Alumnus and His Band Win Grammy

UNT and One O'Clock Lab Band alum Mark V. Gonzales ('96) took home a Grammy this year with his band Grupo Fantasma in the "Best Latin Rock, Alternative or Urban Album" category. The 10-piece original Latin band, based in Austin and known for its energetic live shows, won for its self-produced album El Existential (Nat Geo Music).

As a UNT student, Gonzales — nicknamed "Speedy" — played trombone with other music students in the popular soul/funk band Mingo Fishtrap and moved to Austin with the group in 1999. He joined Grupo Fantasma in 2008.

Gonzales, who earned his degree in music education, also is known for his horn arranging abilities. He has played and worked with artists such as Erykah Badu, Bonnie Raitt, Justin Timberlake, Kris Kristofferson, Spoon, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Stephen Bruton, The Neville Brothers, Ozomatli, Frankie Valli, The Scabs and Bob Schneider, among others.

Gonzales was one of the Grupo Fantasma members who attended the Grammy ceremony. Watch a video of their acceptance speech and a video of Gonzales performing.>>