Exile Performed Live at Johnson County Old Settlers in Olathe, Kansas on September 8, 2018
Johnson County Old Settlers returned to downtown Olathe, KS on September 6–8 for its annual 3-day not-for-profit event seeking to keep alive the old settler tradition. Capping off the entertainment with a headlining performance that Saturday night was rock and country crossover group Exile. The band was out on its “No Limits” trek in celebration of its 55th anniversary.
The Exile band lineup featured all original members of the country version of the group formulated between 1978 and 1980, including founding member J.P. Pennington (lead vocals/guitar) and classic members Marlon Hargis (keyboards), Steve Goetzman (drums), Sonny LeMaire (bass/vocals) and Les Taylor (guitar/vocals). Taking place in the parking lot of the downtown Olathe public library, it was one of if not the only area festival to furnish folding chairs and riser seating. Along with the full-sized stage and sound, it was an incredible festival concert setup. Combined with the timeless voices, sounds and tunes of Exile, it was an absolutely impeccable evening.
Exile put together an extensive and totally dynamic setlist for this monumental outing. The members opened the show with a load of chart-topping country hits among others before ending the first half with and thrilling performance of “Heart and Soul,” a song that did not chart them, but was made popular as a rock ‘n’ roll cover by Huey Lewis. They then followed up with a string of songs written by them as individuals, but were performed by other artists, including the Restless Heart hit song “When She Cries” as penned by Sonny LeMaire. Next was a medley of songs by others artists of with which they have toured. That compilation featured songs such Roy Orbison’s “Pretty Woman,” Merle Haggard’s “Okie from Muskogee” and The Dobbie Brothers’ “Listen to the Music.”
Closing out the night was a double feature kicked off by a beautiful acoustic rendition of “People Get Ready” as originally recorded by The Impressions followed by that signature hit and very first chart-topper from the band’s rock era, “Kiss You All Over” to wrap up the night with in prime fashion. It was a perfect night with Exile under the summer sky to close out Kansas City’s cherished festival season. Truly, no limits existed as the band ran fans through its extraordinary discography matched with those enduring sounds made eminent throughout its more than five decades.
Setlist for Exile at Johnson County Old Settlers in Olathe, KS:
“Take Me to the River,” “I Can’t Get Close Enough,” “Woke Up in Love,” “She’s a Miracle,” “Hang on to Your Heart,” “Keep It in the Middle of the Road,” “Nobody’s Talking,” “Super Love,” “I Could Get Used to You,” “She’s Too Good to Be True,” “Give Me One More Chance,” “It’ll Be Me,” “Heart and Soul,” “When She Cries” (Restless Heart), “Beautiful Mess” (Diamond Rio), “It Ain’t Easy Being Easy” (Janie Fricke), “Take Me Down” (Alabama), “People Get Ready” (The Impressions), ~MEDLEY~ and “Kiss You All Over”
