There's a place where superior acoustics, state-of-the-art lighting, comfortable seating and easy access come together with artistic excellence to make up the 795 seat performing arts center known as The Freeland Center in Bristow, Oklahoma. This year marks the venue's 15th year of bringing some of the biggest names in entertainment as well as outstanding local talent to the stage and on October 5, one of the most beloved bands of the 70's, 80's, and 90's, Exile will take the stage to culminate the year long Freeland Center celebration.
Currently on tour and promoting their most ambitious album project ever, A Million Miles Later, released in August 2023, Exile consist of guitarist, songwriter and vocalist J.P. Pennington who has been with the band since 1963, lead singer Les Taylor, bassist Sonny LeMaire, keyboardist Marlon Hargis and drummer Steve Goetzman. Their iconic smash hit, “Kiss You All Over,” spent four weeks at the top of Billboard’s pop chart in 1978. In the early 1980s, Exile started to focus on country music. During their run on the country charts, Exile had ten No. 1 singles, including “Woke Up In Love” and 'Give Me One More Chance.' They have written hit songs for other major label artists, including Alabama, Diamond Rio, and Restless Heart. The five original Exile members re-formed in 2008 and continue to tour today. In 2023, Exile celebrated its 60th anniversary as a band and the 45th anniversary of the hit song “Kiss You All Over.”
'Having Exile at The Freeland is definitely icing on the cake, says Freeland Center Publicist Carol Matza. So much great talent has graced the Freeland stage over the years and having this iconic band with such big hits both in rock and country is a great way to highlight the 15 year celebration.'
The Freeland Center for the Performing Arts opened in 2009 as a culmination of many years of hard work and dedication through the community and school systems of Bristow. The Freeland Center is a 795seat facility, boasting outstanding concert hall acoustics, a 50 ft. x 50 ft. stage, orchestra pit, and professional curtaining, lighting, and sound reinforcement. A spacious two-story lobby with well-appointed amenities, provides a welcome invitation to event attendees.
By day The Freeland is home to a multitude of school events, and a full production house by night.
Hosting all manner of events: from theatre to concerts, symphony orchestras, and comedians, it is the place to be when events are going on. Executive Director, Dr. Chip venue since it began. He has been instrumental in bringing some of the highest quality entertainment to the center with artists such as Michael Martin Murphy, Asleep at the Wheel, David Phelps, Wilson Fairchild, Texas Hill, Tom Skinner, Jana Jae, Tom Paxton, Kyle Dillingham and so many more.
Promoting the arts through education was a big part of the original vision and staying true to that vision, students have had significant opportunities to work alongside artistic professionals. Tulsa Symphony's Bravo Brass, as well as Tulsa Opera principles have performed at the center and at both events students master class performed on stage with the professionals. The Freeland also has a thriving community theater that has hosted productions such as Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast, combining casts of local and professional talent.
Dr. Cooper says, 'In addition to the excitement surrounding Exile coming to The Freeland, we are thrilled to once again have 'A Very Bristow Christmas' returning December 12, this year's theme is Polar Express. Our 2025 season is shaping up nicely with a cowboy comedian coming in February and an original musical with a well-known broadway composer in June. Details on that and more will be released soon.'
Join The Freeland Center as they celebrate 15 years of live entertainment in Bristow, OK Saturday, October 5 with EXILE: A Million Miles Later Tour. Tickets are available at etix.com. Concert at 7:30 pm, doors open at 6:30 pm. Located just West of Tulsa, OK on I-44 and on historic Route 66.
Please visit freelandcenter.org or call 918637-3540 for more information.