The groovy pop sensation, Jenny Lewis, was more than prepared to impress the House of Blues crowd on this warm mid-Summer Thursday (07.13.23) with her magenta shimmering fringe backdrop and dazzling red and blue lights. Her last time through town she opened for heartthrob Harry Styles at a sold-out Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Lewis was ready to scale back as she transported the audience to a 70s pop club and they loved it! Following her latest Dave Cobb-produced album ‘Joy’All,’ which dropped just last month on Blue Note Records, Lewis was ready to showcase her new work to eager listeners in Cleveland.
The former Rilo Kiley frontwoman and her fantastic band were dramatically unveiled from the curtains on stage. The colors and dancing lights were psychedelic. Lewis was decked out in a classic look for the alt-country singer, a tight high waisted two-piece number, and best believe it was made of a beautiful intricate pattern in black and white.
There was a cool and collected spirit to their opening song “Psychos,” letting the ‘Joy’All’ track wash over the night as a liberating sentiment to peace of mind. It flowed effortlessly into “Do Si Do” off Lewis’ 2019 album ‘On the Line.’ The slow dance disco tune had everyone hitting a one-two step. The country twinges complemented the more pop and rock sound and was endlessly catchy and welcomed all night.
Although on the road to support her recent album, Lewis made sure to fill her set with a wide range of tracks from her previous efforts as well. “Just One of the Guys” and its unwavering views against the expectations placed on women came early, and the attitude was held steady throughout the night. “She’s Not Me” from her 2014 album, ‘The Voyager,’ gave the crowd even more of those feminist vibes. With lines like:
“All those times we were making love,
I never thought we’d be breaking up,
Bet you tell her I’m crazy”
The Crowd was taken by surprise when big red and white balloons flew from behind the stage, during “Little White Dove.” The balloons bobbled and fell through the air semi-gracefully, being hit from the stage to Lewis and back to the crowd. It was an even sweeter surprise to realize that the balloons (as well as the drum kit) were adorned with Lewis’ beloved dog, Bobby Rhubarb looking as distinguished as ever.
The show was full of fun and playful moments. In the middle of the set she took the time to pick up the telephone mic and check in with her pup before jumping into her song, “Puppy and a Truck.” A little later in the set, Lewis gifted some lucky fans with some chapsticks as well as guitar picks. One eager fan even had a gift for Jenny to which she replied “Is this some kind of salve?” *Writer’s note: I think it was? I didn’t get a good look*
All great things must come to an end, and this great show had a great ending! As the balloons continued bouncing and popping, Lewis transitioned into her final song, “Acid Tongue,” changing the lyrics just for our city:
“’cause I’ve been down to Cleveland and dropped acid on my tongue”
The audience went wild! Lewis gave the people the peace and badassery that they’ve been looking for and can’t find anywhere else.
The disco country star couldn’t have performed such an exciting show without help from some great openers. Hayden Pedigo was the first opener and his avant-garde folk sound allowed him to get lost in the vibrations. Jenny O also performed as a precursor and put the spotlight on her latest release, ‘Spectra’, playing over half of the album during her fantastic set. Tonight served as a great reminder to get shows early to see amazing performances from openers. Maybe you will find your next favorite act!
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