Alumni: Bobcats Who Rock

Texas State alumni are making a bang on the national stage

By Callie Gordon ’12

One of Texas State’s biggest points of pride is the diversity exhibited throughout our university. Our student body represents countries from around globe, and we have recently been recognized as a Hispanic Serving Institution.

Whether students come here to pursue success in the business and technology, to mold young minds as teachers, or to discover solutions to global problems, Texas State gives students the tools and knowledge they need to chase their biggest dreams. For some students, this dream involves taking center stage, performing for thousands, mic in hand. Here’s a list of alumni who have made it as professional musicians:

Happenings: Grupo Fantasma at Texas State

Grammy-winning Grupo Fantasma plays Texas State with four alums

Whether you’re a Latin music lover or just like moving to the music, Latin-funk orchestra Grupo Fantasma has you covered. On Saturday, March 31, the Grammy-winning ensemble — including four Texas State alumni  — will take their talents to Texas State for a special performance at 7:30 p.m. in the LBJ Student Center Ballroom.

Alumni: Grupo Fantasma Wins Grammy

Texas State grads win first Grammy with Grupo Fantasma

Gilbert Elorreaga, left, with band mates Jose Galeano and Mark "Speedy" Gonzales

By Billi London-Gray

LOS ANGELES—The Austin-based Latin funk orchestra Grupo Fantasma won its first Grammy yesterday. Texas State University alumni Josh Levy, Kino Esparza, Matthew “Sweet Lou” Holmes and Gilbert Elorreaga are  full-time members of the 10-piece ensemble.

Grupo’s 2010 album, El Existential, took home the prize for Best Latin Rock, Alternative or Urban Album of the Year. Their 2008 release, Sonidos Gold, was nominated for the same award.

Elorreaga, who plays trumpet for the band, attended the pre-telecast awards ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday. He was accompanied by timbales player Jose Galeano and and trombonist Mark “Speedy” Gonzales.

“Thank you for all the support,” read a statement on Grupo’s website after the award was announced. “It’s been a wild ride.”

Texas State grad Max Garza was also in Los Angeles for the awards. Garza is a member of the Austin-based Chicano band Tortilla Factory, whose 2010 album Cookin was nominated for Tejano Album of the Year. Tortilla Factory’s 2009 release, All That Jazz, was also nominated for a Grammy.

Read more about Texas State alumni in Grupo Fantasma on the Texas State Blog.

Alumni: Grupo Fantasma

Grupo Fantasma heads to Grammys with four talented Texas State alums

By Billi London-Gray

For ten years, the Austin-based Latin funk orchestra Grupo Fantasma has been turning heads and earning accolades. With the talents of four Texas State grads, the group has received its second Grammy nomination.

Grupo’s 2010 album, El Existential, is nominated for the Best Latin Rock, Alternative or Urban Album Grammy. Their 2008 release, Sonidos Gold, was nominated for the same award. Texas State alumni Josh Levy, Kino Esparza, Matthew “Sweet Lou” Holmes and Gilbert Elorreaga are all full-time members of the 10-piece ensemble.