New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

The Newton Theatre presents Pure Prairie League

originally published: 12/12/2024

(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. 




Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky



"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.




Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky


FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


Candlelight

Candlelight Concerts - Valentine’s Day Special

Friday, February 13, 2026 @ 6:00pm
Monmouth University - Pollak Theatre
400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764
category: music


 

Candlelight

Candlelight Concerts - Tribute to Adele

Friday, February 13, 2026 @ 8:30pm
Monmouth University - Pollak Theatre
400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764
category: music


 

The

The Growing Stage presents "Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale"

Saturday, February 14, 2026 @ 4:00pm
The Historic Palace Theatre
7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong, NJ 07857
category: music


 

An

An Evening with Josh Ritter

Saturday, February 14, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Outpost In The Burbs
40 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042
category: music


 

The

The Jane Austen Playlist: Love and Music of Regency England

Saturday, February 14, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Grunin Center
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
category: music


 



Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info





 

EVENT PREVIEWS

Trenton

Trenton City Museum to present Trenton Makes Jazz concert featuring Omeed Nyman Quartet

(TRENTON, NJ) -- Trenton City Museum will present an all-star jazz concert Friday, March 6, 2026 in Ellarslie Mansion in Cadwalader Park. Presented in partnership with E.C. Bradley Candlelight Jazz Events with the Omeed Nyman Quartet, the concert will have as its backdrop 80 jazz-inspired works accepted in the juried TRENTON MAKES JAZZ exhibition. The works, by artists largely from the greater Trenton area, were selected by jurors Janis Purcell and Michael Richardson and will be on view from February 13 through March 22, 2026.



New

New Jersey Symphony to perform Ludwig van Beethoven's iconic Fifth Symphony

(NEWARK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Symphony presents Ludwig van Beethoven's iconic Fifth Symphony on Thursday, February 26 at 7:00pm at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown; Friday, February 27 at 7:30pm; and Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 2:00pm at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark.



Musicians

Musicians On A Mission presents Come to Your Senses on February 22nd

(LINCROFT, NJ) -- Musicians On A Mission presents Come to Your Senses on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at The Gallery at Thompson Park. The event promises to tantalize all five senses with art, music, food, drinks, and handmade candles & essential oils from the Radiant Angel Candle Company. Plus, you'll have the chance to win some amazing raffle baskets! The event runs from 3:00pm to 7:00pm.



State

State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. At nearly 90 years old, Buddy Guy remains a singular force in American music. Fresh off earning his ninth Grammy® Award in 2026 for Best Traditional Blues Album (Ain't Done with the Blues), the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and one of the last living architects of electric blues will celebrate a historic milestone with the Buddy Guy 90 Tour, featuring select headline performances across North America in 2026.



Broadway's

Broadway's Jessica Vosk to Play bergenPAC on March 14th

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Broadway's Jessica Vosk (Wicked, Hell's Kitchen) will play a one-night-only concert at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The concert features an opening performance by Lyndhurst local and Syracuse University student Angelina Brennen, who starred as Fiona in bergenPAC's 2025 summer production of Shrek: The Musical. Showtime is 8:00pm.