The Penguin Rocks logo
The Penguin Rocks Menu



 

The Newton Theatre presents Pure Prairie League

originally published: 12/27/2022


(NEWTON, NJ) -- Pure Prairie League will perform at The Newton Theatre on Saturday, March 11, 2023. From their beginnings in mid-Sixties Ohio as a group of friends playing cover tunes to the present-day unit featuring founding member/pedal-steel innovator John David Call, veteran bassist Mike Reilly, propulsive drummer Scott Thompson and guitar ace Donnie Clark, Pure Prairie League continues to embellish the rich 43-year history of one of Country-Rock’s pioneering forces. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime at 8:00pm.

 As one reviewer recently wrote: “PPL’s sound combines sweet memories with edgy, contemporary muscle. Their vocals are as strong as Kentucky moonshine and the musicianship and performance skills are as sharp as a straight razor”. 

Their eponymous first album - featuring the Norman Rockwell/Saturday Evening Post cover that introduced fans to PPL’s trademark cowpoke “Sad Luke” - has been hailed as a “major early influence in the emerging popularity of Country-Rock music”. Their second effort, the multi- platinum “Bustin’ Out” brought us the Craig Fuller-penned classic “Amie”, along with other gems of the genre.

With “Two Lane Highway”, nine more albums and countless shows, a legacy has been forged and enriched during the  ‘70s and 80’s, highlighting contributions from several noteworthy members, including original co-founder George Ed Powell, Cincinnati’s legendary Goshorn Brothers, Country Hall of Famers Gary Burr and Vince Gill, award-winning writer Jeff Wilson (3 Top-20 singles) and a host of other guest appearances from Chet Atkins, Johnny Gimble, Emmy Lou Harris, David Sanborn, Eagle Don Felder, Nicolette Larson and many more. 

Now in their fifth decade, PPL continues to lead the way for the new generation of Country/Rockers such as Keith Urban, Nickel Creek, Wilco, Counting Crows and so many others that cite PPL as a major influence. As crisp and clean as spring water and as comfortable as a well-worn cowboy shirt, PPL still brings it all back home.




Reach New Jersey's largest arts & entertainment audience, click here for info on how to advertise at NJ Stage



Tickets go on sale Friday, December 30 at 10:00am. A special online only presale will take place Thursday, December 29 from 10:00am – 10:00pm. Reserved seating $39-$54. Additional fees may apply.  Click here to purchase tickets.

The Newton Theatre is located at 34 Spring Street in Newton, New Jersey.




Reach New Jersey's largest arts & entertainment audience, click here for info on how to advertise at NJ Stage



 

COLUMNS


Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Make It Happen" by Mike Chick

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Make It Happen" by Asbury Park Yawn Mower legend Mike Chick from "Congarts," his third solo album and second for Mint 400 Records.




Lighty's Corner: April 30, 2026




This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from April 28 to May 4, 2026




Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Dance of the Waxwing" by Pyrenesia





 
Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info




 

MORE NEWS

(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Going on 20+ years, the annual, free, two-day Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival will take place the weekend of July 11-12, 2026, in Memorial Park in Maplewood. The festival features performances by Anders Osborne, Lettuce, Slap Dragon, and Megan Jean's Secret Family. It kicks off with music at noon and ends around 9:30pm each night. As always, it is free and welcomes the entire community.


Tributes to Chicago, Taylor Swift, Van Morrison, Zac Brown, Elvis, Genesis, and Zach Bryan are coming to The Strand




Lily Vakili to Celebrate Release of "Live Wire" EP on Wednesday




Centenary Stage Company presents Double Vision: The Foreigner Experience on May 23rd




Rising Sun Presents: A Funky Reggae Party on August 1st






 

UPCOMING SHOWS


State Theatre New Jersey presents The Sound Studio Series 2026

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey proudly presents The Sound Studio Series, an immersive musical experience that places concertgoers at the very heart of the performance. Held in STNJ's intimate Studio space, limited to just 80 attendees, The Sound Studio Series features a dynamic mix of both classical and rock performances. Each concert concludes with an exclusive post-show meet-and-greet with the artists, offering fans a rare opportunity to connect directly with the performers. Tickets for the series are $20-$30.


Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band's Land Of Hope And Dreams American Tour Announced For Spring 2026




Ocean Casino Resort presents UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell




Tuckerton Porchfest returns May 2nd with Music, Poetry, Art & Community along Main Street






Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info




The Penguin Rocks

© 2026 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
[email protected]

Presented by New Jersey Stage

Images used on this site have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and PR firms. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us and we will look into the matter.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and our NJ Stage accounts on Instagram, and Threads


News | Features | Radio Shows | Penguin's Hall of Fame | Song of the Week | BlowUpRadio column

Contact Us | About Us | Submit Music | Ad Rates