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Exile set to perform Friday
SIKESTON -- Rock and country music lovers are in for a treat this fall. The music group Exile, best known for the hit song "Kiss You All Over," is set to perform in town Friday, and the news is causing quite a buzz.
"Everyone is talking about it," said Danny Bridger, owner of Danny's Place in Sikeston, which is sponsoring the event. "It gives them an event that you would normally have to go to St. Louis or Memphis to see."
The concert is something Bridger and his wife, Linda, have wanted to do for awhile. "We've been trying to figure out something to do in the fall, because we always have the crawfish boil in the spring," he said. "I think this is something we need to do in Sikeston every fall. It may be Exile again next year, it may be someone else."
But for this year, the band choice was an easy one for the couple.
"We've always liked their music," said Bridger. "And our stage manager, Larry Carroll, has done sound for Exile quite a few times, so he knows them well."
Exile, a Kentucky-bred band, actually began in 1963 as a rock group, which had 11 No. 1 hits. In the early 1980s, the group reinvented itself as a country band, which went on to earn 10 more No. 1 hits, according to Bridger.
"They're well-known, and have sold more than 8 million albums," he continued.
And the fans are a diverse crowd. "So far, it's all ages buying tickets," said Bridger.
Sales have been moderate so far, he said, and he encourages people to buy before the day of the concert and take advantage of the $5 discount. "But from what I'm hearing, everyone is going to wait until last minute," he said.
Exile will take the stage around 9 p.m. "They'll play continuously for an hour and a half," said Bridger. But, the evening will begin two hours earlier, while Eric Dahl and Friends as the opening band. Dahls' group will also close the show, and perform until midnight, said Bridger.
The stage will be set up on the back three acres of Danny's Place's property. Some tables and chairs will be set up, but people are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and come out early to get a good spot. Food and drinks will also be available.
Bridger said he hopes the weather will be nice. But he is prepared in case a shower or storms pop up and the concert is canceled.
"I bought rain out insurance, which offers a 100 percent payback on tickets if there is a complete rain out," he said.
Around 2,500 can be admitted, said Bridger. "And there's plenty of room -- it won't be tight," he said.
Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door, and purchase includes a drink ticket and cooler cup. The tickets are available at Danny's Place, 1102 Linn St. in Sikeston, and by calling at 471-2137.
For more on Exile, go to www.exileband.com.