Canadian country music performer Aaron Pritchett is coming to Beiseker, Aug. 17.
He is pleased to be part of a charity effort to raise funds for the community.
“I thought this is kind of a cool way for me to raise money for a cause, as well as a way for me to play some of my music,” said Pritchett, who will perform acoustically.
Pritchett, who is from B.C., has been playing music for about 20 years. However, he said it wasn’t until three years ago that he started making money.
He couldn’t be happier.
“I love my job,” said Pritchett. “I love to get people to smile…and to give them an escape for a few hours and let them enter my world and have as much fun as I do on stage.”
Growing up, Pritchett loved listening to rock music, such as AC/DC and Bon Jovi, and said it influenced him.
“I am definitely not traditional country,” said Pritchett. “I definitely have a rock edge. I am pop country.”
Pritchett considers his greatest attribute is his ability to entertain.
“I would consider myself an artist and entertainer,” said Pritchett. “I put on a high energy show and have tons of fun.”
Pritchett’s fans come from a variety of backgrounds, he said, adding that most fall within the 15 to 38-year-old age range.
Pritchett can’t wait to perform for the Beiseker crowd.
“I love the idea that there are different charities that are going to benefit,” said Pritchett. “I think they are all deserving of support.”
The concert, to take place at the Beiseker Community Hall, is being put on by the Beiseker and District Agricultural Society and will benefit several community organizations.
“We are doing this as a community event that hopefully will allow other groups to make money,” said Kim Schmaltz, treasurer of the Beiseker and District Agricultural Society.
Several community groups are taking part and will benefit from the evening, including the Beiseker Municipal Library, which will be hosting a beef on a bun dinner; the Beiseker Lions Club, which will be running a bar; the Beiseker 4-H club and the Beiseker Parks and Trail Society.
The new organization will be hosting a silent auction to raise funds to convert the Beiseker skateboard park into a year-round facility.
The auction will have a number of items including a pedicure gift certificate, wicker patio accessories and art prints. The organization is still looking for donations of any kind.
“I think it is a great opportunity for the clubs to work together and provide money for a variety of projects, and increase community spirit and involvement,” said Julie Donegan of the Beiseker Parks & Trails Society. “It is not just about the charity, it is also for the people. We want people to get together and socialize.”
Pritchett is donating a portion of the ticket sales to the community groups.
“It is pretty cool that we keep everything we raise, except for a percentage of the ticket sales,” said Schmaltz. “He (Pritchett) will stay as late as need be to sign autographs.”
Schmaltz said the community response has been excellent.
“When I let the younger group know that he (Pritchett) was coming, they were excited instantly, boys and girls alike,” said Schmaltz, adding that people wanted to know what they could do to help. “He is country, but he is young and hip and it should be a blast.”
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the concert will start at 7 p.m. Only 350 seats are available and they are selling out fast.
Tickets are $20 and are available at the Beiseker Municipal Library, Beiseker UFA and Beiseker Mountain View Credit Union or by calling Schmaltz at 403-947-2089. Tickets will also be available at the door, unless they are sold out.
