Full Circle
When did I get so old? Last night I went to see Elvis Costello and the Sugarcanes with my 19-year-old daughter Anna. Just to get it out of the way, I’ll tell you that I am a HUGE Elvis Costello fan. Have been since the late ‘70s.
I wasn’t going to go because, well, as an adult there are many other ways to spend money. These are the things that have broken at our house in the past year: Stove, refrigerator, daughter Mary’s car, my car, dryer, air conditioner. Appliances = major $$. Discretionary income = zero $$. But, my nice family knows my love for Elvis Costello. When I got home from work yesterday, Anna had gotten me an Elvis Costello and the Sugarcanes poster signed by the artist, and my husband encouraged me to go get a ticket, even though I felt guilty. Anna decided to go with me. I didn’t need more encouragement. I think this was my 5th Elvis Costello concert (3rd time at the Cain’s). Elvis’s first visit to the Cain’s was in 1978.
The concert exceeded my expectations. Elvis in his snappy suit and purple fedora, polka dot shirt and trademark specs. He’s not angry anymore, but still puts on a spell-binding show. Of course, all the diehard Elvis fans sang along to “Mystery Dance,” “Every Day I Write the Book,” “Allison,” “The Angels Want to Wear My Red Shoes,” and the finale – “What’s So Funny About Peace, Love and Understandin’?” The Sugarcanes smoothed out the edges and put a slightly bluesy, country spin on the old favorites, but Elvis doesn’t disappoint. His music is always sincere, intelligent, ironic and funny.
Elvis and I have been together for over 30 happy years. I’m so glad I didn’t miss this concert. Seeing Elvis Costello — $40; Seeing Elvis Costello with my daughter — Priceless.
