Sul Ross student attends Tejano Music Awards

ALPINE Sul Ross State University had the only representative from the West Texas area at the 28th annual Tejano Awards on March 6 in San Antonio.

Dominic Leal, of Dallas, a junior political science major attended the prestigious event on behalf of Sul Ross campus radio, KSRU.

Winners at this year's awards included: Elida Reyna for Song of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year; Jay Perez for Male Vocalist of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, and Show Band of the Year; Ruben Ramos and the Mexican Revolution for Album of the Year-Tejano; and Tex Mex Kadillakz for Most Promising Band.

Leal was allowed to go backstage with the artists and award winners, as well as other media personnel.

Keith West, assistant professor in communication and theatre, was able to obtain media passes and the necessities for Leal's trip.

"This was my first time for the Tejano awards so I didn't know a lot of artists, but I do now," Leal said. "I know
what's out there now."

Leal got to rub shoulders with Tejano Music legends Sunny Sauceda, Ruben Ramos, Little Joe, and a host of other superstars in the Tejano music world.

He also met another one of his favorite artists, Elida Reyna.

Along with Tejano Legends, Leal met new up-and-coming artists who included Tex Mex Kadillakz, Da Krazy Pimpz, and Megan Leyva.

At first Leal said he was nervous, but soon became comfortable when he saw how friendly the artists were.

"I got to see how artists reacted to media," Leal said. "I didn't get any rejections for interviews. I was impressed at how they acted toward the media."

Leal works as a DJ on KSRU and is also the studio supervisor and primary production person. His shows are primarily Spanish, with a mix of R&B and Hip-Hop.

"I do radio shows, but I like to go out and represent Sul Ross," he said.

This was Leal's first visit to the Tejano Music Awards, but not his first time at an award show. Last year he represented Sul Ross at the Latin Hip-Hop Awards, and it was a big success for the campus radio sta-tion.

"In addition to being a great on-air DJ, he has a natural sense for what people want to know about artists," West said. "He was the natural choice to send."

Leal said he would love to represent Sul Ross at other awards shows; possibly a BET (Black Entertainment Television) award show, a Hip-Hop, or an R&B award show.

His ultimate goal is to cover the Latin Grammys.

"That would be a dream," Leal said.

Leal is putting together an extensive résumé of award shows including his recent tenure in San Antonio.

He hopes to attend the Tejano Convention in his hometown of Dallas in August.

West supported the idea of Leal attending the Tejano Awards for experience, and for what he could bring back to KSRU.

For a complete list of the winners visit www.tejanomusicwards.com, for Leal's photos and an exclusive video of his trip visit www.myspace.com/dlealksru.