ABOUT | Meet R:Tyme
JOHN "THE HAWK" HAWKINS (Keys and Vocals)
"The Hawk" began his musical adventure playing with his 2 older brothers back in the late '60s. "The Chaparrals" were a fixture in the local San Diego band scene playing R&B dance music for the local high schools and colleges. Influenced by “James Brown”, “Sly and the Family Stone”, “Tower of Power”, “EW&F”, and “Stevie Wonder”, he has played with such bands as “Master Plan”, “Ecstasy”, “Mellow Express”, and “Seventh Wonder”. He has performed with acclaimed musicians Nathan East, Hollis Gentry, Carl Evans, Patrick Yandall, Nathan Brown, and Tony Lee. Currently, and for the past 25 years, he has performed with the well-known local San Diego dance band, Makai with founding member Benmar Felizardo. As a integral part of Makai, he has had the privilege of being the opening act for music greats such as “The Dazz Band”, “America”, and “Kool & The Gang”, to name a few. He begins a new music chapter as the founding member of the R: TYME band and believes he and the crew will bring a reopening of the many sounds and rhythms of the past and present with the skills and talent that R: TYME has to offer.
JESSIE ATALIG (Lead Vocals)
Jessie is an energetic and professional entertainer. He loves to laugh and have fun on stage....it's all about giving the audience a fun and entertaining experience. He has been involved with other talented musical groups in Southern California including "The First Choice" (a three man Vocal Group), Mellow Express, and Vintage. Now he is collaborating with R: TYME to set a new mark within the San Diego music scene.
NEEMA (Lead Vocals)
Neema (pronounced Nāy-emma), believes that music has the power to heal, uplift, inspire and touch people’s lives in a unique way. She discovered a love for music at a young age, due in part to her parents’ record collection which included soul, jazz, blues and gospel, but also through the radio which introduced her to rock, folk, and numerous other styles.
Neema began singing in church choir, then sang in her high school’s choir, and was a member of an acapella quartet which performed jazz classics. Neema sang with various bands as a lead and background vocalist when she moved to the San Francisco Bay Area. While obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, with a minor in music from UCSD, Neema participated in the gospel choir, led by Ken Anderson, and frequented local jazz jam sessions. She was also a member of “King Kelly,” a band led by Grammy winner Kamau Kenyatta and Damion Willis. Over the years, Neema has performed with various local bands, and has written and recorded original material, including an EP entitled “Unity.” She is excited to partner with R:Tyme to continue to share her gifts with the world.
HOMER AGUINALDO (Bass and Vocals)
Homer is an integral part of our rhythm section providing a steady funky soulful beat. Raised in a family rooted in music and musical instruments, he began piano lessons at age 6. He also played the violin in grade school. In his early teens, he fell in love with the percussive harmonies of the bass guitar. He actively played music in High school as a member of Sweetwater HS Stage Band in the late 70’s and played Old School Soul, R&B and Funk with the school’s spin-off band “Vintage”. He has also played with local San Diego bands “The Amazing Old School Band” (AOSB) and “DaMac”. Motivated by the scripture, “Sing to him a new song: play skillfully & shout for joy.” (Psalm 33:3) he has lent his vocal abilities to his church by singing bass and tenor with the worship team and choir, and also plays bass with the worship band and gospel band.
JACK TOFELOGO (Lead Guitar and Vocals)
Jack began playing music at the age of five playing the ukulele and singing as a soloist in church. He took lessons at age seven learning to play the piano and drums. In elementary school, he also played trumpet saxophone, baritone and trombone. He became a fully cross functional muscian in Jr. High School guitar, playing bass guitar and then the trumpet in High School and Jr. College. Jack studied music theory at San Diego State University. He was the co-founder of the the Royal Polynesians dance troupe and show band. In recent years, Jack played guitar and bass guitar with several local bands as well as bands out of the Los Angeles area. Jack debuted his first recording on guitar with the Marva Hines & Company gospel group in the early 80's. He is a great addition to the R:tyme band with his rhythmic guitar play.
ODIE DELA FUENTE (Drums)
Odie de la Fuente started playing drums professionally in 1986. Based in San Diego, California he has played in various Jazz, R&B, Funk, Blues and Rock bands. Notably, he's played with bassist James East, guitarist Jorge Camberos, singer Ken Turner (Patti Labelle), and singer Keni Yarbro to name a few.
Odie is a self taught drummer from a strong musical family. Outside of his family, he credits his influences as Vinnie Colaiuta, Phil Collins, Louie Bellson and Tony Thompson.
Odie's passion of drumming brought him to Sleishman Drums and Mothertone during 2014. He now plays a Sleishman Pro Series with both maple and brass snare drums.
DAVID DOANE (Sound, DJ and Emcee, Event Specialist)
Music & Entertainment can be one of the most important factors to the success of your event. The R:Tyme Band has the expertise for Sound and DJ services with the addition of DAVID DOANE.
Since 1981, David has provided professional, musical entertainment for various weddings, holiday parties, reunions, and many corporate events. He is actively involved before, during, and after your event as an integral part of the R:Tyme Band. This is why he stands by his Sound, DJ and Emcee reputation as an “Event Specialist”.