It rained and it rained and the sky bellowed and slammed out bits of lightning, and we waited watching out the windows for reprieve which seemed to never come. So we just left. Armed with two gunnysacks of collapsible chairs, raincoats and a German umbrella we took the 14 bus to the Rideau Centre where we made a cash stop and continued on to Confederation Park.

We arrived one hour before Mr. Costello was scheduled to appear. The lawn in Confederation Park was a swamp and we gushed through the muck as close to the stage as we could get without hurting or offending anyone. The act performing on stage was a bass and drums duo who had only become such this evening since there trio leader was stuck at the airport due to the storm. They played admirably.

Then the skies cleared a bit and we drank some Beau’s awaiting Elvis. He came out in straw type hat and grey shiny suit with the Imposters (Steve Neive, Pete Thomas and the guy who replaced Bruce Thomas, so the Attractions pretty much). They started with Pump it Up, then the Nick Lowe tune Heart of the City, Mystery Dance, Strict Time from Trust, and a Sqwauking call and response version of Everyday I Write the Book. Then came a craoking Almost Blue and a Clashed out Beyond Belief from Imperial Bedroom. Later came High Fidelity,Clown Strike from Brutal Youth, Peace Love and Understanding, a cover of the Stones “Out of Touch” as well as Bbob Dylan’s Wheel on Fire and Stations of the Cross from National Ransom. And there really isn’t anything like hearing Elvis Costello play Clubland while you are peeing ina Port-a-potty. For the ‘encore’ and Isay encore like that because it was all timed so well to end exactly at 10:30, they played Alison, Watching the Detectives, The Angels Want to Wear my Red Shoes. And lest I forget he did to solo acoustic bits that got a standing ovation.

So yeah one of the best shows ever.

We were so close we could have played catch. So yes very good. Very good indeed.

And I suppose that it should have been obvious to me,however It just occurred to me that Elvis Costello looks like Mr. Dress-Up

It’s a time of Festivals in Ottawa, Dragon Boat, Jazz, Blues and Ribs. Tomorrow evening we will be seeing Elvis Costello just down the street in Confederation Park. I’m not sure what he will be playing but it will be with his band the Imposters. His last few recordings, Momofuku, Secret Profane & Sugar Cane as well as National Ransom have all been very good.

Last time I saw him live was the early 90s at Canada’s Wonderland.

One of my favourite Kinks songs on Ray Davies Birthday as sung by his brother Dave. Apparently they don’t talk anymore.