T-Rex mayor’s deputy in foot-stomper of his own

A rip-roaring concert by Erewash Borough Council’s Deputy Mayor has seen 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 came 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, lined up a monster of a charity event by his group The Roadkill Blues Band which was held at All Saints Church in Ockbrook on 22nd November where music lovers got 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. 

Find out more on the band’s Facebook page or by visiting its website here.

Erewash Borough Council 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.”