The British new wave invasion of the late ’70s and early ’80s produced some of the smartest, most literate pop music ever committed to tape. Playin’ English celebrates that era with a tribute to Squeeze, Joe Jackson, and more — and they’re doing it at Daryl’s House, which is about as fitting a venue as you’ll find anywhere for this kind of musical intelligence.
About Playin’ English
Playin’ English is a tribute act that celebrates the golden age of British new wave and pop, focusing on the catalogs of Squeeze, Joe Jackson, and other acts from that fertile era. Squeeze — with the songwriting partnership of Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook — crafted some of the finest pop songs of their generation, earning comparisons to Lennon and McCartney that weren’t entirely hyperbolic. Joe Jackson brought a jazz-informed sophistication to new wave that made his music both commercially successful and critically revered. This tribute honors the wit, melody, and craftsmanship that defined one of the most creative periods in popular music, drawing from a deep well of songs that hold up remarkably well decades later. The era produced a remarkable density of great songwriting, and Playin’ English draws from the best of it — clever, literate pop that rewards close listening.
The Venue
Daryl’s House in Pawling is the perfect setting for a show built on musical nuance and lyrical cleverness. The venue’s excellent sound system and intimate layout mean you’ll catch every clever turn of phrase and melodic detail. Daryl Hall built this place for music lovers who pay attention to the details, and a night of Squeeze and Joe Jackson deep cuts is exactly the kind of smart programming that makes the club special among Hudson Valley venues. The venue’s restaurant and bar round out the experience, making a Thursday night in Pawling feel like a proper occasion.
Tickets & Details
Playin’ English performs at Daryl’s House on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 8 p.m. Tickets are priced at $29 – $40. Get tickets.
This is a show for people who know their Difford & Tilbrook from their Lennon & McCartney — and who understand why both comparisons are valid. British new wave deserves more celebration than it typically gets on this side of the Atlantic, and Daryl’s House is exactly the right room to do it in. If those songs meant something to you then, they’ll mean even more now, heard live in a room that treats them with the respect they deserve.