LIVE, IN PHOTOS: Jenny Lewis “On the Line” Tour at Chicago’s Riviera Theatre

The glam singer-songwriter took the stage in a sparkling sequin catsuit. 
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LIVE, IN PHOTOS: Jenny Lewis “On the Line” Tour at Chicago’s Riviera Theatre

The glam singer-songwriter took the stage in a sparkling sequin catsuit. 

Words: Joshua Mellin

June 11, 2019

photo by Joshua Mellin

Jenny Lewis’ “On The Line” tour returned to the road this weekend, as the Los Angeles singer whisked through the Windy City, making up a Chicago date cancelled in March after her tour bus broke down.

Between her time as frontwoman of Rilo Kiley, supergroup/side-projects The Postal Service and Nice As Fuck, and an ever-evolving solo catalog, Lewis has steadily remained one of the most influential voices in indie rock. Her most recent album, On the Line, was released in March and has been one of the year’s most celebrated records. 

Taking the Riviera Theatre stage in a sparkling silver catsuit to Tommy Tutone’s “867-5309/Jenny,” Lewis strutted out from behind her custom-painted pastel piano, beginning the night with two highlights from her new release, “Heads Gonna Roll” and “Wasted Youth,” before following them up with a spirited take on “The Big Guns” from her 2006 solo debut with The Watson Twins, Rabbit Fur Coat. 

In addition to the new album, Lewis is releasing not only her promised paired wine, the aptly named On the Vine, but also a handpicked weed strain named for the song “Rabbit Hole.” A collaboration with Glass House Farms, the seeds are said to have originated from a 1991 Grateful Dead show. 

Having made amends with the Chicago faithful by sporting a personalized “LEWIS” Bulls jersey, the rest of Lewis’ setlist sampled heavily from her varied career. She continued with the trippy title track off 2014’s The Voyager and Rilo Kiley classics “Silver Lining” and “With Arms Outstretched,” the latter lit only by fans’ cell phones as giant balloons bounced around the purple-hued Riv. 

Lewis closed the night by dipping into Acid Tongue, her 2008 sophomore effort, ending the set with the hippie-anthem title track. The “On the Line” Tour stretches beyond the summer and includes dates with Death Cab for Cutie. Go here to see when she’ll be in your city.

For a few more JLew pix, click through the gallery below.