The Penguin Rocks logo
The Penguin Rocks Menu




The Newton Theatre presents Pure Prairie League

originally published: 12/12/2024

The Newton Theatre presents Pure Prairie League

(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. 



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



"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.


 

COLUMNS


Makin Waves Song of the Week: "We're in This Together" by The New Bardots

With the first single off their new LP, "Endless Drool," The NEW Bardots deviate just a bit to bring us a message with a rock bottom line.




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites...2/13/25




This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from February 11-17, 2025




Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Slight Return (Run That Shit Back)" by Chris Rockwell feat. Chill Smith and Izzy Miz





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




 

MORE NEWS

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy® Award-winning guitarist, Peter Frampton – Let's Do It Again! Tour on Monday, April 7, 2025 at 7:30pm. Tickets range from $80-$360.


Katchats with John Harris and other artists regarding sscapemay 2025




Lizzie Rose Music Room presents bluesman Selwyn Birchwood




Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation Announces List of 2025 Performer Nominees




Rick Springfield, John Waite, Wang Chung, and Paul Young to bring the "I Want My 80s Tour" to NJPAC






 

UPCOMING SHOWS


Subaru Announces 2025 Subaru Winterfest Locations and Music Lineup led by Headliner Grace Potter

(CAMDEN, NJ) --/PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc., and its WinterFest partner, POWDR, announced the return of the automaker's annual mountain tour, Subaru WinterFest, the premier winter playground for music fans, skiers, snowboarders, and dog lovers alike. WinterFest will be arriving at six mountain destinations across the U.S. this winter.


Makin Waves with Tusk: Chemistry, Synergy, Intuition




NJPAC presents Latin Star Natalia Lafourcade




Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory Charm and Rock The Stone Pony!






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


The Penguin Rocks

© 2025 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
info@newjerseystage.com

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