Meet The Band
Our players are all seasoned professionals, working across a wide range of musical settings, genres, and traditions. Drawing on diverse musical heritage and extensive live performance experience, each member brings depth, versatility, and professionalism to the band. This breadth of background allows Masquerade to deliver consistently high-quality performances across venues, styles, and audiences nationwide.
Our Leading Lady
Kate Matthews As Karen Carpenter
Kate began her musical journey at school as a pianist, later developing her skills on the organ and performing regularly in churches for weddings, funerals, and memorial services, as well as at the crematorium. Her love of the instrument extended further through regular performances on the pipe organ with a dedicated pipe organ enthusiast group, giving her a strong foundation in musicianship, sensitivity, and musical expression.
Although music had always been central to her life, Kate did not discover her singing voice until later, beginning her vocal journey around the age of forty. She quickly found a natural affinity for performance, singing in care homes and at private functions, where her warm, expressive tone and emotional connection with audiences stood out. That distinctive voice often likened to the rich, timeless warmth of Karen Carpenter caught the attention of a group of musicans who formed Masquerade, who recognised her natural talent and welcomed her into the group and formed Masquerade.
Now working professionally from the southern region on both local and national projects, Kate brings depth, authenticity, and heartfelt musicality to every performance. While she continues to enjoy a variety of professional work, Masquerade remains her true musical passion and creative home.
Rob Norman As Richard Carpenter
Rob comes from a strong teaching background, bringing a deep understanding of music, performance, and professionalism to every project he undertakes. Now working full-time as a performer, he tours nationally with a wide range of high-profile, nationally acclaimed tribute acts, appearing regularly in theatres and clubs across the UK.
Primarily a keyboard player, Rob is highly skilled across piano, electric keys, and synthesised textures, faithfully recreating the layered, detailed arrangements that are central to the Carpenters’ sound.
He is also a professional vocalist and bass guitarist, making him a highly versatile and in-demand musician. His strong vocal ability allows him to support harmonies with precision and musical sensitivity, adding depth and balance to the overall vocal blend.
In addition to his performance skills, Rob is an experienced musical arranger, with a keen ear for structure, balance, and authenticity. His arranging work plays a key role in shaping Masquerade’s sound, ensuring that each song remains true to the original recordings while translating effectively to a live band setting. Alongside his extensive national work with musical, trubute and theatre work, Rob is a core member of Masquerade, where his musicianship, adaptability, and attention to detail underpin the consistently high quality of the show.
Jonathan Walters - Guitar
Jonathan is an accomplished guitarist and skillful vocalist with many years of professional playing and teaching experience. Coming from a strong teaching background, he works extensively with children and young musicians across the county, combining technical expertise with patience, clarity, and a deep understanding of musical development.
Alongside his educational work, Jonathan is an active and versatile performer, regularly appearing in a wide range of tribute and theatre productions as well as jazz ensembles. In addition to his guitar work, he is an exceptionally capable vocalist, bringing strong musicianship, blend, and vocal control to both ensemble and featured vocal roles.
As part of Masquerade, Jonathan contributes depth, versatility, and professionalism, supporting the band with expressive guitar playing and confident vocals that enhance the overall sound and live performance.
Paul Fonzarelli - Bass guitar
Paul brings a lifetime of musicianship to Masquerade, rooted in a strong brass band heritage. Taught guitar from the age of seven and performing on stage by eleven, Paul developed early through school bands and Championship Section contesting brass bands at a high level, building a strong foundation in musicianship and ensemble performance.
By the age of fifteen, he expanded into bass guitar, performing with choirs, theatre productions, and a wide range of local bands, developing versatility across genres and live settings. His career has since grown to include work with several nationally recognised leading tribute bands, performing on stages across the UK.
A founding member of Masquerade, Paul remains a core part of the band’s sound and professionalism. Based in the Midlands, he works nationally and continues to bring experience, reliability, and musical depth to every performance.
Sally Rivers - Backing vocals
Sally is an acclaimed vocal coach, experienced session singer, and all-round accomplished musician, bringing both technical excellence and emotional depth to every performance. With a background spanning professional studio work, live performance, and vocal education, she is widely respected for her musicianship, vocal control, and musical sensitivity.
Alongside her professional credentials, what truly drives Sally’s work with Masquerade is the emotional connection music creates. She is deeply passionate about how the Carpenters’ songs resonate with audiences, often hearing first-hand how a particular song holds special meaning or memories for someone listening. That connection is at the heart of every performance not simply singing to an audience, but sharing something meaningful with them through these beautifully crafted words and melodies.
As a member of Masquerade, Sally brings warmth, authenticity, and expressive vocal quality to the band, as well as a pedegree of vocal capability that is second to none, helping to create performances that are not only musically faithful, but genuinely moving. Her combination of professionalism and heartfelt connection makes her an integral part of the Masquerade experience.
Becky Gosling - Backing vocals
Becky began singing at school and has worked as a full-time professional vocalist for over 10 years. During the week, she performs regularly in care homes and retirement villages, as well as at private parties and events.
Alongside this, Becky performs with her dad as part of an acoustic guitar-and-vocal duo for weddings and private bookings. She is also the co-creator of the theatre duo 'The Magic of the Musicals' which tours locally, and has recently launched a new 80's anthems touring duo, 'Hairbrush Hits'
Having grown up adoring the music of The Carpenters, Becky is delighted to be a backing vocalist to Kate Matthews in 'Masquerade'.
Ron Mcintosh - Drums
James Norman - Keys
Jenny Mawdsley - Reeds