Click Here to Contact Randy Filliger                                 

After many years of playing in rock and roll bands, Randy had decided to look for a more acoustic based music to play.  Through a series of jams at a friend's house on Thursday nights, Randy met Warren Cleary and Denice. They had been in a Bluegrass band together with Denice's brother JR. As time went on, Randy became a complete convert to Bluegrass, and formed American Flyer with Denice and JR., with Warren joining later. They added Gordy Maness on banjo and began playing nursing homes in the area.  As time went on and personnel changed, American Flyer began to perform in other venues, like Bluegrass Festivals and fairs around New England. Denice and Randy were married in 2002, and continue to enjoy performing together whenever the opportunity comes along. The band has released 3 CDs - the latest one, "My Grandmother's Table" containing all originals songs.

                 Denice on stage at the age of 3 with Mom, Dad and brother JR.

Click Here to contact Denice Filliger

     Denice grew up around music and Bluegrass bands. With her Mom and Dad active in several bands, she and her brother were taught to sing and harmonize at an early age. The family regularly enjoyed Saturday night jams with the McGee family (of White Mountain Bluegrass), Tiny Martin, Howie Dearborn, Joe Pomerleau and other Bluegrass notables, along with their families.  Denice and her brother JR had formed Truegrass Express in 1998, which performed around the area, and released an eponymous CD. Since meeting Randy in 2000, and subsequently forming American Flyer, Denice has performed all over New England, and enjoys the camaraderie of the Bluegrass community in general, and the close relationship of her bandmates.

                      A young Kevin onstage with Joe Val

Click Here to Contact Kevin O'Connor

   Kevin's love of the banjo started at an early age. Through Ross Whittier, Kevin met Don Stover, legendary New England Banjo master, who taught Kevin his banjo style.  He also brought Kevin along on gigs, were he shared the stage with the likes of Joe Val and JD Crowe. As Kevin grew older, his musical focus shifted to rock, and he spent many years playing lead guitar for bands like Flightline. Just as he was looking for a change in musical direction, he was convinced by Randy and Denice to pull his old banjo out from under his bed, and he hasn't looked back since. Kevin plays a custom made Jimmy Cox banjo, and his driving banjo is a main ingredient in American Flyer.  The sound of Don Stover lives on in Kevin's playing.

  
                                               Rick at the Depot Benefit  

Click Here to contact Rick Horton

    Rick has been playing bluegrass, old time and roots music with various bands and friends for the past 10 years. Influences include The Byrds, Norman Blake and Bill Monroe. He has appeared at The Pressroom, Portsmouth Farmers Market, Tall Ship Reception and The Blue Mermaid in Portsmouth as well as numerous venues through out New England. He has also played on street corners for nickels and dimes. He joined American Flyer in May of 2004, adding his mandolin and vocal abilities to the band's mix of styles.

Russ Clark has been playing bass for many years.  Although new to Bluegrass, Russ shares a similar backround - he played in several bands with Randy for many years, and was the host of the Thursday night jams that were the beginning of American Flyer. His switch from electric to stand up bass has been a smooth transition, and Russ is happy to be playing with old and new friends.