Allen David

Allen began playing keyboards at the age of 5 when he received a small keyboard as a novelty Christmas gift from his mother.  Prior to that, Allen had never expressed any interest in music and had never asked for any type of instrument as a gift; but, as luck or fate would have it, he took to the keyboard right away and began learning songs by ear.  He started taking group organ lessons at a local music store a short time later, then moved to private lessons from a highly recommended jazz organist.  
 
Allen worked at several music stores as a teenager, demonstrating the organs to customers and appearing in a local TV commercial.  He began playing in his first band at 16, exchanging the organ for the piano/synthesizer combination he still uses today.  He has since developed his playing style to incorporate jazz, R&B, and classic rock, citing influences from popular keyboard artists such as Billy Joel and Elton John, along with big vocal groups of the '80s including Journey, Styx, REO Speedwagon, and Boston. 
 
Throughout his musical career, Allen has had the opportunity to play with some of the finest bands in the Detroit area.  During that time, he had the opportunity to play at events all across the US, including the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, the deck of the USS Midway in San Diego Harbor, Washington DC, Key Largo, Seattle, and Navy Pier in Chicago.  He has had the pleasure of working with members of the Billy Joel Band and The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and has opened up for various acts including The Doobie Brothers, Loverboy, Eddie Money, Michael McDonald, Stephanie Bentley, Wade Hayes, Brian White, Jack Wagner, George Jones, Diamond Rio, Billy Preston, Everclear, and The Blue Man Group.  He has appeared on the Mitch Albom Show as well as on other various TV and radio broadcasts.
 
Allen formed The Phoenix Theory in November of 2012 and continues to be the band's leader and musical director.  He constantly looks forward to bringing his high energy and passionate performances to the TPT stage along with his fellow bandmates!