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 residents and visitors of Chicago can find valuable information related to the local arts and music scene. Music being our primary focus, we specialize in the Afro-Latin genres, but we have expanded in recent years to cover music styles outside of that spectrum. If it's good live music happening in Chicago, we're interested!

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

Visit these pages to read interviews, 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 6th consecutive year last November 25, 2009 at The Old Town School of Folk Music. The evening was dedicated to one of the best salsa musicians of our time: Frankie Vázquez. In the past, this event has recognized the accomplishments of a number of Puerto Rican and local improvisers or “soneros”, including Cano Estremera, Richard Martínez, Luisito Carrión, Choco Orta (Puerto Rico), as well as Papo Santiago and Franklin Paz (Chicago).