New Mayor wows rock & blues fans at charity fest

Mayor Maskalick at The Royal Oak in Ockbrook (Credit: EBC)

A piano virtuoso from Pittsburgh celebrated becoming Erewash’s new Mayor by taking to the stage to wow music fans at a rock and blues festival.

The charity gig by teacher Cllr Greg Maskalick, 66, was his first official engagement – and came a day after he was handed the chain of office in a ceremony at Long Eaton Town Hall.

He and his Roadkill Blues Band were also the headliners the following night at the free two-day music extravaganza in Ockbrook, which was billed as the Mayor’s Blues & Rock Fest.

Greg, who teaches computing at a school in Derby, lives in the village and was a professional musician in the US before settling in the UK 30 years ago when he got married.

During his days as a sought-after keyboard maestro he even worked with Bruce Willis – programming the synthesisers on the Hollywood superstar’s solo album The Return of Bruno.

The festival at Ockbrook’s Royal Oak pub included fundraising events for two causes close to Greg’s heart. One is the Canaan Trust, which helps the homeless. The other is Home-Start – a charity that supports struggling families with young children.

Greg, who serves as borough councillor for Ockbrook and Borrowash, said modestly: “Music fans seemed to enjoy hearing my band play – although it was a bit of a challenge getting people to come inside during the blazing hot weather. The festival was a great way to have fun while raising money for what are two fantastic causes. The event was also a chance to showcase other performers who took part – Ding & John, Sunshadow and Voodoo Smyle.”

A video of Greg and his band at the festival is here.

The father of two was given the chain of office after spending the past year as deputy to Cllr Harry Atkinson, who became Erewash’s youngest-ever Mayor at the age of 25.

A more formal engagement was lined up for the borough’s latest civic leader at the weekend when he attended the Long Eaton Royal British Legion Annual Dinner on Sunday 31st May