(NEWTON, NJ) -- Pure Prairie League comes to The Newton Theatre on Friday, March 7, 2025 at 8:00pm. Now in their sixth decade, Pure Prairie League 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.
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, the propulsive team of drummer Scott Thompson and bassist Jared Camic, Keyboard Master Randy Harper and guitar ace/vocalist Jeff Zona, PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE continues to embellish the rich 50-plus year history of one of Country-Rock’s pioneering forces. 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, 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, EmmyLou Harris, David Sanborn, Eagle Don Felder, Nicolette Larson, Rosemary Butler, Jenifer Wrinkle, Jeff (Birdman) Kirk, Mat Britain and many more.
Tickets range from $39-$59 and are available for purchase online starting Friday, December 13 at 10:00am. The Newton Theatre is located at 234 Spring Street in Newton, New Jersey.
With the release of their new album Back On Track PPL brings it all back home with a dozen new songs that complete the circle begun in 1970 and continues today. It's the group’s first studio album in nearly two decades. Back on Track takes the classic PPL sound and gives it a fresh spin. Throughout a dozen cuts, we hear a rejuvenated band that pays homage to its signature sound while still injecting fresh sonic air. Back on Track is simultaneously classic and contemporary.
"On Back on Track, Pure Prairie League is back, delivering the soaring harmonies, lilting love songs, and rollicking Southern rockers that make up its signature sound.."-- Henry Carrigan, No Depression
"the boys deliver, the no punches held back, Back On Track a wall-to-wall production of Country Rock meeting Southern Rock in the back parking lot of a Biker bar in the wrong side of town. Thrashing drums, stinging electric guitar, full-hearted lead vocals and harmonies delivering up a feast."-- Maurice Hope, The Rocking Magpie
The Newton Theatre is located at 234 Spring Street in Newton, New Jersey. The historic theatre was founded in 1924. It is a beautifully restored 605 seat performing arts center in the heart of Sussex County, presenting diverse programming, including world-renowned music acts, comedians, family productions, holiday shows and much more.
