Felix Contreras
Felix Contreras is co-creator and host of Alt.Latino, NPR's pioneering radio show and podcast celebrating Latin music and culture since 2010.
In addition to his post behind the mic, Contreras programs music from the Latin diaspora for the acclaimed Tiny Desk concerts and hosts a weekly Instagram Live interview with a wide-ranging roster of guests.
A knowledgeable international ambassador for Latino heritage and arts, "Tio Felix '' travels extensively in search of new talent and new music and captures important legacy performers in jazz and Latin genres. Various national and international publications have quoted his expertise on the contemporary influences of Latin culture, music, and media.
His a recovering TV journalist whose first post at NPR in 2001 was as a Producer/Reporter for the NPR News Arts Desk. He is also NPR's resident Deadhead and performs around the DC area with his Latin music Beatles cover band, Los Day Trippers.
-
Psychedelics, mambos, rap and steamy dembow make the playlist this week. -
Piña mined the traditions of cumbia and expanded the limits of the accordion. -
The musician and magazine publisher talks to Alt.Latino about guitar players and issues of representation on this week's show. -
We've got more songs than usual this week as we make up for being away for a brief summer break. -
Music and identity dominates a wide-ranging conversation with writers Elizabeth Acevedo, Amanda Alcantara and Danyeli Rodriguez del Orbe. -
Recorded 50 years after Johnny Cash's legendary concert, the band's performance was recorded for an upcoming album and a new Netflix documentary. -
We offer some music to help us mourn, remember and hopefully, in time, heal. -
How does one carve out a path of her own with a famous parent? Haydée Milanés talks about Pablo Milanés and stamping out her own musical identity. -
The Calle 13 veteran, fresh off her appearance at demonstrations in Puerto Rico, performs three songs that rage with revolutionary intensity.
-
Preservation Hall Jazz Band pays tribute to the music of Cuba, Residente releases some insurgent reggaeton and Winnipeg's Mariachi Ghost delves into Latin soul.
