along with other seminal works of that rich musical period, Agúzate propelled the world phenomenon that we now call Salsa. A mix of Jazz, R&B and Afro-Caribbean music, Salsa brought together a broad mix of musicians, dancers and enthusiasts with diverse cultural backgrounds. In keeping with that unifying tradition, Agúzate celebrates the diversity of our city through innovative programing and partnerships with the most respected artistic and cultural organizations in the city.

Agúzate's signature project, The Annual Tribute to the Improvisational Singer celebrated its fifth consecutive year last November 12, 2008 at The Old Town School of Folk Music. The event has recognized the trajectory of a number of Puerto Rican and local improvisers or “soneros”, including Cano Estremera, Richard Martínez, Luisito Carrión and Choco Orta (Puerto Rico), a well as Papo Santiago and Franklin Paz (Chicago).

Videos:

Click here to watch Choco Orta at the 5th Annual Tribute to the Improvisational Singer

Click here for an exclusive video of the 4th Annual Tribute to the Improvisational Singer.