Jenny Lewis’ résumé includes everything from child actor (The Wizard), frontwoman for a beloved early-’00s indie band (Rilo Kiley), member of a one-off Traveling Wilburys update (“Handle With Care”), and adored solo artist (Rabbit Fur Coat). That last bullet point became even more prominent last year with the release of the excellent The Voyager, a sun-dappled AM-radio throwback and a confident return to form after 2008’s so-so Acid Tongue. Voyager finds Lewis grappling with topics familiar to artists of her age and stature—nostalgia, fame, growing old, looking back, pressing forward—but in a perfectly observed and sharp-tongued way all her own. Produced by Ryan Adams (with assists from Beck, Jonathan Rice, and Lewis herself), the album is as lovely and wide-open as anything Lewis has ever done. Plus, the closing title track is unspeakably gorgeous.
Milwaukee will get a chance to revel in the wonders of both The Voyager and Lewis herself when the singer-songwriter lands at Turner Hall Tuesday, May 19. General admission tickets are $22, and go on sale Friday, January 23 at noon. If recent setlists are any indication, expect plenty of Voyager and Rabbit Fur Coat material, as well as some rare Rilo Kiley gems.