Country-rock royalty Pure Prairie League returns to The Kate
Pure Prairie League
Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center • 300 Main St, Old Saybrook, CT 06475
June 26, 2025
Click here to purchase tickets
Pure Prairie League
Music is a longtime friend, one that comes in and out of our lives right when we need it most. When that longtime friend has something new to say, we embrace it with the same heart and soul as before. It forever sounds familiar, and it immediately strengthens that bond.
Country-rock royalty Pure Prairie League, a seminal outfit during the ‘70s and ‘80s movement that brought mainstream success to the Country-rock and Southern Rock genre, continues to ride the revival wave with Back on Track, the group’s first studio album in nearly two decades. Back on Track, released December 6, 2024 on Pure Prairie League Records, 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.
Today’s Pure Prairie League features founding member John David Call on pedal steel guitar; Scott Thompson on drums, percussion, and vocals; Randy Harper on keyboards and vocals; Jeffrey Zona on guitars and vocals; and Jared Camic on bass and vocals. Back on Track also boasts special guests Jenifer Wrinkle on fiddle; Jeff (Birdman) Kirk on alto sax; Mat Britain on steel drums and percussion; and Gary Burr, a PPL member in the mid-80s and late-90s, on vocals.
Produced by veteran PPL bassist and bandleader Michael Reilly, Back on Track was recorded at Riverfront Recorders in Madison, Tennessee with additional recording at Twilight Zona Studio in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Initially, Back on Track began in early 2023 as an idea for an EP to showcase the three newest members of PPL – Harper, Camic, and Zona. But that quickly morphed into an entire band record that spotlights the new as it pays homage to the old. And for longtime PPL fans, there’s even a familiar visual treat.
“I called my old friend Bill Brown, who had done the illustrations for our last project in 2005, All in Good Time,” says Reilly. “Once again, Bill captured the spirit of our old cowpoke/mascot “Sad Luke,” while contemporizing the feel to reflect the band’s history, as well as the old-is-new approach to the music. The concept, the colors, the feel and the mood were everything we wanted.”
Back on Track flows like a freshwater river making its way through moss-covered rocks to its home in a cool clear lake. Those who remember the ‘70s glory days of “Amie”, “Two Lane Highway” and “Let Me Love You Tonight” will be delighted at how much PPL has preserved its style. New fans will rejoice in the uncluttered musicianship, sing-along lyrics, and accessible blend of Country, Rock, Pop and Rhythm and Blues.
Among the gems on Back on Track are:
“The Beginning” – Classic PPL right here, from the soaring harmonies propelling the crisp chorus to the melodic blend of country, rock, and pop. A great opener written by band member Jeffrey Zona that instantly establishes sonic familiarity.
“I’m the Lucky One” – What’s better than a Pure Prairie League love song? How about one with a rollicking, twangy rhythm and fresh vocals that ride atop the kind of melody that feels like a breezy drive through the Blue Ridge or the Rocky Mountains.
“Picture Perfect Life” – Again, Zona pens a foot-stomping kicker that makes infectious use of pedal steel guitar, drums and percussion, bluesy guitar licks, and, of course, their signature stacked harmonies. One of the most immediately catchy tunes on the album.
“Back On Track” – New Prairie Leaguer Jared Camic kicks it into high gear on the album’s title track and closing tune, which ventures squarely into Southern rock territory. This is an anthem waiting to happen, a fist-raising number that leaves listeners wanting more.
Throughout its 54-year existence, Pure Prairie League has built a legacy that survived the twists and turns of the music industry as well as the revolving door of members during its decades-long career. There has never been a shortage of demand for the band to play theaters and festivals, even when there was no new music to promote. With a catalog of best-selling albums, particularly Bustin’ Out, Two Lane Highway and Firin’ Up, as well as a handful of Top 40 pop hits, most notably “Amie” and “Let Me Love You Tonight,” PPL cherishes the past as it relishes the future.
