Felix Contreras

Felix Contreras is a reporter and producer for NPR's Arts Desk specializing in coverage of jazz, world music, and Latino arts and culture. He is also the co-host of Alt.Latino, NPR's new web based program about Latin Alternative music.

As a producer and reporter for the NPR's Arts desk, Contreras has covered arts and technology issues; reported a series of stories on the financial challenges facing aging jazz musicians; and recently profiled a legendary Mexican singer for the "50 Great Voices" series. He once stood on the stage of the legendary jazz club The Village Vanguard after interviewing the club's owner and swears he felt the spirits of Coltrane and Monk walking through the room.

A part- time jazz musician, Contreras plays Afro Cuban percussion with various jazz and Latin bands. He is a recovering television journalist who has worked for both NBC and Univision.

Tiny Desk Concerts
3:25 pm
Mon April 22, 2013

Omar Sosa & Paolo Fresu: Tiny Desk Concert

Credit Lizzie Chen / NPR

Originally published on Mon May 6, 2013 8:21 am

You don't really listen to an Omar Sosa concert so much as experience it. The Cuban-born pianist's overall demeanor exudes a sense of calm and deep reflection, while a spiritual connection to music and his ancestors comes through in his piano playing.

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A Blog Supreme
10:55 am
Sat April 20, 2013

Tito Puente: 90 Years Of Getting People To Dance

Originally published on Sat April 20, 2013 5:38 pm

The percussionist and bandleader Tito Puente would have celebrated his 90th birthday this weekend on April 20. And the recently released box set Quatro: The Definitive Collection is a great place to start celebrating the once and forever King of Latin Music. It captures the driving sound of big band mambo and cha-cha-cha that launched people onto dance floors for decades.

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SXSW: Live From Austin
12:04 pm
Mon April 1, 2013

Bajofondo, Live In Concert: SXSW 2013

Credit NPR

Originally published on Tue April 2, 2013 7:59 pm

  • Bajofondo, Recorded Live At Auditorium Shores

With eight accomplished musicians from Argentina and Uruguay, and a sound rooted in tango traditions, Bajofondo lays out a visual and aural feast. Led by Oscar and Grammy winner Gustavo Santaolalla, the group mashes up traditional candombe sounds and other forms with electronica to produce a mix that's hypnotic and danceable.

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Tiny Desk Concerts
8:38 am
Mon August 27, 2012

Renaud Garcia-Fons: Tiny Desk Concert

Credit Michael Katzif / NPR
Renaud Garcia Fons performs a Tiny Desk Concert at the NPR Music offices.

Originally published on Mon May 6, 2013 8:06 am

Double bassist Renaud Garcia-Fons was destined to create music that spans genres and borders: He was born in France to a family with roots in the Catalonia region of Spain, and he's fluent in French, Spanish and English. Classical, jazz and flamenco represent equal parts of his musical DNA, and his technique reflects the delicate arco stylings of concert halls, the deep groove of jazz and the raw vitality of flamenco.

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Alt.Latino
8:53 am
Thu July 26, 2012

Guest DJ: Camilo Lara From Mexican Institute Of Sound

Credit Thomas Bregardis / AFP/Getty Images
Mexican Institute of Sound singer and producer Camilo Lara.

Originally published on Thu January 24, 2013 12:02 pm

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Alt.Latino
11:40 am
Thu July 5, 2012

The Latin Alternative Music Conference Preview

Originally published on Tue July 17, 2012 11:36 am

Every July, fans of Latin alternative music gather in New York for the Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) to see and hear their favorite bands and maybe catch a peek at artists who will become big stars.

For the third year, Alt.Latino is packing our bags for a week of panel discussions, musical showcases, and opportunities to meet and greet bands and industry folks.

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Alt.Latino: The Show
12:26 pm
Wed May 2, 2012

The Truth About Cinco De Mayo

Originally published on Fri June 22, 2012 12:06 pm

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