The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Although he hasnÕt been in the industry as long as some have been, country musician Aaron Pritchett has made a name for himself by doing what he loves. The Vancouver native, who was in Flin Flon back in 2006, will be gracing the stage of the Flin Flon Community Hall this Spring. ÒAaron was really excited to get back to Flin Flon... and he kept asking me when we was going to get back,Ó says PritchettÕs agent, Jim Cressman. While Pritchett continues his touring across the country, he makes stops in both the large cities and the small areas. ÒWe get the opportunity to build a fan base, Cressman says, Òand if we only get to the major points, weÕve got a fan base that will hopefully follow us to the major cities.Ó While the Flin Flon Community Hall may not sound like the ideal place to hold a concert at first, City of Flin FlonÕs Recreation Director Brenda Russell says, there are a few factors that make it work. ÒThe raised seating in there makes for a nice atmosphere,Ó she says, adding that not only has Pritchett played the Community Hall, but Paul Brandt has also hit the stage there. Along with the nice atmosphere, Russell points out that itÕs a more intimate concert between the fans and the performer. In 2006 at the previous concert, nearly 450 people came out to see the show, and there are hopes of breaking that number this year. ÒIÕd like to think so, any ways,Ó Russell says. ÒHeÕs got a few more songs out from the last time he was here. And heÕs had 10 top 10Õs, which is pretty significant and a huge accomplishment for young performers.Ó The last time Pritchett was in town, according to Russell, he told her to give him a call and set something up. So thatÕs what happened. Some concerts have one or even two opening acts for the headline, but for Flin Flon it will be Pritchett and his band, which Cressman says, itÕs a bad thing. ÒIt really depends on the event, but for a festival any ways, itÕs nice to have an opening act. But a lot of people just want to see the headliner,Ó he says. ÒAnd people appreciate it a lot more, and then Aaron puts on a dynamite show.Ó Pritchett has been here once already and has expressed his interest in coming back to Flin Flon, but Cressman says, they havenÕt even been here for the second time yet and already they are thinking about coming back. ÒAt this point, we would like to be back again, within the next two years,Ó he says. With bands making it a point to hit all the big cities, Cressman says, ÒAaron made it a mandate to build a fan base in the smaller parts of Canada,Ó which has been working in his favour. Aside from Flin Flon, Pritchett will also be making stops in Fort McMurray, AB, La Ronge, Portage la Prairie, Winkler and Yorkton. Having a headliner in town brings some attraction to the city. And although if people are come up from The Pas they arenÕt likely going to stay the night, Russell says, a lot of them will come up early and shop for the day, which puts money back into Flin Flon. Back in 2006, Flin Flon was looking to bring in some new talent, so they looked up an agency and they were recommended Pritchett. ÒHe was in our budget and we had heard some of his songs. We went forward on the recommendation and (things) went from there,Ó she says. ÒHe told us how much he enjoyed Flin Flon and the hospitality, the crowds and the enthusiasm.Ó And with that said, Pritchett has been booked to play the Flin Flon Community Hall April 28, 2008. Although details havenÕt been finalized on tickets yet, they will be going for $32, which isnÕt an outrageous price when things are put into consideration. When deciding on a ticket price, factors such as travel need to be taking into consideration. And as a performer's success builds, it drives their price up as well. ÒIn 2006 he was nominated for the JunoÕs Male Artist of the Year, and in 2007 he was nominated for the CCMAÕs Male Artist of the Year as well,Ó says Russell, adding that everyone is really excited about having him return to Flin Flon.
