Only for Jenny Lewis

Two trips to Cleveland in ten days. Both up and back in the same night. And until Thursday morning, I still hemmed and hawed about going.

But life is short. So is Jenny Lewis, especially compared to bandmates The Watson Twins, but she unquestionably led the group through an affable, eclectic set of songs well-known to the few hundred people crowded into Cleveland's House of Blues.


Just Lewis' happy presence made a difference in the show. The energy and songwriting shone through the simmering gold dresses Lewis and the twins switched into during an interlude from her fine backing band.

Bands with one album have it rough on the concert circuit. Lewis never delved into the Rilo Kiley catalogue and stuck to Rabbit Fur Coat interspersed with new songs.

The show barreled right into a short encore with the album's title track - Lewis couldn't contain a smile as the audience yelled out its praise. Concluding with her spot-on cover of "Handle with Care" by the Traveling Wilburys (best supergroup ever - Dylan, Harrison, Petty Orbison plus Jeff Lynne), she did what every artist aspires to: left the audience wanting a whole lot more. New songs are great, but we need a little more than an hour next time, Jenny.


The Cleveland-Columbus shuffle grows old quickly, and the schedule has no more must-see shows that are skipping a capital performance. Because I can't run around tired like this all the time. Coffee can only serve as a crutch for so long. But as someone reminded me, it was self-inflicted. And I wouldn't have it any other way.