The Legacy of Afro-Puerto Rican Music in Chicago
For over 52 years, the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center (SRBCC) has used art to foster cross-cultural understanding. Notably, it was the first organization to introduce Afro-Puerto Rican music and dance, specifically Bomba and Plena, to Chicago.
In the late 1980s, SRBCC established the city’s first-ever Bomba Workshop. By the mid-1990s, it expanded youth programs to teach new generations about their African heritage. As a result, Grupo Yubá, Chicago’s first professional Bomba group, was founded at SRBCC in 1989.
Today, Bomba remains a vital part of the Puerto Rican community in Chicago. In fact, many local Afro-Puerto Rican music projects trace their roots back to talent nurtured at SRBCC. While the center has expanded to embrace other artistic disciplines, it remains true to its Afro-Boricua origins.
Impact on Young Musicians and the Community
SRBCC offers a dynamic performance schedule where emerging musicians and professional artists of color collaborate. These artists gain industry exposure while performing alongside Latin music legends.
SRBCC has secured performances on prestigious stages such as:
✔ Chicago Jazz Festival
✔ Chicago World Music Festival
✔ Fiesta Boricua
✔ Summer Dance & Millennium Park
✔ Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián in San Juan
Through these opportunities, young artists not only refine their craft but also establish valuable connections in the music industry.
Expanding the Vision of SRBCC
Looking ahead, SRBCC is committed to strengthening its impact on BIPOC communities. This is achieved by fostering strategic partnerships that directly support professional artists of color, creative youth, and their families.
Artistic Residencies and Performance Opportunities
SRBCC provides:
🎶 Regular artist residencies that offer mentorship and professional guidance.
🎭 Subsidized performances that highlight original work from local artists.
🎤 Free rehearsal space to support artistic development.
🎧 Recording opportunities to help artists expand their audience.
Professional Artists SRBCC Chicago supports Afro-Puerto Rican music with residencies, performances, mentorship, and collaborations with legends.
Collaborations with Music Legends
One of SRBCC’s core philosophies is connecting young musicians with experienced professionals. Through its programs, creative youth have the chance to work closely with Latin music icons, refining their skills while gaining real-world experience.
For over five decades, SRBCC has witnessed internationally recognized artists leave Chicago for other cities due to a lack of resources. Therefore, one of its main objectives is to keep talented artists thriving within their communities by providing sustainable opportunities.
Join Us & Support the Arts
SRBCC remains a cornerstone for Afro-Puerto Rican music and arts in Chicago. Whether you are an artist, a community member, or a supporter of cultural initiatives, your involvement can make a difference.
💌 For bookings and inquiries, contact us at: info@srbcc.org
📅 Ask about our school performances & workshops! Special rates available for youth programs.
La Cantera is proud to welcome one of the top salsa singers in Chicago. Ponce native Papo Santiago will lead a new set, including songs from Santiago's newest album "Palabras".
La Cantera bring their Latin Jazz and Salsa series to the parks with special guests.
Held every last Friday of the month, Barrio Bugalú is not just a dance party; it’s a celebration of history, a tribute to the pioneers of Latin music, and a testament to the timeless power of Afro-Caribbean rhythms to bring people together.
They are Las Karamba, a musical current of feminine energy that converges to tell stories and experiences to the rhythm of Cuban music, ranging from bolero to son, salsa, rumba, and even rap. A multicultural mix full of color born in Barcelona, formed by Ahyvin Bruno (voice and Güiro), Ahylin Bruno (congas and backing vocals), Liviet Ojeda (bass and backing vocals), Natasha Arizu (keyboard and backing vocals), Rita Baulida (timbales), and María Gil (flute). Six mestizo, migrant women, and musicians who are presenting their new studio work "Te lo digo cantando". An album that aims to tell the sorrows with joy, as the legend Celia Cruz, the group's main reference, already said, whom they have honored with these nine songs. Songs made for those who need positive energy to move forward or simply for those who want to dance to it, listen to it or sing it at the top of their voices.
La Cantera continue their monthly residency at the California Clipper with special guest Erik Noel Rosado coming directly from Puerto Rico. Erik Noel Rosado, musician,
La Cantera bring their monthly residency to the parks with special guest Erik Noel Rosado coming directly from Puerto Rico. Free event presented by SRBCC
