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.
-
Angélique Kidjo rearranges the molecules of the Celia Cruz songs that many of us know by heart. -
On Alt.Latino, hear Aventura reemerge from the shadows with its first song in 10 years, Jennifer Lopez duet with French Montana and Lila Downs sing a Peruvian cumbia classic. -
Alt.Latino host Felix Contreras empties the mail bag that was overflowing with new music. Mexico and Spain are represented as are Joni Mitchell and Amy Winehouse. -
The nine-piece Latin funk band's new album is a perfectly executed bi-cultural statement, made for the millions of people who love mariachi as much as James Brown. -
This week's Alt.Latino roundup includes a flute-looped reggaeton dance between Sean Paul and J Balvin, Mula's lush production and a Santana jam produced by the legendary Rick Rubin. -
The five nights of discoveries at SXSW 2019 served as a reminder that music can heal, challenge and change the world we live in. -
Latin artists at SXSW 2019 Festival have traveled from Brazil and Venezuela where speaking out against government officials can be dangerous. -
This week on Alt.Latino, explore Piñata Protest's new twist on conjunto punk, Los Tigres del Norte's tribute to legendary mariachi singer Vicente Fernandez and a diasporic folk ballad from La Doña. -
The prolific electronic musician stops in to talk about his influences and his latest album, This Is How You Smile. -
This week's playlist additions include an exclusive video premiere from Yawners, VINILOVERSUS' recent headbanger and an altruistic sentiment to Ambar Lucid's "Younger Self."
