The Karpenters - UK'S no1. Carpenters Tribute Band

Laurie Briggs

Vocals

Laurie has been performing since her teens. Having studied at the Yorkshire College of Music and Drama. Laurie founded the Karpenters back in 2003, establishing the show as one of the most authentic and world renowned musical tributes to the much admired 70’s iconic duo’s The Carpenters. The Karpenters Band are very proud to have recently won a National Entertainment Award for best Regional Musical Tribute. Laurie has performed as a solo artist all over the UK, fronting several well known bands. Busy on the Jazz Scene, having recently performed at the Big City Jazz Festival supporting Claire Martin. Laurie appears regularly performing Carpenters songs live on BBC Radio. Laurie travels worldwide with the show and this year alone has taken her to Dubai, Singapore, Samoa, Sydney , Auckland , Honolulu and the Azores. Laurie is delighted to have been asked to perform in China again, bringing with her some new songs as well as the classics - on her previous visit she was amazed at the enthusiasm and appreciation of the Carpenters music – she is very much looking forward to the tour.

Barry Robinson

Musical Director/Piano

Barry is an honours graduate of the Grove School of Music, Los Angeles, majoring in Composition, Arranging and Conducting. On returning from the States he took the role of Musical Director/Arranger at the prestigious Sporting Club in Monte Carlo, working alongside such stars as Whitney Houston, Natalie Cole, Kool & The Gang and the great Sammy Davis Jnr. Following his time in Monte Carlo Barry has toured extensively with various groups, including The Temptations, Three Degrees, Supremes, Odyssey and Rose Royce and has also worked with Michael Ball, Lesley Garratt, Kevin Spacey, Cliff Richard, Kiki Dee, Madeline Bell, Paul O’Grady, Des O’Connor, Bradley Walsh, and Tony Hadley. His many television credits include the Prince's Trust Concert, Variety Club Awards, Indie Awards, Olivier Awards, Children in Need, Good Food Awards, The 5’Oclock Show and The Big Stage. He composed and arranged the theme music for the Midas Touch for Carlton Television.

Alec Hewes

BASS GUITAR

Alec recently graduated from Leeds College of Music where he studied a degree in Jazz, and he is now in high demand as a bass guitarist and double bass player. He is a member of the acclaimed 12 piece band, Nubiyan Twist, who play a fusion of afrobeat, hip hop and soul. Alongside other acts such as up and coming jazz singer, AJ Brown, he performs regularly across the UK and Europe. Alec has performed with the Karpenters band for the past 3 years and is the youngest of the band he is very much looking forward to touring China.

Brian Acton

GUITAR

Brian is a guitarist, singer and composer who was born in Belfast, Ireland, and who has been living in England since 2002. In Ireland he released a number of CDs with his band Watercress and travelled the world performing at major venues and festivals. Since his move to England he has been invited to tour with the ‘Ladies of Country’ tour and the ‘Patsy Cline Show’. With his quartet, he has performed at the Birmingham and Manchester jazz festivals amongst others. Although he is a guitarist first, he has also toured with the United Kingdom Ukulele Orchestra and even performed as an actor for Theatre Iolo. Currently he finds great joy in arranging and performing with his vintage jazz band the Black Sheikhs.

Atholl Ransome

SAXOPHONE

As a composer and performer specialising in Saxophone, Flute and horn section work, Atholl is highly skilled and versatile and has over 20 years experience as a professional musician As an in demand session musician he has played with Grammy, Oscar and Brit award winning artists such as, John Legend, The Roots, Amy Winehouse, Adele, Corinne Bailey Rae and Mark Ronson. He has also worked with Robbie Williams, Lily Allen, The Magic Numbers, Estelle, KT Tunstall, Sam Sparro, Wiley, Tim Burgess (The Charlatans), Ricky Wilson (The Kaiser Chiefs), Duran Duran, Skip The Use, Alex Clare, Lisa Stansfield, Beverly Knight, Omar, Hue & Cry, Ian McCulloch (Echo & the Bunnymen), Nightmares on Wax, Rhymefest, Black Thought, Kano, Wale, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, Dennis Coffey (Motown Records Funk Brother), Odyssey and Alice Russell.

Caroline Boaden

DRUMS

Caroline is a former student of the Leeds College of Music – and has been playing and touring worldwide for over 20 years. Diversifying as much as possible has led to an extensive range of experience and playing opportunities including Jazz legends –Pete King, Andy Shepherd, Eberhard Weber and Jim Mullen, as well as Festival Tours alongside Massive Attack and Texas. Caroline more recently has been support act on the “Take That “ Beautiful World Tour. Alongside her role as the Karpenters drummer she also lectures at the Leeds College of Music.

Trevor Baines

Sound Technician

Trevor Baines is a freelance sound engineer based in West Yorkshire, UK, where he is well known on the alternative music scene as well as the world of tributes. He has worked full-time in the music industry since the late 80's, playing bass with various professional tribute acts, taking in thousands of gigs in venues all over the UK and Europe. Over the last 12 years he has been kept busy as a Front of House sound engineer in several live music venues, primarily the famous Brudenell in Leeds where he regularly has the opportunity to work with successful, talented young bands of all genres as well as some of the famous musical artists he looked up to as a young musician himself. Occasionally Trevor finds time to work outside of his native Yorkshire, including European and UK tours of clubs, theatres and iconic rock concert venues of up to arena size. He has mixed for large crowds at major UK festivals such as Glastonbury and Latitude, touring regularly with Leeds alternative rock band iLiKETRAiNS as well as world renowned tribute acts The Smyths and of course The Karpenters. Trevor is a man who really loves his job!