Felix Contreras
Felix Contreras is co-creator and co-host of Alt.Latino, NPR's pioneering radio show and podcast celebrating Latin music and culture since 2010 and a curator for the acclaimed Tiny Desk Concert series.
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. He appears regularly on NPR's award-winning newsmagazines, All Things Considered and Morning Edition. Various national and international publications have quoted his expertise on the contemporary influences of Latin culture, music, and media.
He's 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 the other NPR Music resident Deadhead and an Afro Caribbean percussionist who performs around the DC area with various jazz and Latin jazz bands.
-
The Rwandan group's determination to spread its musical message is an inspiration. -
Sunny Jain's music promotes the idea of not just crossing boundaries but obliterating them all together. -
NPR's Alt.Latino followed break-out trio Yahritza y Su Esencia on tour to document how their identity, and connection to regional Mexican music was shaped in their farmworker community.
-
The Indian jazz fusion band stops by the Tiny Desk for a historical performance.
-
For 75 years, Tico Records has produced Latin soul music of the highest order. A new compilation — Hit the Bongo! — celebrates Tico's anniversary.
-
The stripped down sound of some of Becky G's biggest hits offered a rare view of her artistry. -
Alex Cuba weaves evocative imagery into musical arrangements that conjure his native country.
-
NPR's Ayesha Rascoe speaks with Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre, hosts of the Alt.Latino podcast, about the upcoming "El Tiny" Tiny Desk Concerts that celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
-
The 24th annual Latin Grammy nominations have been announced. The genre is experiencing a wave of unprecedented popularity, but recognition from the Latin Recording Academy seems to be lagging behind.
-
The family trio belt out songs of lost love and longing in their Tiny Desk performance.
