Photos: Elvis Costello and the Imposters at The Uptown

January 29, 2024

Allison Scavo,

Elvis Costello & the Imposters. // photo by Allison Scavo

Elvis Costello & the Imposters

The Uptown Theater

Thursday, January 25

Elvis Costello first hit Billboard charts in 1983 and has stayed in the limelight since. Dubbed a favorite artist by so many, even a fictional character in my favorite show said Elvis Costello is his favorite; referring to him as “a guy with a band.” The show ended probably 15 years ago and I still distinctly remember that line.

Elvis Costello & the Imposters. // photo by Allison Scavo

Costello brought that adored energy and beloved songs to Kansas City this past Friday and joyously interacted with the audience, telling funny stories that led the venue so focused there wasn’t otherwise a single sound, so intensely did everyone want to hear what Costello had to say.

Costello and the members of the Imposters surprised audiences throughout the performance by switching instruments. The frontman was encircled by guitars so it was predicted he would change those out, but to shift gears entirely and head over to keys for a jazzy song was beautiful to encounter the first time.

The music naturally genrebent all night, keeping us on our toes, with Costello doing more than perform a concert: this was the epitome of a show that genuinely entertained the masses and had us wondering what was next.

Costello was definitely not one to miss, and now I know why everyone, including fictional characters, dote over this talented, funny, amusing, intriguing musician.

All photos by Allison Scavo.

Elvis Costello & the Imposters

Elvis Costello & the Imposters setlist
A Town Called Riddle
American Gangster Time
Hetty O’Hara Confidential
Radio Radio
Mystery Dance
My Baby Just Squeals (You Heal)
I Don’t Want Your Lyndon Johnson (including Gimme That Wine snippet)
Like Licorice on Your Tongue
Man Out of Time
Lipstick Vogue
Watching the Detectives
The Greatest Love (Lee Dorsey cover)
Blood & Hot Sauce
Everybody’s Cryin’ Mercy (Mose Allison cover)
Mexican Divorce / Brilliant Mistake / Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Clubland (including Ghost Town and Insensatez snippets)
Wonder Woman
What If I Can’t Give You Anything but Love?
Everyday I Write the Book
Alison
Pump It Up
(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding (Brinsley Schwarz cover)