The Band
Scott Brown and the Diplomats is an offshoot of a band formed in New Zealand and recently headed by former US Senator and former US Ambassador Scott Brown. The last event by the band was in Wellington, New Zealand in front of 15,000 fans at Beervanna at Sky Stadium. Playing together for almost 4 years, the band compiled an impressive list
of venues and paid appearances. Upon returning from duty in New Zealand, Brown sought out some of the most talented area musicians to reform the band into Scott Brown and the Diplomats.
"Scott Brown and the Diplomats is a talented, rockin' group that has played with some of New England's best talent and bands. They play throughout New England and have supported acts such as Skid Row, the Bullet Boys and The Dark Desert Eagles with a great selection of hits that people have grown up with and enjoy listening and dancing to. This project had a legendary start in New Zealand and has continued in stride back in the USA!" - (J.O.C production team2024)
Scott Brown - Lead Singer/background vocals/Guitar
Scott has had an interesting public service career. However, his real excitement is playing on stage with the likes of Cheap Trick – (6 times), Warrant, Firehouse – (2 times), Alice Cooper, Vanilla Fudge, Buck Dharma from Blue Oyster Cult, The Doug Flutie Band, The James Montgomery Band (numerous times), The Ayla Brown Band, One Bar Heater New Zealand, the Fabulous Pakeha’s and more.
Katie Estrella – vocals
As a piano major at Gordon College, Katie received classical training under the direction of Alina Polyakov and studied alto saxophone under the direction of Michael Huth. After graduating with a Bachelor of Music Education degree, she made her home in Rhode Island and now works full-time as a freelance singer, saxophone player, pianist, and private instructor.
Comfortable in a wide variety of settings, Katie has fronted popular rock and party bands as a lead singer, music directed over twenty productions, worked as an accompanist for schools, theaters, and cabarets, and been a long-time church worship leader in both contemporary and traditional styles.
Katie is particularly proud of fronting the band that won the Providence Journal Reader’s Choice in 2021 and 2022, and was honored to have the opportunity to perform as a pianist for Emeril Lagasse and as a vocalist for Gene Hackman.
Her favorite performances with the Diplomats include opening for Skid Row at Lynn Auditorium, performing for a sold out show of 2,000 people at Hampton Beach Ballroom Casino, and singing at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in 2024.
Katie currently performs with The Company Bees, a singing duo paying tribute to the music of the 1940s, and continues to accompany and music direct. She also works as a dueling pianist, and, at Christmas time, lends her voice to the Very Merry Dickens Carolers.
Katie makes her home in Riverside, RI, where she teaches private lessons in voice, piano, and saxophone.
Steven Lanning-Cafaro - Bass, vocals
As a multi-instrumentalist Steven has performed with acts ranging from Blues/R&B, Progressive Metal, Pop, And Spoken word. Primarily a student of bass and classical guitar, he branched out to studying piano, violin, and mandolin. Each of which he teaches from his studio in Rhode Island.
Although predominantly located in Southern New England, Steven has supported tours for Nervosa, Laurie Anderson, Jerry Marotta, Tim "Ripper" Owens, Let Us Prey, The Duende Project, Michael Abdow (Fate's Warning), Rithiya Henry Khiev (RHK) and others.
Along with live performances, Steven has provided studio bass work for multiple New England artists as well as composing for film soundtracks, receiving multiple awards festival nominations.
In 2023, Steven became a featured artist for the Xvive wireless company and performed at the NAMM convention in Anaheim, CA.
Karson Kayarian - Guitar, Vocals
Karson is a lifelong guitar player who started in small bar bands to get started in performing. Since then, he's continued to look for new and fulfilling ways to play.
Currently, he primarily plays for weddings and private events with a Boston based band, Groove Alliance.
PAUL DILLON- Drums
Paul got his drumming start in Boston’s original Rock scene in the 1980’s. He has been involved in the recording and production of several original music projects one of which landed an audition on TV’s Star Search. He later studied with legendary Jazz drummer Joe Morello and has been teaching Private lessons for the past 12 years. Recently Paul has been playing for Danny Klein’s J Geils tribute and the Dan Lawson Blues band opening for national acts, Blue Oyster Cult, Foghat, The Sweet and Vanilla Fudge. Paul is presently sharing the reins with drummer John Sestito playing 4 decades of classic rock music that he is most fond of with Scott Brown and the Diplomats.
Bruce Addison - Saxophone
Bruce played alto saxophone at an early age, after a decades long hiatus, picked up the horn again in 2016 and hasn’t looked back. With a passion for performing live, Bruce can been seen currently performing with The Meter Maids, Crab Shack Band, and The Yellow House Blues Band. Predominantly a tenor Saxophone player, Bruce also loves to pull out the Baritone, Alto and percussion instruments when appropriate. He and his wife, Sally, live in Portsmouth, NH.
Jon Hathaway - Guitar, Vocals
Jon cut his teeth in Alaska in the 80's playing six hours a night, seven days a week, and has been playing around New England for over 30 years with original and cover music. He's opened for Gregg Allman, Elvin Bishop, and Eddie Money. He was the guitarist for the popular Led Zeppelin tribute Custard Pie for a decade, as well as Big Picture, 5 Flavor Discount, and the Rockin' Soul Horns. He is also a popular guitar instructor versed in a wide range of musical styles.