DIEHARD music lovers in Erewash will be serenaded at the borough’s museum in the run-up to Christmas by a piano-playing councillor who has tinkled the ivories for BRUCE WILLIS.
Keyboard wizard Greg Maskalick, 64, featured on the Hollywood superstar’s album The Return of Bruno when he used to work as a professional musician.
Greg, who is now a local teacher, made national newspaper headlines earlier this year after shedding 7st following a heart scare. He had tipped the scales at over 25st.
The dad of two, whose piano career also saw him work with movie score king Marvin Hamlisch, will be staging an afternoon performance at the museum in Ilkeston on Saturday 16 December.
He represents Ockbrook and Borrowash on Erewash Borough Council and is also a parish councillor. Greg said: “I will be bringing my own electric piano to play everything from Jingle Bell Rock to Away In A Manger from noon to 2pm.”
He began learning the piano when he was seven. A 1980s classical CD he released – Mozart: The Early Works – received national airplay in the USA.
His recital is one of a string of festive events lined up at the museum. Its ever-popular Santa Saturdays for youngsters make a return on the 9th and 16th of December – and are already fully booked.
Greg’s appearance is part of a six-date “mini-tour” he is doing around the local area for Christmas. Other stars he has worked with include Lucille Ball’s daughter Lucie Arnaz, the “cuchi-cuchi” actress and guitarist Charo, and Working My Way Back To You legends the Detroit Spinners.
The late Marvin Hamlisch is famed for film scores including The Sting – which starred Robert Redford and Paul Newman.
Greg has been a teacher for more than 30 years and is employed at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby. His weight loss feat came after he joined Slimming World.
The music master recalled once performing in a bar where a customer requested a song and put ten dollars in the hat. Greg grinned: “It was a lot of money back then. After I finished playing the song I was doing I forgot about his request. I only realised when he came and took the money out and left!”
Erewash council’s Deputy Leader Becca Everett, who is Lead Member for Community Engagement, said:
“There is a lot going on at the museum this Christmas and we look forward Greg’s performance, which is sure to be a real treat for visitors.”
The award-winning Erewash museum is open Thursdays to Saturdays from 11am to 4pm near Ilkeston’s Market Place. Entry is free.
