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.
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Spanish artists lead the list of nominees, with Alejandro Sanz and Rosalia topping the list — though urbano artists didn't make a big impression. -
Three portraits of musicians and a filmmaker who illuminate distinct forms of Mexican music expression. -
As seasons change, we play Cuban music from Canada, Salvadoran/Mexican music from Los Angeles and a Nuyorican protest song. -
We visit the third annual Los Dells Festival in central Wisconsin, featuring Café Tacvba, Salt Cathedral, Ximena Sarinaña and Natalia Lafourcade. -
With eyes shut, Marley dug deep into the healing power of music with songs from his 2017 album Stony Hill.
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Just a week after performing at Woodstock, Santana released its self-titled debut. Hear original members of the band recount its creation. -
Santana's debut album was released on this day 50 years ago. NPR's Felix Contreras considers it a game-changing moment in the marriage of Afro-Caribbean rhythms and rock 'n' roll.
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Psychedelics, mambos, rap and steamy dembow make the playlist this week. -
Piña mined the traditions of cumbia and expanded the limits of the accordion. -
Music and identity dominates a wide-ranging conversation with writers Elizabeth Acevedo, Amanda Alcantara and Danyeli Rodriguez del Orbe.
