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.


The

The Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD Eugene Onegin

Saturday, May 02, 2026 @ 1:00pm
Monmouth University - Pollak Theatre
400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764
category: music


 

Cold

Cold Shot

Saturday, May 02, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
category: music


 

FJ

FJ – The Music of Foreigner, Journey and Classic Legends

Saturday, May 02, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music


 

Jazz

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis 2026

Sunday, May 03, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music


 

Willie

Willie Nile Band

Sunday, May 03, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Outpost In The Burbs
40 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042
category: music


 



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





 

EVENT PREVIEWS

The

The Barrymore Film Center presents "A Heavenly Evening" featuring Gary Lucas and Feifei Yang

(FORT LEE, NJ) -- The Barrymore Film Center presents "A Heavenly Evening" featuring Gary Lucas and Feifei Yang in a double bill of Chinese music culture on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 7:00pm.



2026

2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12

(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.



Masterwork

Masterwork Music and Art Foundation to Honor Wayne Walters At 65th Birthday Celebration on May 17th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- The Masterwork Music and Art Foundation will celebrate its 65th Anniversary with a gala at the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (21 Normandy Heights Road) in Morristown on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 3:00pm. The event will showcase some of its grant awardees plus honor Wayne Walters, a well-known New Jersey musician who sings, composes, conducts, and has taught and influenced many over the years.



Lily

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

(NEW YORK, NY) -- Lily Vakili will celebrate the release of her Live Wire EP on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at The Francis Kite Club. Doors are at 8:00pm; Showtime is 8:30pm.



Centenary

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

(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company in partnership with the Hackettstown Rotary Club presents Double Vision: The Foreigner Experience on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 8:00pm. The performance will take place in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center with proceeds in part to benefit the many initiatives of the Hackettstown Rotary Club.