In Person Our Vocalists
Lyla D’Souza (Vocals)
After leaving university, I embarked on a career in public relations, joining a prominent PR firm in Australia. My initial goal was to break into the advertising and marketing industry, and I believed that starting in PR would be a strategic move. However, my path took an unexpected turn after a life-changing U2 concert in Sydney. The energy and magic of that performance inspired a newfound ambition to pursue music, even though I never saw myself as the next Bono!
Soon after, fate led me to audition for a girl group, where I secured a spot and cherished the experience and lasting friendships. This marked the beginning of my musical journey. Joining a local function band in Sydney solidified my belief that music could be more than a hobby. A working holiday in the UK further validated this dream, as I found work as a singer and eventually decided to make the UK my new home.
I've pursued a professional music career full-time since 2006, spanning various genres from function gigs to weddings and session work. Although my dream of lounging on an Australian beach while writing hit songs didn't quite materialise. I've thrived in the UK music scene, fortunate to sustain myself solely through my passion for singing.
Emma Fraser (Vocals/Sax)
Emma is a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist who has performed in various productions across the UK and London's West End.
With a Music degree and a postgraduate diploma in Musical Theatre performance, Emma is no stranger to the stage and enjoys performing a variety of music styles.
Emma also works as Musical Director/Supervisor for Theatrical events and productions and has enjoyed working on projects both internationally and in the UK.
She frequently sings and plays Sax with the St Albans Jazz Ensemble and since joining Uptown Funk earlier this year has relished the opportunity to sing some 70s/Funk classics.
Marianna Bei (Vocals)
Marianna is a professional singer born in Rome, Italy, who moved to the UK to follow her dream of singing.
She worked for a few years as resident band singer for Warner Leisure Hotels, Bourne Leisure. This allowed her to be a warm up act for many celebrities including Brian Conley, Jane McDonald, Russell Watson and many more!
Working for different function bands throughout the years and performing at parties, weddings and corporate events has given her a thorough background in the various styles of singing required for today’s lead vocalist. While building a large repertoire of songs from the early 60s up to the more current music in her free time Marianna likes to spend time with her family and friends, to play tennis and train in the gym.
As well as a regular Uptown Funkster she is part of a Girl Tribute Band called the 'Dolls-a Girlband Experience' and about to embark on a European Tour with an amazing show called 'ABBA-The Concert Show' in which she will play the role of Agnetha. Thank you for for the Music Marianne,
In Person Your Band
Keith Thomas (Drums/Vocals) MD
Keith began his journey in 70’s Birmingham when he ‘fell’ into drumming depping for local legend Gary ‘Chopper’ Stevens backing cabaret acts at a his Social club. Fame briefly knocked with 'Safari' in 1980, touring the UK, Spain, and Germany, but no one was home!
In the 1990s, after University, he added magic to his drumming by disappearing into obscurity playing summer seasons in Cornwall - But his passion never waned!
In the 2000s, Keith immersed himself in Rock, Funk, Jazz and Swing Big Bands. In 2016, he formed 'Uptown Funk’
‘Keith is a groove master. From 'Safari' in the '80s to leading 'Uptown Funk UK' today, his beats inspire and unite, solidifying his Jazz-Funk legacy‘ - Gary ‘Chopper’ Stevens
Matt Cox (Keyboard/Piano)
Matt always wanted to grow up and be a musician and is still hoping to do both one day. He studied classical piano as a teenager, played in various small groups at weddings and functions around Norfolk, and then discovered jazz in his twenties and turned to the dark side.
He’s played the Beatles songbook in a Chinese night club, performed on stage with a French accordion group and given weekly music lessons to a group of Japanese octogenarians.
He now plays in various bands around Hertfordshire, from a small trio through to a 25 piece big band, and sometimes still takes his 1977 disco trousers out for a spin.
Steve Robinson (Bass)
"None of us wanted to be the bass player. In our minds he was the fat guy who always played at the back." Paul McCartney.
How very dare he!
Steve grew up in Essex, home to white socks, Ford capris and jazz funk. Seeing the Club Tropicana Wham video on TOTP, inspired him to play bass. His Ford capri is long gone, but the bass survived.
After a long stint putting the groove into popular party band Planet Funk, he met Keith who promised him fame, fortune and a hair transplant. Steve has shared the stage with artists such as Katrina (no waves available) and Tony Hadley (Spandau).
He once supported The Wurzels, so he has definitely suffered for his art, and now its your turn!
The last quote should go to George Clinton: "Funk is its own reward!".
Guy Jackson (Guitar/Vocals)
Forming his first band, HMS Titanic (they always went down well) whilst still at school, Guy has enthusiastically explored the dustier paths of the music world since then, including touring as support to Siouxsie and the Banshees, producing music for BBC Radio comedies, appearing on Coronation Street as a Mariachi musician, doing sound design for fresh-breath dog biscuit adverts and being Kenneth Branagh's lead guitarist (for 45 minutes). His career highlight, however, remains suffering concussion after being hit with a beer can whilst performing to 2500 punks in an indoor car park. At his age he's just happy still to be here.