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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It's impossible to not be drawn in by the visual specter of Balún as the band mixes traditional instruments and electronics, set against a rich tapestry of voices.
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A playlist perfect for holiday parties in your tia's kitchen and with the primos in the basement. Plus, an exclusive video from Ruben Blades. -
When Los Lobos gathered behind the Tiny Desk, it felt like they were cramped in the back room of a family Christmas party, calling up tunes from the Latin holiday song book.
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Irene Diaz, Kali Uchis and Ulises Hadjis have been on the Alt.Latino radar for nearly a decade; their new singles share space with newer names. -
This year's edition of A Jazz Piano Christmas features a mix of artists from the East Coast and West Coast jazz scenes. We're celebrating the holidays with swing. -
Bundle up! We're getting ready for cold weather with new songs by Lido Pimienta, Dimelo Flow, Tiger Army and David Lawrence. -
"We make music to collide with the world." The Puerto Rican superstar discusses Nibiru, his musical beginnings and the state of Latin urban music. -
We introduce the world to a Brazilian artist you should know along with some musical surprises full of fun and innovation. -
Ricky Martin, Residente & Bad Bunny celebrate the uplift of the Puerto Rican people through music on this week's playlist. Plus new music from Rosalía, MillionYoung and Henry Cole. -
Once you hear La Doña's mujer-powered "femmeton," Cuba's Cimafunk and Junior Mesa's mellow moods, you'll be won over, too.
