Looking back, looking forward with ‘Latin Aura’s’ Tomas Algarin
For 13 years, Algarin hosted Atlanta’s only Latin jazz radio show until it was cancelled in 2006. We caught up with the former on-air personality to reflect on the program and see what he’s up to these days
- Photo courtesy of Tomas Algarin
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Longtime Atlanta radio listeners may recognize the name Tomas Algarin. For 13 years, Algarin hosted the show “Latin Aura” - which, as the name suggests, focused on Latin-flavored jazz music (including tropical “salsa,” Afro-Cuban and more) - for WCLK FM (91.9). While it aired, Latin Aura pumped out a percussion-fueled stream of great music and a ton of information (delivered in both English and Spanish) about the history of the artists who created the music.
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But in 2006, officials at the station decided to cancel the program; and in doing so, they ended the city’s only show dedicated to Latin jazz ... a show that, bottom line, I used to love. So, I decided to track down Algarin to reminisce about those good-ole “Latin Aura” days and find out what he’s up to these days.
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I really enjoyed listening to your show, “Latin Aura,” back in the day; it was educational and featured a lot of good music.
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Tomas: I felt the same way. For me, it was a sad day when they decided they wanted to do away with the program.
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When the show was on, did you receive a good response from the listening public?