Season 1
Courtney Santana
The Animeros
Nidia Góngora
Javier Jara
Jennifer Foster
Giselle De La Rosa
The Point.
Courtney Santana is a singer-songwriter and performer based in Austin, TX. She is also the founder of The Survive2Thrive Foundation. Notably, as CEO of SANCTUARY PBC, she has assisted nearly 7,400 survivors of domestic abuse in obtaining resources and safe housing. Courtney has contributed to over 30 albums and performed in notable productions like "Dreamgirls" and "RENT." Her latest album “Living Through This” is out now through Hardcharger Records. Courtney joins Alex to chat about her life experiences as a survivor, an advocate and as an artist. Socials: @courtney_santana @musicmarrero Music by Alex Marrero. Follow "En Groove w/Alex Marrero" on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube today.
The Animeros is an offshoot of Austin's Latin Music favorites: Superfónicos. Formed in 2024, Animeros’ sound seamlessly blends its roots in the music of Colombia, Peru, 1960’s coastal Mexico, and the dusty cantinas of West Texas. Their style and captivating live shows have struck a chord with audiences and tastemakers alike—including Dan Auerbach, who is releasing their new album on Easy Eye Sound. Nick Tozzo (timbales) & Mauro Lopez (guitar) join Alex for a fun chat about how the Animeros came to be, their musical process & roots, as well as their experiences as they start touring the U.S. & Europe. Socials: @theanimeros @musicmarrero Music by Alex Marrero. Follow "En Groove w/Alex Marrero" on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube today.
Nidia es una Cantora Colombiana, maestra y activista comunitaria. Interpreta música de la costa del Pacífico colombiano. Ha sido una de sus principales difusoras, compartiéndola con el mundo durante los últimos 25 años, comenzando con su proyecto Canalón de Timbiquí. Fundó una escuela comunitaria en Cali, Colombia, y también es conocida por sus colaboraciones con artistas como Quantic, The Bongo Hop, Onda Trópica y muchos más. En el 2025, Nidia lanzó su primer álbum solista: “Pacífico Maravilla”. Durante su gira por Estados Unidos, visitó el estudio de Waterloo Records en Austin, TX y conversó con Alex sobre sus raíces, su trayectoria, activismo, filosofía, su nuevo sello y mucho más. --- is a Colombian artist, ‘Cantora’, teacher and community activist. She performs music from the Pacific Coast of Colombia. She has been one of its main proponents, sharing it with the world for the last 25 yrs. Starting with her critically acclaimed project, Canalón de Timbiquí. She started a community school in Cali, Colombia. She is also known globally for her collaborations with artists such as: Quantic, The Bongo Hop, Onda Trópica, Fey and many more. In 2025, Nidia released her first solo album: "Pacifico Maravilla". During her US Tour supporting the album, she stopped by the Waterloo Records studio in Austin, TX. and sat with Alex for a special conversation about her roots, career, activism, philosophy, her new label, and so much more. Socials: @nidiagongoramusic @musicmarrero Music by Alex Marrero. Follow "En Groove w/Alex Marrero" on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube today.
Javier Jara is a musician, singer-songwriter, arranger and activist originally from Ecuador. He specializes in Latin Folk/Roots, Caribbean and Nueva Trova musical traditions. Javier has been in Austin for over 15 years, composing, teaching, performing and producing. He just released an album called: "Our Rhythms, Our Voices". A project in which Javier collaborated with immigrants in the Austin community who Javier interviewed and documented their stories. Those first-hand conversations were then transformed into the beautiful and poignant songs that make up the album. Javier joins Alex to chat about his roots, his trajectory as an immigrant, musician, activist and much more. More info: http://www.ourrhythmsourvoices.com http://www.javierjaramusic.com Socials: @javiarjaramusica @musicmarrero Music by Alex Marrero. Follow "En Groove w/Alex Marrero" on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube today.
Jennifer Foster is a vocalist, bassist & songwriter. She is also the bandleader/arranger for Jennifer Foster & The Audacity: a project with a revolving cast of Austin all-star players. Catch them live, performing her all-original catalogue inspired by Motown, funk, R&B, blues and rock greats. Look out for their debut album, coming soon! Jennifer joins Alex for a great conversation about her creative roots, Austin and what it takes to be a professional musician. Socials: @jenniferfosterandtheaudacity @musicmarrero Music by Alex Marrero. Follow "En Groove w/Alex Marrero" on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube today.
Giselle De La Rosa is the Cine Las Americas Associate Director, Conference Coordinator and Hecho en Tejas Programmer. A proud daughter of Colombian immigrants, she was born into a family of artists in Southern California and studied theatre and film in New York City. She has received accolades for her work in dance, theatre and film. Giselle co-founded The Arthouse Film Festival (Top 100 on FilmFreeway) and screens films for SXSW (2021-2026). She sits on the boards of Ground Floor Theatre and In The Dew of Little Things. Beyond championing the arts, she has volunteered for numerous organizations supporting environmental conservation, animal welfare, political work and community service in Austin, Los Angeles and Costa Rica. Cine Las Americas 28th Annual International Film Festival May 13th - 17th, 2026 Austin, TX. https://cinelasamericas.org Socials: @cosasdelarosa @cinelasamericasiff @musicmarrero Music by Alex Marrero. Follow "En Groove w/Alex Marrero" on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube today.
"The Point." is a genre-blending trio from Austin, TX. who infuse their original music with very eclectic influences, ranging from Ethiopian Jazz, Saharan guitar music, Dub, Psych, Jam, Thai Morlam and the avant garde. The result is their very unique and infectious sound. Jack, Joe & Nico join Alex for a fun chat about how they came to be, their influences, mules and so much more... Socials: @the.point.music @musicmarrero Music by Alex Marrero. Follow "En Groove w/Alex Marrero" on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube today.
In this debut episode, Alex welcomes Austin drummer Robb Kidd. Robb has been performing and recording in the Austin scene for over 35 years. He is drummer and a founding member of Golden Dawn Arkestra. He currently plays with Mien, Marshall Hood, Alex Maas and many more. He has played with legendary projects like: Ging'bread Men, Papa Mali, 8 1/2 Souvenirs, Sister 7, David Garza, and countless others. Welcome Robb to En Groove... Socials: @kidddrum @musicmarrero Music by Alex Marrero. Follow "En Groove w/Alex Marrero" on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube today.
this is a test sneaky viewers ;)