Performer Bios

Fly Amero

Left-handed, upside-down guitarist/singer/journeyman Dennis "Fly" Amero finds his musical roots deep within the vast genres of the '60's pop revolution. As a young teenager, Fly performed on the hallowed stages of 1967's Newport Folk Festival with Buddy Guy & Jr. Wells and the notorious Jim Kweskin Jug Band, then featuring Maria and Geoff Muldaur.

Growing up, Amero honed his stage skills with his brother's local, hard-working '70's soul band, J.B. & Water. Later, he moved to New York City, joining in on musical projects with members of the pop/rock bands, Foreigner and Meatloaf.

In the early 1980's, Fly joined, toured and recorded with the famed group Orleans for the better part of 3 years before returning home to focus on his own writing. His remarkable versatility led to writing and co-producing Twisted Christmas, Atlantic's holiday comedy album classic -- certified gold in 1995.

Two "Twisted" sequels and a long-awaited solo album later, Fly Amero finds himself onstage as a dynamic solo and frontman performer, and offstage as a writer and record producer. Fly is currently touring as a member of Orleans and fronts the thrilling rock/blues act known as The Big Strum.

David Brown

Tasteful, seasoned and textured, master guitarist David Brown carries with him a significant piece of pop music history. Born in Gloucester, he aimed his career sights on New York City in the mid 70’s, and soon became one of mainstream pop’s most sought-after commodities. Starting with "52nd Street", David recorded a string of 13 platinum albums, touring the world over with legendary pop singer-songwriter Billy Joel.

In addition to his years of touring and recording with various icons such as Paul McCartney, Phoebe Snow, Dr. John, Peter, Paul & Mary, Julian Lennon, Graham Parker, Bob James, Garland Jefferies and others, David Brown has become equally well-known for his performance on the 1982 album (and video) Simon and Garfunkel - The Concert in Central Park. David was also instrumental in organizing the After the Storm - Volume 1 - Cape Ann Musicians for Katrina Relief project on which he, Fly and Allen all appear.

Allen Estes

Allen Estes is a songwriter, musician, educator and co-writer of the music for the upcoming world premiere of The Souls of the Sea Musical Play.

Allen's musical groups have included Madhouse, Steamboat Willie, The Estes Boys and Trinity Lane. His current group, The Allen Estes Band, records and performs regularly. His songs have been recorded by The Judds, Tammy Wynette and Tom Wopat. He has co-written with Wynette and Shania Twain and other Nashville notables and performed with Bonnie Raitt. A lecturer in song writing and performance at Berklee School of Music (Boston, MA), Estes has appeared on television, received many awards and resides in both Gloucester and Nashville.

Ayla Brown

Ayla Brown, a 19 year old Wrentham, MA native, was a Season Five American Idol Finalist. Brown finished 13th out of 150,000 contestants on the wildly popular television show. Since being eliminated, Brown has been performing throughout the New England area. One of Brown's most memorable moments came when she sang for an audience of over one million at the July 4th Concert along with Conductor Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Orchestra. Brown has also performed before 30,000 at the Tweeter Center at the Kiss 108 FM concert, the Big E Stages during their summer concert series, as well as performing and speaking at numerous other charitable events and venues.

Known as the hardest worker on the American Idol, Brown completed her first CD - Forward - which is available in stores and on-line everywhere. Due to her college obligations, she was forced to complete her CD in just six days and has received critical acclaim for her efforts. Her title song "Forward" is number 10 in the country and rising fast.

Though well known for her singing ability, Brown has a number of other interests. She played youth football for three years and was an all-star cross-country runner but her other love is basketball. A two-time Gatorade Player of the Year recipient in Massachusetts, Brown scored 2,358 career points, making her the sixth highest scorer in the Massachusetts.

Brown is currently a student-athlete at Boston College and was selected as an ALL-ACC Team selection last year. She is enrolled in the College of Arts & Sciences as a communications major.

Ayla is honored to be at Concert from the Heart.