_{Paramount Theatre
October 22}

by Eli John

Elvis Costello comes to town for a benefit solo concert at the Paramount Theatre this month. The legend, who has churned out more than two dozen albums since the ‘70s, will hold a one-off concert to kick-start fundraising for The Musician Treatment Foundation, a new Austin-based nonprofit dedicated to the medical needs of professional musicians. For the gig, whimsically titled “Hits & Headlines / Waifs & Strays,” Costello promises to showcase some of his best-known songs alongside newer and deeper cuts. A portrait of thoughtfulness, Costello is hesitant to take his hits for granted, but would rather “earn the right to sing them again” in new contexts.

Costello’s appearance at the engagement is more than incidental: both he and his wife, jazz musician Diana Krall, sit on the board of The Musician Treatment Foundation. The Foundation’s goals broadly target the medical ailments associated with the musical profession. In addition to helping musicians—regardless of their insurance status—gain access to orthopedic care, the Foundation aims to fund research on medical issues which specifically afflict musicians. It’s easy for us laypeople to forget that shreddin’ on guitar too much can rip your muscles to shreds!