A RIP-roaring concert by Erewash council’s Deputy Mayor this weekend will see the blues maestro show off his fearsome keyboard skills – just weeks after the Mayor hit a high note with local youngsters by taking to the streets in a T-Rex outfit.
The free show by US-born Greg Maskalick comes as the authority lays claim to having the two coolest civic leaders in the UK.
Mayor Cllr Harry Atkinson became Britain’s youngest at the age of 25 when he was handed the chain of office in May. At Halloween he stood outside Ilkeston Town Hall clad as a dinosaur to give out sweets to kiddies as part of an annual trick or treat trail that is thought to be the biggest of its kind in the country.
Not to be outdone, fellow councillor Greg, 66, has lined up a monster of a charity event by his group The Roadkill Blues Band. It is on Saturday 22 November at All Saints Church in Ockbrook – where from 7.30pm music lovers can get to hear the piano virtuoso from Pittsburgh belt out classics such as Moondance, Sittin’ On The Dock of The Bay and Can’t Buy Me Love.
Greg currently teaches computing at a school in Derby after becoming a UK citizen in 2014. He was previously Director of Music at the old Ockbrook School – after a career as a professional piano player, during which he worked with a string of US music icons. The father of two – who serves as councillor for Ockbrook and Borrowash – even helped Hollywood superstar Bruce Willis to make his album The Return of Bruno.
Those attending the performance by The Roadkill Blues Band can also expect to be wowed by original songs with titles such Tax Man Blues, My Self Driving Truck and My Baby Took My House.
There will be a raffle – and proceeds from any donations will go to support the Erewash Sound Youth Programme as part of the Mayor’s Charity Fund.
The day before – on Friday 21 November – the band will be appearing at Derby’s Dubrek Studios as the Deputy Mayor stages another free concert with guitarist Iain Pendry, bassist Catherine Applegate and drummer John Calder.
An online invitation to the gig declares: “Be a part of recording history! We are recording the concert to hopefully put our originals on streaming services. So we need a LOUD audience. See you there.” Find out more on the band’s Facebook page or by visiting its website here: Homepage
A video of Greg at his keyboard in the run-up to an August appearance at Bridgefest in Shardlow can be viewed here: (20+) Facebook
Erewash Leader Cllr James Dawson said: “No other council boasts such a dynamic Mayor and deputy – which is music to the ears of residents. The vitality that Harry and Greg have brought to their roles is fantastic.”
