Photos: Elvis Costello & the Imposters brought intimate nostalgia to the Uptown

Allison Scavo,
Photo Jul 02 2025 10 46 56 Am

Elvis Costello and The Imposters. // photo by Allison Scavo

Elvis Costello and The Imposters
Uptown Theater
Tuesday, July 1

Elvis Costello and The Imposters delivered a quiet and powerful performance at the Uptown Theater in Kansas City last night, a perfect, historical venue for such an intimate set. As part of his Radio Soul! Tour, Costello leaned into nostalgia with a setlist spanning hits like “Watching the Detectives,” “Alison,” and “Everyday I Write the Book” in stripped-down, emotionally touching versions.

The atmosphere was eerily quiet at times as the near-silent and respectful audience hung on every word, letting the music breathe and settle deeply. Costello offered more than just a concert, it felt like a shared, private recital. He occasionally paused to share wry anecdotes, but it was the music, delivered with a weathered, soulful voice, that spoke loudest.

This wasn’t a night for spectacle or showmanship; it was about feeling every note and remembering why these songs endure. In a world full of noise, Costello reminded Kansas City of the power of silence.

All photos by Allison Scavo

Elvis Costello and The Imposters setlist
Mystery Dance
Watching the Detectives
Green Shirt
Less Than Zero
Home Truth
The Invisible Man
Shabby Doll
Accidents Will Happen
Fish ’n’ Chip Paper
Opportunity
Strict Time
Brilliant Mistake
A Case of You (Joni Mitchell cover)
Poisoned Rose
Deportee
Living in Paradise
Domino (Van Morrison cover)
Te recuerdo Amanda (Víctor Jara cover)
Almost Blue
The Comedians
Clubland
I Can’t Stand Up for Falling Down (Sam & Dave cover)
Everyday I Write the Book
Alison
(I Don’t Want to Go to) Chelsea
Pump It Up
Radio Radio
(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding (Brinsley Schwarz cover)

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