Arviat (Nov 08/06) - Bobby Suluk wanted to do something big to recognize the Arviaqpaluk Radio Society's 30th anniversary in Arviat.

After putting in hours of negotiations, both at the local level and with the artist's agent, big is what Suluk went when he brought Canadian country-music icon Charlie Major to town for two performances this past September.

The two shows were done in co-operation with the radio committee.

Suluk said pulling the shows together was a real experience, as he learned to organize the band's trip, sign-up sponsors, ensure the shows were financially viable and transport lights and equipment on the fly.

He said the biggest challenge was finding sponsors, due to the travel and shipping costs related to five tonnes of audio equipment and lighting.

"Getting all that equipment to Arviat was very expensive," said Suluk.

"We would never have been able to pull it off without platinum sponsors chipping in to help out with the costs, including their hotel rooms in Winnipeg and Arviat.

"Charlie and his band were great, paying their own way from Ottawa to Winnipeg to help us with the costs."

Suluk said Eskimo Point Lumber Supply, Calm Air and the Nunasi Corp. all came through at the platinum level, with many other sponsors contributing various amounts.

He said he'd like to organize another concert, maybe even as early as the summer of 2007.

"Now that I've done it once, I have a better understanding of what the roadblocks can be and what problems to expect. "I'd like to think it would be a little easier the second-time around."

Suluk said he decided on Major for the show because he was very impressed by his performance at Jammin' on the Bay in Rankin Inlet in 2001. And, of yes, he also likes Major's music.

"After talking with my fellow board members at the radio station, we fundraised for the event, contacted his agent to negotiate his appearance and it all went forward from there.

"Everybody was very co-operative in making this happen for the community.

"It all went off without a hitch and was a win-win situation for everybody."