<strong>OKIE</strong> MAGAZINE www.okiemagazine.com Page 14
Point Loma Rocks Lawton by Amanda Herrera Everything about the Lawton-based rock band and that’s because it is. And though it would be a tad too long and complicated to explain how each of the band members are related, it’s evident after getting to know them—they are a family, an extremely talented one. Dunshee. He’s been a professional musician for more than 40 years and has groomed every other member of the band, teaching each of them the fundamentals of their instruments. Frank composes much of the band’s original rock/metal music and plays guitar and drums in rotation with the other much younger members. Those members are Tyler Neal, 19, on guitar and bass; James Hayes, 14, on drums, guitar, and bass; Donovan Bourgoin, 14, on guitar, drums, and bass; and, of course, the band wouldn’t be complete without the lead vocals of Donovan’s mother, Angela Farmer. Point Loma in its current lineup has been together playing shows in and around Lawton for the past four years, and has played more than 100 shows. Most see teenagers, so they must show up prepared—in more ways than one. commission, and has all the necessary paperwork and approvals to enter 21-and-up establishments as entertainment. However, to prove themselves as talented musicians who can hold their own on stage, they must put on a rocking show—and they do. Frank says, of all the musicians he’s played with throughout the years, the current lineup is the most talented, despite their young ages. He refers to them as prodigies, in fact. “Donovan won’t make one mistake at practice or when we play. He’s the most perfect player we’ve got.” Frank said. “James is such a natural on stage; he owns the stage. Tyler is the mad musician; he’s extremely creative. And Angela, I found out a long time ago to just let her go. She is an amazing singer and songwriter. This band is a very special, gifted band.” Angela, singer and mother, said while some might have on the guys at their tender ages, it’s actually great exposure to show the teens they don’t being in a serious band has done nothing but helped each and every one of the boys. “They are motivated,” she said. They study and share books and they practice on their own. They’ve all earned it.” Performing about two gigs each month and currently working on a new album, one that promises to be more hard and edgy, the young members of Point Loma say they mostly play in the band because of how music makes them feel, and that they thoroughly enjoy the positive feedback from audiences. “After I get done playing and everyone comes up to me and says ‘you did a good job,’ it makes me feel good,” Donovan said. “It’s fun because I like playing drums and guitar and it makes me feel good when people tell me that I’m raw,” James said. Frank and Angela share that passion for music with the younger members of the band, and say they make time to bond in other ways as well, such as participation in water sports and motorcycles. And, just as real parents and families must think about the future, when asked where they see themselves in now we’re showing them the ropes,” Angela said. For now, they all agree, they will continue being the unconventional rock band that’s more of a family than anything else. For more information on Point Loma, visit their page on Facebook. <strong>OKIE</strong> MAGAZINE www.okiemagazine.com Page 15