“We’re hoping that our fans will be as pleased with the new record as we are proud of what we’ve done,” says Reilly. “I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the scores of people past and present that have contributed to the sound and the legacy of PPL. We could not have done it and lasted this long without their love, loyalty, and expertise. It’s been a long and rewarding journey so far. We offer sincere thanks to all our family and friends for your continuing support.”
Don’t Miss
• District Music Hall Weekly Round-up: Stiff Little Fingers and 10cc announced
• Little Theatre of Manchester’s Jukebox Series at Cheney Hall to Feature Tributes to The Beatles, Elvis, Buffett, Abba, Doo Wop and Cat Stevens in May
• Westville Music Bowl announces John Mulaney with guests Fred Armisen, Mike Birbiglia & Nick Kroll, and Cypress Hill
•••• Message center – Connecticut savings and messages from our sponsors •••••••
Connecticut Merch
If you’re from Connecticut or just love it, then you’ve come to the right place. Show your state pride with our assortment of unique Connecticut merchandise.
Our popular collections 203 • Two o’ Three • 860 • Eight Six O’ • I Really Really Miss Connecticut • Just a kid from Connecticut • Pride • Love & Live • Connecticut Fall
We also have merch by town, not all towns are available yet. You can always contact us and we can order the design you are looking for.
Save 10% on all products with promo code Post10. Always free shipping
AMG Catering & Events Spring Cooking Schedule
4/30 – Cinco de Mayo Class – Click here for more information
5/14 – Spring Sauce Class – Click here for more information
5/21 – Hibachi / Blackstone Class — Click here for more information
Gourmet Cookies
Indulge in Keksi gourmet cookies, featuring classic flavors such as chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, as well as new monthly creations. Made with the highest quality ingredients, each bite is a delicious treat. Perfect for any cookie lover!
Movie showtimes at Prospector Theater
Looking to see a movie. Click here for showtimes
Save on CBD!
My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding Connecticut. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.
Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code Findingconnecticut35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. And don’t forget, returning customers can use code Findingconnecticut20 to save 20% on orders. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.
Products we use here at Finding Connecticut include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops • Pet Treats
Let’s create with Victory Designs
Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.
Connecticut business owners:
Are you a local business owner in Connecticut looking to boost your visibility and reach more customers? Look no further! Our platform provides a unique opportunity to showcase your business to an engaged audience of people who love and live in Connecticut. By partnering with us, you can reach potential customers who are actively seeking things to do, places to dine, and local merchants and service providers to support. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your business and connect with the local community!
Connecticut with us!
Stay informed with daily news directly in your inbox! Our service is completely free, and we guarantee your privacy – your email and information will never be shared, traded, or sold.
Stay connected with us on social media
Facebook • Instagram • Threads • Tiktok • X • Newsbreak • Bluesky
Join our Reddit community
Share your Connecticut experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram
Click here to return to Finding Connecticut’s home page
Don’t miss our reviews
Concert reviews • Restaurant reviews • Family restaurant reviews
Looking for the latest news by region, topic, and events
Latest news by region
Fairfield County • Hartford County • Litchfield County • Middlesex County • New Haven County • New London County• Tolland County • Windham County
Latest sports news by team
Hartford Wolf Pack • Hartford Yard Goats • Connecticut Sun • Norwich Sea Unicorns •
2025 schedules
Hartford Wolf Pack • Hartford Yard Goats • Connecticut Sun • Norwich Sea Unicorns
Events by region
Fairfield County • Hartford County • Litchfield County • New Haven County • New London County • Middlesex County • Tolland County • Windham County
Events by Interest
Art • Sports • Family Friendly • History • Concerts • Farmers’ Markets
Events by the month
April 2025 • May 2025 • June 2025 • July 2025 • August 2025 • September 2025 • October 2025 • November 2025 • December 2025
Events by venue
College Street Music Hall • Space Ballroom • Westville Music Bowl • District Music Hall • Fairfield Theatre Company • Hartford Stage • The Bushnell • Goodspeed Opera House • Mohegan Sun • Foxwoods • New York Comedy Club Stamford • Westport Country Playhouse • Goodspeed Opera House