The Other Singing Elvis
Unlike the long-deceased music icon who shares his first name, Elvis Costello has been surprisingly successful at maturing—both artistically and otherwise—with minimal embarrassment. It’s unlikely fans of the jittery, acerbic British rocker’s 1977 debut could’ve ever pictured Costello working with Burt Bacharach—let alone teaming up with pop-standards legend for an album (1998’s acclaimed Painted From Memory) and tour. Indeed, these days, the 52-year-old author of the punk/new wave classics “Allison,” “Pump It Up,” “Accidents Will Happen” and “Everyday I Write the Book” appears to have abandoned his old, edgy ways completely, experimenting quite admirably with jazz and classical music. He also spent some time teaching music at UCLA and collaborated with New Orleans R&B legend Allen Toussaint on 2006’s The River in Reverse, an album inspired by the Hurricane Katrina disaster. Backed by the Mann Festival Orchestra as part of the PECO Pops series on Sept. 8, Costello will be free to explore his more recent material—though you can’t rule out a dip into the old rock songbook. 8 p.m. $49-$79. 5201 Parkside Ave., Philadelphia. Call (215) 893-1999 or visit manncenter.org. —Hobart Rowland
Equine Elegance
One of the most prestigious dressage and sport horse breeding shows outside of Europe, Dressage at Devon draws 35,000-plus spectators each year. The 33rd annual event runs Sept. 25-30 at Devon Horse Show fairgrounds, with prize money and awards valued at more than $50,000. Hobnob with Olympian riders and Olympic-level judges from around the world, shop in the festival area boutique or sip mimosas on the midway while touring the various exhibitions. And if you really want to get into competition, rent a digital FM radio receiver ($30/one day, $45/two days, $60/three days) and listen to the experts describe the riders’ movements and learn why the judges give the scores they do. Dressage is also well known for its culinary offerings, voted “best food on the show circuit” by the competitors. Proceeds from the event benefit Thorncroft Therapeutic Horseback Riding. $8-$20. Lancaster Avenue, Devon. Call (484) 358-5510 or visit dressageatdevon.org. —Kate Savo
Special Delivery
Travel around the world and back in time at the Philadelphia National Stamp Exhibition Sept. 7-9. Collectors young and old will be wowed by the scope of this year’s exhibitors and dealers, who gather from around the world to compete for medals and prizes. Annual favorites include exhibits on the past, which cover everything from the Colonial military to how independent post offices helped “fight the feds.” Tour guides are on hand to walk you through the exhibits, which catalog the rich history of the United States and celebrate the cultures of countries as far away as India. So even if you aren’t bitten by the stamp-collecting bug, at least you’ll get a painless education. $3/day, $5/weekend; under 18 free. Valley Forge Convention Center, 1160 1st Ave., King of Prussia. Call (215) 951-6264 or visit home.att.net/~pnse. —Kelly Faber
