He then went on to create a band to help him carry out his music, and this is how ESPINA was born. ESPINA started in Brownsville, Texas and they played in local venues. Since the band members were very young and still attending high school it started to become a challenge for them to perform and they eventually broke up. Ivan’s dream of having his own band started falling apart in front of his own eyes. He then started playing with other local bands but they were cover bands and wouldn’t play original music. After five years of playing with other bands and composing his own music, Ivan decided to resurrect ESPINA. It was then that he found four perfect band members that complemented his style and helped deliver his music to the public.

The first member he found is Milton Reyes from Brownsville, Texas. Milton was a past member of ESPINA and a close friend in whom Ivan found new inspiration and music. Milton then referred two fellow co-workers who where Leo Perales and Luis Sandoval. Leo Perales is the youngest of the group and is from Harlingen, Texas. He lived in Idaho for eight years where he used to play drums in his fathers “norteño” band and when he moved to Brownsville he would play with local cover bands.  Luis Sandoval also from Brownsville, Texas had a passion for playing the guitar and was invited to join the band because of his talent. The final member to complete ESPINA is Alex Monteyo who is originally from Galveston, Texas. Alex moved to Brownsville and played drums in a church band where Ivan found and completed what is now ESPINA. Starting with Ivan-Vocals, Milton- lead guitar, Leo- bass guitar, Luis- rhythm guitar, and Alex- drums, ESPINA is the new Latin/Rock movement that will change music forever.

Starting in 2007, ESPINA has become a very well known local band in Brownsville, Texas and even across the border in Matamoros, Tamaulipas. The have played in many venues in Brownsville and are invited almost every weekend to perform. In Matamoros, they have been invited to open concerts for A-list bands such as Enanitos Verdes and have been invited as guests in radio shows such as EXA. ESPINA has also played in large events such as SPI fest in 2007 where bands from every genre get together and form a huge music festival. They also played at the Charity Rock for "Monica's House" which took place at the University of Texas at Brownsville, and have won the local battle of the bands contest. Recently ESPINA was invited to participate in SPI fest 2008 and will be playing side by side with A-list artists such as Jumbo and Jaguares. Not only have they been growing locally but they have been gaining recognition in South Texas. They have upcoming performances in Austin, San Antonio, and Houston throughout the next months.

There is no doubt that ESPINA is taking the right path to stardom. One boy’s dream of having a band is becoming a reality and his dream of sharing his thoughts through music will forever bring inspiration to others.
by Lizeth Cherry