Lock In With A Talented Collection of Musicians Who Deliver Great Live Music Performances Each And Every Time They Step On Stage...Period.
Since 2003, The Kingfish Band has performed energized versions of your favorite rock/pop/country songs, and delivered amazing live shows at music venues, festivals, weddings, and special events utilizing various band formats that exceed expectations.
The band features an accomplished lineup of music industry professionals, collectively boasting five advanced music degrees. Each member brings a unique style and skill set that perfectly blends technical performance and artistic zeal.
The Kingfish Band prides itself on its diverse catalog, loading each set with your favorite songs! Phrases like, “You play so many different types of music” and “You sound just like the radio” are common responses uttered from newly converted fans. It’s one thing to emphasize all of these accolades on a website. It’s quite another to experience it in person. Come out and see The Kingfish Band live, and experience “Great Live Music...Period.”
STEVE MATZ - VOCALS / GUITAR
Steve’s early life was filled with dreams of playing “above the rim.” He grew up in a household dominated by sports, and what Chicago kid who played basketball in the ‘90s didn’t see themselves in a Bulls uniform? Once he hit college, his vision of “life on the hardwoods” began to subside, and he found a new dream: Rock Stardom. Since his first college band in the late ‘90s, Steve has performed on stages around the Midwest. He started The Kingfish Band in 2003 with Joe Howard, a friend from college, and Nathan Niederkorn, his good friend from grade school.
What does Steve bring to the band? “I know just enough on my guitar to make me dangerous,” he boasts, “and my voice is a gift from my father...but what I really pride myself on is the fact that I’m going to put all kinds of passion into every performance. I truly enjoy entertaining a crowd, and I could not find a better group of musicians with whom to perform.” Aside from being the tangy center that brings all the pieces together, Steve is the first Kingfish out in the crowd meeting the fans. “So I don’t hold a music degree…I learned everything I need to know from "E Street". Besides…what university did The Beatles go to? No, I really don’t know…can someone tell me?”
JEFF SCHOFIELD - GUITAR / VOCALS
Jeffrey is a Milwaukee native and has been playing music for over 20 years. He studied guitar at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in the mid-’90s and has been working the last 15 years at the Hal Leonard Corp., publishing books, DVDs, and online lesson material for guitar, bass and drums.
Jeff has been a member of several outfits over the past few years, including The Prince Experience. He enjoys few things more than busting out savage riffs on a 6-string for all of the good people of this world.
RICH POZAYT - BASS
Richard was born and raised in Wisconsin. He began his musical career at the age of eleven, learning his first notes and sparking the passion of music and sound, playing the cello. Two years later, he picked up the upright bass and bass guitar and has been playing ever since.
Over his musical career, Richard has grown in versatility, playing everything from orchestral, jazz, and theatrical, to house of worship and rock music. In addition, he has worked as a sound engineer for local bands and houses of worship over the years. When Richard isn't playing with The Kingfish Band, he will be found spending time with his family, managing computer networks, and, if there is time, fishing.
JOHN BARRETT - DRUMS
(He’s working on it…)
BECCA NOTH - KEYS
The original Wisconsin-ite in the band, Becca is a huge Brewers fan and rightfully keeps those Cubs fans in line (A.K.A. Steve). She has been studying piano since she was 5, but had started learning many songs by ear when she was a toddler. She later attended UW-Whitewater where she studied piano, and received her Bachelor of Music degree in 2007.
Her band mates will tell you that, like a toddler, Becca sleeps a lot – which makes her a terrible road trip buddy! When Becca is not performing with the band, she works at Hal Leonard, explores the city of Milwaukee and all it has to offer, and follows (who else?!) the Brewers.
DJ SHAKES - GUITAR / VOCALS
Shakes began his musical career playing spoons on the sides of dirt roads in Central Africa. He knew early on that his dream was to move to the United States and become one of the most accomplished percussionists the world had ever seen! Unfortunately, he ended up in Wisconsin, where drums were the only thing easy enough for most “musicians” to play, so there were already too many drummers around. So he picked up a guitar and begged anyone who would listen for a shot at being in a “real” band (meaning, one that played PAID shows, and even INDOORS). As luck would have it, he was able to bluff his way into The Kingfish Band, relying on his good looks and charm to compensate for his lack of actual musical skill…
In all actuality, Shakes is a Wisconsin native who spent a decade on the east coast as a radio personality, club DJ, and musician. He has written and/or recorded several songs that have received radio airplay, and at one time, had the top rated radio show in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Although he “just” plays guitar and sings with The Kingfish Band, he also plays several other instruments, including drums, bass, banjo, mandolin, piano, turntables, and he’s even dabbled into the realm of bagpipes. His vocal harmonies add ethereal depth to the performance, and he has also served as a front-man in previous bands. He says he doesn’t care what instrument he gets to play, as long as he gets to put on a show, which is what The Kingfish Band is all about!
AMY THOMASON - KEYS / VOCALS
Not originally from Milwaukee, Amy grew up in the bustling city of Peoria, IL where she graduated from Bradley University with a degree in Music Business in 2014.
Playing piano since grade school and singing in the shower since she could talk (seriously, just ask her sisters), Amy is thrilled to be a part of The Kingfish band! When she's not playing with the Band, Amy enjoys getting lost around the city, binge watching shows, and trying new craft beers. In other words, she's a champ.