Mirissa Neff

Reporter

Mirissa Neff is a New York-based broadcast journalist and producer. As a correspondent for PBS's "SOUND TRACKS: Music Without Borders" and its online spinoff "Quick Hits," she tells stories about our world through the music we love.

Mirissa Neff is a New York-based broadcast journalist and producer. As a correspondent for PBS's "SOUND TRACKS: Music Without Borders" and its online spinoff "Quick Hits," she tells stories about our world through the music we love.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band

What happened when an iconic New Orleans jazz band traveled to Cuba

While touring Cuba with a New Orleans jazz band, musical connections are made amidst dancing in the streets of Havana.

What happened when an iconic New Orleans jazz band traveled to Cuba
The "Cuban Five," a group of five intelligence officers recently returned to Cuba in an exchange with the United States, celebrate on stage with musical artist Silvio Rodriguez.

The 'Cuban Five' make an unexpected, joyous homecoming in Havana

The 'Cuban Five' make an unexpected, joyous homecoming in Havana
Breakdancers liven the set at the Onyeabor tribute concert.

A tribute concert in Brooklyn honors a living, but reclusive, Nigerian funk master

A tribute concert in Brooklyn honors a living, but reclusive, Nigerian funk master
James Vincent McMorrow

James McMorrow's haunting rendition of a classic 1980s pop tune changed his life

James McMorrow's haunting rendition of a classic 1980s pop tune changed his life
Arcade Fire and Symbi Roots

Carnival celebrations are underway in Haiti, with a surprise band from Canada

Carnival celebrations are underway in Haiti, with a surprise band from Canada
Fidan Hajiyeva

This 18-year-old singer found her mentor in Azerbaijan and ended up on stage in London

For the past four years, the World Routes Academy has flown young British musicians all over the globe to mentor with masters of traditional music. 18-year-old singer Fidan Hajiyeva was a perfect candidate for the Academy.

This 18-year-old singer found her mentor in Azerbaijan and ended up on stage in London
IAM

French Hip-Hop Supergroup IAM has a New York City Homecoming

IAM has been around for 25 years and sold millions of records. They're identified with their hometown of Marseille, but what's less known is that the inspiration to start the group began in New York City.

French Hip-Hop Supergroup IAM has a New York City Homecoming

A Musical Caravan for Peace Heralds a New Beginning for Mali

A diverse group of Malian musicians hit the road to shed light on the positive advances that are being made after their country nearly collapsed earlier this year.

A Musical Caravan for Peace Heralds a New Beginning for Mali
The World

Summer in the Global Village: What Does 'Latin Alternative' Mean in 2013?

Reporter Mirissa Neff went to the 2013 Latin Alternative Music Conference, to ask four bands what the term "Latin Alternative" means to them.

Summer in the Global Village: What Does 'Latin Alternative' Mean in 2013?

'Life Happens' for Ethiopian-Israeli Singer Ester Rada

Reporter Mirissa Neff introduces us to Ethiopian-Israeli singer Ester Rada. Rada's latest release is an EP called "Life Happens."

'Life Happens' for Ethiopian-Israeli Singer Ester Rada

Brazilian Rapper Criolo, Bard of the Favelas

São Paulo-based rapper Kleber Gomes is known throughout Brazil simply as Criolo. He started from humble beginnings, but these days he's making hip-hop that's reaching a whole generation of young Brazilians.

Brazilian Rapper Criolo, Bard of the Favelas

Creating Caribbean Music in London: Anthony Joseph and the Spasm Band

Musician Anthony Joseph grew up on the Caribbean island of Trinidad, where he began writing poetry at the age of 10. But it was only after moving to London at the age of 22 that he started setting his words to music.

Creating Caribbean Music in London: Anthony Joseph and the Spasm Band

Hiatus Kaiyote: Future Soul from Melbourne

The landscapes of the central Australian region and the culture of the Aboriginal people who live there have inspired a new sound.

Hiatus Kaiyote: Future Soul from Melbourne

South African Punk Band National Wake

A documentary tells the story of National Wake, a South African punk band that challenged the country's apartheid divisions in the 1970's. Unfortunately, the group didn't last very long, as reporter Mirissa Neff tells us.

South African Punk Band National Wake

The Enduring Popularity of Havana's Coppelia Ice Cream Park

The legendary Coppelia park in Havana, Cuba is an outdoor ice cream parlor where very affordable, government subsidized scoops are dished out.

The Enduring Popularity of Havana's Coppelia Ice Cream Park