Agúzate is an organization dedicated to the promotion of Afro-Latin music and culture in Chicago. Our mission is to tell the stories and expose the people that put the soul in Chicago's multi-cultural arts and music scene.

Visit our events calendar for more information on local and touring talent in the Windy City

Agúzate is also a DJ group specializing in Afro-Latin dance music.

Co-founders Abner Bardeguez and Omar Torres-Kortright are known for their residencies at Hothouse, Sonotheque, Las Tablas and Coco. In the last 5 years Agúzate has organized a number of multi-arts projects, including the Jazz En Clave exhibit "Unsung Afro-Latino Expressions: Album Cover Art from the Latin Soul, Boogalu and Latin Funk Era" and the Afro-Latin Dance Series. This unique two-part series included a mix of rare vinyl and vintage live music footage from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.

Their 2007 Appearance at the Chicago World Music Festival initiated the Barrio Boogalu nights, a monthly DJ battle alongside DJ Supreme Court and DJ Joe Bryl dedicated to Latin Soul, Salsa and Boogalu.

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 seeks individuals that promote cultural understanding through artistic expression.

Agúzate's signature project, The Annual Tribute to the Improvisational Singer will celebrate its fifth consecutive year this 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 (Puerto Rico), Papo Santiago and Franklin Paz (Chicago). Click here for an exclusive video of the 4th Annual Tribute to the Improvisational Singer.