Our Edge

Shawn has over 50 years of musical experience across a variety of genres, including classic rock. He began his musical journey at the age of six, taking lessons in drums, accordion, and trumpet. His interests quickly expanded to include guitar, bass, and mandolin. As he honed his skills, Shawn performed in numerous settings such as accordion bands, school bands, marching bands, stage bands, theatre, church, and rock bands, engaging audiences that ranged from fifty to thousands during live performances. After decades of playing, he had the opportunity to craft his own brand of high-end custom acoustic guitars and became the owner and luthier for Zoe Guitars. Following years of equipping other professional musicians, Shawn decided to step away from the workbench and return to the stage, creating a North San Diego cover band focused on delivering fun, upbeat, and quality music. Currently, he shares lead vocal duties and plays lead/rhythm guitar, and still hops on the drums from time to time.

Sally began piano lessons at age five and studied classical piano through her teenage years, building a strong musical foundation she has never left behind. About fifteen years ago, she transitioned to keyboard, expanding her sound beyond classical music and into a wide range of contemporary styles, including classic rock. Although she never pictured herself in a rock band, Sally quickly discovered a passion for the energy, creativity, and challenge of playing with a full band. Along the way, she also took on the challenge of learning harmonica, adding another expressive dimension to her live performances. She now brings both precision and feel to the stage, blending her classical background with modern rock performance as part of a North San Diego cover band, and she loves every minute of it.

Don brings more than 30 years of experience and a deep passion for live music to The Smokin' Ocotillos. He’s played with several local bands and performed at venues across San Diego County. Though he enjoys a wide range of genre - rock, blues, country, jazz, and metal - Don is especially drawn to the blues-infused rock of legends like Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, ZZ Top, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

His first rock concert was KISS at age 11, but it was the soulful blues-rock of Jimmy Page that ultimately inspired him to pick up the guitar a few years later. Don’s playing blends the gritty energy of ’70s and ’80s rock with a melodic, blues-driven style that fits perfectly with the music we create in the Smokin' Ocotillos.

Whether locking in a solid rhythm or breaking out a solo or two, Don brings passion, musicality, and decades of seasoned experience to every performance.

Sonny’s musical foundation began reluctantly with childhood piano lessons—a chore he would have gladly traded for skateboarding, but one he has since grown to cherish. Always an eclectic spirit, he bypassed the popular guitar in favor of the banjo before picking up the saxophone in junior high, where his natural aptitude saw him promoted from "beginning" to "advanced" band in a single week.

In high school, he was one of only three musicians selected from the Philippines to perform in a Honor Band youth orchestra. This momentum carried into his years with the Cal State Northridge marching band, where he played both saxophone to trombone, playfully dubbing himself a "Saxorbone" player.

Sonny’s versatility extends far beyond traditional brass and woodwinds; he has played the Irish whistle, harmonica, recorder, and he maintains a substantial collection of Australian Aboriginal didgeridoos. 

A couple years ago, Sonny was asked to play bass for a Hawaiian band. His only hurdle? He wasn't a bass player. After a bit of arm-twisting, he picked it up and was hooked! 

Now, he’s fully immersed in a passionate whirlwind, proving that sometimes the best instruments are the ones that find you.

David brings a lifetime of unique experiences and professional musicianship to The Smokin' Ocotillos.

At just 18 years old, David joined the world-famous Circus Vargas, beginning a career that would take him from music stages to movie sets and beyond. After graduating from the renowned Dick Grove School of Music, he moved to San Francisco, where he recorded and toured in support of the album Moth Macabre on Interscope Records. His work as a performer led to session opportunities with artists including Maria McKee and Third Eye Blind.

David's career then took an unexpected turn into the world of animal training. He worked as a professional tiger trainer for film, television, commercials, and live productions, contributing to projects such as Dr. Dolittle, Jack Frost, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and Animal Rescue Kids. Along the way, his first raccoon, Lucy, became a recognizable animal performer, appearing in commercials and television productions.

In Las Vegas, David combined his passions for music, craftsmanship, and animals. He taught at Red Rock Music School, worked with the Lion Habitat, performed in the Spellbinder Magic Show, and even hand-built custom drum hardware for the production. He later worked with magician Dirk Arthur and his famous tigers, including the unforgettable "Scary Larry."

After returning to San Diego, David opened the pioneering craft brewery Hillcrest Brewing Company before eventually returning his focus to music.

Today, David brings decades of performance experience, creativity, and rock-solid groove to The Smokin' Ocotillos, helping drive the band's powerful live sound.

“Sing4LIFE!” is Kim Royster’s mantra—and sing, she certainly has! From her early roots in folk and bluegrass to pop, rock, and musical theater as a young adult, and later to swing, jazz, and blues, Kim has built a remarkably diverse and accomplished musical career.

For 13 years, she performed with a highly acclaimed Andrews Sisters tribute group, appearing throughout San Diego County at venues and events including the San Diego Jazz Festival and corporate performances aboard the USS Midway. Kim is also featured on San Diego’s own, Backwater Blues Band’s 2008 live album, performing the blues classic, “It Hurt So Bad.”

In addition, Kim has been a featured vocalist at Campus JAX in Newport Beach, California, performing with Steven Michael Jazz and the Paul McDonald Big Band. An engaging and versatile performer, Kim has the rare ability to bring audiences to their feet or hold them spellbound with her powerful, soul-stirring vocals.

Kim has performed with several local cover-bands and is always seeking new opportunities to create and share music that speaks deeply to both her heart and the hearts of her listeners.