About the band…
Smokepoint is a band based of out of Lakeland, FL. that performs a range of classic rock, modern rock, classic club dance music and songs by current Billboard artists.
If you enjoy Live Music, and find yourself singing along or dancing when you hear songs like ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’, ‘Don’t Stop Believin’, and ‘You Shook me all Night Long’, please join Smokepoint at an upcoming show for a great evening.
In addition to performing at Live Music Venues in the greater Tampa Bay area, Smokepoint has also performed at community fundraising events, including for Veterans, Church Community Carnival, Toys for Tots, and the SPCA Florida.
Smokepoint has performed at a range of Venues including Gasper’s Grotto in YBOR City, The Green Iguana in Tampa, O’Briens in Brandon, Red Star Rock Bar in Seminole Heights, YBOR House of Live Music in Lakeland, 3 Daughters Brewing in St. Petersburg, FIRE in Winter Haven, and private events.
The band’s front man, John Hessler, is from Pennsylvania. John has been performing since he was a teenager. He has been part of the music scene in a number of metropolitan areas over his career including Allentown, PA, Philadelphia, New Jersey and central Florida. John has been in central Florida for over 12 years.
John’s experience delivering a high energy stage performance and ability to hit those 80s notes many singers only dream about has been a great asset for Smokepoint. His musical influences include Steve Perry, Freddie Mercury, and Robert Plant. In addition to being the lead vocalist and creating the melodies for Smokepoint’s original songs, John also brings additional percussion and harmonica to the band’s live performances.
Joe Cooper is the band’s lead guitarist. He holds a Ph.D and owns a research and analytics firm based in Lakeland, FL. Joe is a native of the Boston area and played in rock bands during his High School and College days. His first live performance on stage was at the Marshfield High School talent show in which his band performed a tribute to the Who.
Joe writes lyrics and arrangements for Smokepoint’s original songs and his story telling style of writing is expressed in Smokepoint’s original songs, Escape from Braddock Forest, Random Rising, and Slowing the Wake. The music video for Random Rising was filmed during ZombieFest which was held in Munn Park in Downtown Lakeland.
Joe’s guitar influences include Tony Iommi, Ritchie Blackmore, and Neal Schon. Joe has been in central Florida for over 10 years.
From the time he bought his first record at the age of 8, Jamie “Dr Boom” Riekens knew what he wanted to be when he grew up. You could say that KISS drummer Peter Criss was his very first influence. The pictures of the Catman playing the drums in front of screaming fans combined with that killer Kiss sound was all it took.
After years of private lessons, and playing in the school concert, pep, show choir, jazz, and marching bands, he attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Jamie answered an ad for a band looking for a drummer. He joined Menfolk, and together they played all over New England.
After Berklee College he moved back home to Minneapolis and started to get some great gigs and was doing lots of subbing work with many bands in the Twin Cities. The cold, long winters eventually took their toll and it was time to drum in a warmer climate.
In 1997 he relocated to Florida along with his band mates from Blue Oasis. Blue Oasis changed their name to Rocks and The Revelators when they released their debut CD Direct Hit in 2000.
In 2004, and now with the stage name Dr Boom, he and his family moved to Louisville, KY. There he quickly hooked up with the premiere blues band of Louisville, Lamont Gillispie & 100 Proof.
In 2017, Dr. Boom moved back to where the weather suits his clothes, Zephyrhills, FL. Joe Cooper found Dr. Boom on bandmix.com and they decided he was a great fit for Smokepoint.
Thom Thompson (Bahama Tom) In 1972 Thom was drawn to what moved the Universe – Music. So, he decided to become a part of that as a musician. The path was paved with many bands and fine artists along the way. The year 2005 brought him and his family to Florida, ultimately, to meet Steve in 2011 and John in 2013.
In 2018, he was invited to audition as Bass Player for Smokepoint. Two weeks later, he was on stage playing a job with Smokepoint and It’s been a blast ever since. He firmly believes that things happen for a reason. Thom has great onstage presence and enjoys interacting with the audience.
Steve Hessler is a native of Reading, PA. Steve’s Aunt was a classical pianist and sparked an interest in Steve in learning to play the piano at an early age. He began performing at venues at the age of 13. Some of Steve’s important musical Influences include Jon Lord and Scott Joplin. In Addition to playing keyboard with Smokepoint and adding rich harmonies, he has a successful business in sound and lighting for private and commercial events.