Many municipal officials portray a very buttoned-up character by day carrying out the serious duties of managing a city, a department or school district.

But away from work, some let loose, whether it’s rocking out in their local bands like Lakeland Commissioner Jim Atkinson and the suburb’s schools Superintendent Ted Horrell or acting, singing and dancing in local stage productions like Bartlett Parks and Recreation Director Paul Wright.

The musical side gigs provide an escape from the pressures of high-stress jobs in government. A way to put aside the grind of daily decisions and trade them for the melodies, notes and two-steps of performing.