The Judges

Eric "The Doctor" Garcia

Eric Garcia is a native New Mexican and proud supporter of New Mexico music. His career in broadcasting began in 1983 at 89.1 FM KANW. During those days it was known as "Disco 89". He completed the KANW radio class during his sophomore year at St. Pius X High School. His desire to be on air was never diminished and Eric been a KANW volunteer for over twenty years. Eric was fortunate enough to work with fellow KANW DJ Mark Ipiotis and be involved with the first "Latin Music Festival" in the late 1980s.

Today, Eric "the Doctor" Garcia calls 89.1 KANW New Mexico Music home and is proud to play a genre of music which transcends generations of listeners and artists. With a face for radio, Eric works behind the scenes as co-producer of Music New Mexico Style on Albuquerque’s Community Cable Channel 27.

Eric was pleased to return as a judge for tonight’s Award ceremony and the Youth Competition. When asked why New Mexico music is important to him, Eric said, "New Mexico Music is important to me because of it's rich history and tradition. From reliving history of past generations through corridos, to celebrating births, baptisms, Quinceaneras, marriages and anniversaries with rancheras and cumbias, New Mexico Music defines and preserves these moments for generations to come".

Tomas Garcia

Tomas Garcia was born on April 13, 1977 to Richard and Esther Garcia in Santa Fe. The brown-haired, brown-eyed "Tomas No Mas" has been a radio announcer for fourteen years, and has been in radio since the age of seven. He grew up listening to his favorite radio personality, his dad, Richard Garcia. Tomas always said, "I want to be just like my dad, he’s the best. Hopefully someday, I might accomplish this dream. I understand I have a very long road ahead of me, but with the help of my family, I know I’ll be there someday."

Some of his favorites include: Corona with Tabasco and lime, will eat anything BUT sardines. His favorite movies are Braveheart, Casino and Scarface. Su musica favorite es Nuevo Mexicano y Mexicano. His favorite musical group is Grupo Innovacion. He loves listening to his father announcing on the radio.

Mathew P. Martinez

Mathew is a native of Las Vegas, New Mexico. He started his radio career in 1993 with San Miguel Broadcasting Company (KNMX-AM). He also had the privilege of working for Guardian Communications (KLVO-FM) in Albuquerque and Radio "Que Suave" (KSWV-AM) in Santa Fe. Mathew was inducted into the New Mexico Broadcaster’s Hall of Fame in 2004 for his ten years in broadcasting.

Mathew currently hosts the morning show, "La Tormenta Musical" Monday through Friday from 6 to 8 am on KNMX Radio in Las Vegas. In addition, he is the Marketing/Public Relations Director for Alta Vista Regional Hospital in Las Vegas. His involvement in the community includes serving as President of the Las Vegas Fiesta Council and a member of the Miss Las Vegas/San Miguel Scholarship Board of Directors.

Rosie Gomez

Rosie Gomez was born and raised in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Now, she resides in Dulce, New Mexico with her husband Sylvester. She is the proud mother of three children; Shana, Trista, and Garrett. Rosie and Sylvester have made their home in Dulce for twenty-five years. As a DJ for over twelve years at KCIE 90.5 FM – The Home of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, she has her own Spanish radio program every Wednesday from 8 to 11 am.

Rosie loves to get involved in the community doing volunteer work for the elderly and for the church. She also participates in many activities outside of Dulce, such as the Pagosa Springs Spanish Fiesta coordinating all of the entertainment; and the Red Ryder Rodeo Association judging royalty and rodeo events. Rosie is involved in the New Mexico Hispano Music Award show for the third year. She embraces the tradition of New Mexico music and helps to promote New Mexico entertainers. Rosie was recently quoted to say, "I am very proud to be involved with New Mexico music. Que siga viviendo nuestra musica Nuevo Mexicana!"

Jeanette "Foxy" Susana Garcia

Jeanette Garcia grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She has worked for the past two years as a Radio DJ for AM810 Radio Que Suave. Jeanette’s hobbies include dancing, swimming, listening to and recording music mixes. In her spare time, she likes to draw. When asked about the importance of working in radio broadcasting, she said, "To me, it’s a good way to recognize the importance of New Mexico music."

Jeanette’s future plans are to continue in the television, radio, or promotional broadcast field. You can listen to "Foxy’s" radio show on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11 am to 2 pm.