February 2, 2006 - The Vista Theatre, Hoolywood, Ca

 Sneaking in the back, I arrived during Jonathan Rice (acoustic guitar) and Farmer Dave’s (organ/keyboard) set and stood next to Jenny Lewis and friend as they hid in the dark corner of the theater.  Tonight was going to be a somewhat classy affair, an acoustic set at the Vista Theater on Sunset. The Vista usually shows movies, and it is known for its great leg room and its nice theater architecture and décor…not as a venue for live music.  

The theater was packed and felt a bit like a high school performance with fans and friends bantering with the musicians while seated in somewhat comfortable high school auditorium seats.  

Jonathan Rice and Farmer Dave’s set was pretty good and ended with a sing-a-long of a sad, yet what Rice claimed, was also a happy song.  The verse  “we’re stuck in the desert, and we’re all gonna die…” was probably only made cheerful with because is was performed as a sing-a-long.

After a brief intermission, the Watson Twins came on stage dressing matching gorgeous black gowns, followed by the lovely Jenny Lewis, also in a wonderful black dress. Accompanying her was Jonathan Rice and Farmer Dave. She started off with “Run Devil Run,” the first track on her new solo album, Rabbit Fur Coat off (on Team Love Records).  Her vocals were smooth and engaging, especially when the Watson Twins joined in and harmonized with her.  There were a couple of moments of feedback but these did not mar her performance.  She performed most of the songs on her album and one new track.  During her encore, she even apologized for not having more songs to play.  Overall, the intimacy of the Vista and the acoustic performance was beautiful and a great live performance experience.  Hopefully you will get to see her when she returns to Los Angeles on April 1 to perform at the Orpheum Theater.

- Anna Martino