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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Chick Corea was a towering figure in jazz for over 50 years — at home in straight ahead jazz, electric jazz fusion, Latin music and more. He won 23 Grammy awards.
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This year's edition of A Jazz Piano Christmas features REDWOOD, Cory Henry and Kenny Barron. We're celebrating the holidays with swing from the East Coast jazz scene. -
In a ceremony that, like many this year, lacked some momentum, the Latin Grammys were able to find their way towards recognizing the promise of the present. -
The Cuban percussionist brought the rhythms of Havana to New York's jazz clubs in the 1940s and never stopped performing. -
The 21st Latin Alternative Music Conference runs from June 9 through June 13. With help from live TV producer José Tillán, all of its panels, workshops and performances will be held entirely online.
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Alt.Latino host Felix Contreras shares new music from Natalia Lafourcade, Gina Chavez, Cindy Blackman Santana, Gaby Moreno and Mireya Ramos. -
Santana had a brush with major success as a member of the band Malo, and made significant contributions to the breadth of Latin popular music. -
The Bronx-born González often played with his brother, Jerry, and had turns in the bands of Dizzy Gillespie and Tito Puente, among many others. -
Cuba's Cimafunk joined Tank and The Bangas and The Soul Rebels to celebrate centuries of musical connections between their hometowns.
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For "One-Hit Wonders/Second-Best Songs," Alt.Latino host Felix Contreras recommends "Momotombo" by Malo. The band is known for hit "Suavecito," and often overshadowed by rock peer Santana.
