Sweet with a Splash of Heavy: Vana Takes Over Chicago’s Bottom Lounge

Posted on May 4, 2026 by Rockstar Culture in Concert Reviews // 0 Comments

▣Bottom Lounge | Chicago, IL ▣Friday, May 1st, 2026
▣Photographer/Journalist: Pedro Diaz

The Sabrina Carpenter of the rock/metal scene, Vana has quickly carved out a space all her own – where polished pop sensibilities are dragged through distortion, screamed over breakdowns, and rebuilt with a heavier edge. Balancing catchy melodies, emotional lyricism, and explosive live energy; she delivered a performance in Chicago that kept the crowd locked in and, by the end of the night, clearly wanting more. Before Vana even stepped on stage, the night at Bottom Lounge was for the show to start the lineup had rising opening bands that each brought their own distinct energy and style to the room.

A performer singing passionately on stage, wearing sunglasses and a dark jacket, surrounded by dramatic pink lighting.

First up was RedHook, who immediately set the tone with high energy and attitude. Their blend of aggression and catchy hooks warmed the crowd up quickly, breaking any early hesitation in the room. What made them stand out was how their set felt almost like multiple acts in one. From the opening track “Bomb.com,” the energy was explosive – flashing lights, infectious lyrics, and a club-like atmosphere pulled the crowd in instantly. But as the set progressed, the energy shifted in dynamic ways, highlighted by frontwoman Emmy Mack, who appeared in different stage outfits throughout. It was a small detail that made a big impact, keeping the performance visually engaging and holding the audience’s attention from start to finish.

A female vocalist passionately performing on stage, holding a microphone with one hand while gesturing with the other. She is dressed in a black outfit with fishnet stockings, and a colorful backdrop featuring playful designs is visible behind her. A musician can be seen in the background.

Next, Deadlands shifted the atmosphere into something darker and more emotionally intense. Their set leaned into heavier textures and the raw vocal delivery of Kasey Karlsen, adding both weight and depth to the night while keeping the audience fully engaged. From moshing to a full-on wall of death, they maintained a strong connection not only within the band, but also with the fans in the crowd. Deadlands clearly knew exactly how to get the room riled up, and by the end of their set, it was hard not to be excited about the future of the band and hearing more music to come.

A passionate female singer performing on stage, holding a microphone and expressing intense emotions, with vibrant stage lighting in the background.

Then came Chandler Leighton, who brought a contrasting softness that still carried emotional weight. Her performance balanced vulnerability with control, giving the crowd a moment to breathe while still staying connected to the overall energy of the show. Overall, the set felt especially special, particularly toward the end with the song “Waiting for You to Heal.” I still get chills thinking about it. It wasn’t just me – the performance moved others in the room as well, bringing some to tears and leaving many speechless. It’s a genuinely beautiful, healing song.

By the time Chandler Leighton wrapped her set, the crowd was ready for all hell to break loose. The venue lights cut out, red lights flooded the stage, and Vana took everything to another level.

Visually Vana made just as strong of an impact as she did sonically. Stepping on stage in a striking red dress, paired with her signature bright red hair, she immediately became the focal point of the room. Before “Prey” even began, the stage was washed in deep red lighting, setting a dark, almost ominous tone. The band members appeared in masks, adding a layer of mystery and intensity that made the entire opening feel more like a full production than just the start of a set. It was a moment that perfectly captured what makes Vana stand out – her ability to blend aesthetic, atmosphere, and sound into one cohesive experience.

A performer with bright red hair and a tattooed arm passionately sings into a microphone while wearing a vibrant red outfit decorated with floral patterns.

One of the night’s standout highlights came with her newer track, “In Your Name.” Live, the song hit even harder, balancing catchy, almost pop-like melodies with heavy breakdowns that shook the room. The contrast felt effortless, and the crowd responded to every shift, proving just how strong the track already is. If this performance was any indication, “In Your Name” could easily become one of her defining songs moving forward.

By the end of the night, it was clear that this wasn’t just another tour stop – it was a statement. For an artist still building toward a full-length debut, Vana performed with the confidence and control of someone already deep into their career. Every element – from the visuals to the vocals. Felt intentional. Leaving little doubt about the direction she’s heading. With a full album expected later this fall, her first headlining tour feels less like an introduction and more like the beginning of something much bigger. If her performance in Chicago at Bottom Lounge proved anything, it’s that Vana isn’t just rising—she’s arriving. And if this show was any indication, the next time she returns, it’ll be to an even bigger stage with an even louder crowd waiting for her.

Check out our contributor photographer, Pedro photos now!

REDHOOK

A musician playing a colorful electric guitar on stage, wearing a black 'BONES' t-shirt, with stage lighting illuminating the scene.
A performer singing into a microphone on stage, wearing sunglasses and a black jacket, with red stage lighting creating a vibrant atmosphere.
A singer wearing sunglasses and a black oversized jacket passionately performs on stage with a microphone, surrounded by stage lights and a dimly lit background.
A musician performing on stage, playing an electric guitar, wearing a black graphic t-shirt with the word 'BONE' and standing next to a microphone.
A dynamic live performance featuring a guitarist and a vocalist energetically engaging with the audience, illuminated by vibrant stage lights.
A performer on stage with vibrant lighting, smiling and pointing upwards, wearing stylish stage attire, with a backdrop featuring colorful graphics.
Singer performing on stage with a microphone under purple lights, smiling while engaging with the audience.
A musician playing a turquoise bass guitar on stage, surrounded by colorful stage lights and equipment, with a focused expression.
A live concert scene featuring a female vocalist passionately performing on stage, holding a microphone, while a male guitarist plays in the background. The stage is illuminated with colorful lights and has a patterned backdrop.
A female performer on stage with long, flowing hair, wearing a stylish outfit, passionately singing into a microphone under dramatic red stage lights.
A performer with long hair raises one arm while holding a microphone, surrounded by dynamic stage lighting and smoke effects.
A musician with long hair playing a light blue bass guitar on stage, illuminated by red and green stage lights.
A musician performing on stage holding an electric guitar, wearing a black graphic t-shirt, with stage lights illuminating the background.
A singer with long, wavy hair passionately performs on stage, holding a microphone, while wearing a padded jacket adorned with designs. The scene is illuminated by vibrant stage lights.

DEADLANDS

A female vocalist passionately performing on stage, holding a microphone with one hand, while a guitarist plays in the background. The stage is illuminated with colorful lights, and a patterned backdrop is visible.
A drummer in a black graphic t-shirt and cap performing on stage, making a 'rock on' gesture with one hand.
A female singer passionately performing on stage with a microphone, wearing a black outfit and holding a hand gesture. A male guitarist is visible in the background, and colorful stage lights illuminate the scene.
A drum player performing energetically on stage, making a rock hand gesture and sticking out his tongue.
A performer singing into a microphone on stage, with colorful lights in the background.
A female singer passionately performing on stage with a microphone in hand, captured in black and white. The stage is illuminated with lights, and a decorated backdrop is visible behind her.
A musician on stage with tattoos and piercings, wearing a sleeveless black top, performing under dramatic lighting.
A performer singing into a microphone during a live music event, wearing a black cap and a dark shirt, with a guitar in hand and colorful stage lights in the background.
A musician singing into a microphone while playing an electric guitar on stage. The scene is illuminated by colorful stage lighting, highlighting the performer's focused expression.
A musician passionately performing on stage with a guitar, while a female vocalist sings beside them. The scene is lively, featuring dramatic lighting and a rock concert atmosphere.
A performer passionately singing on stage with dramatic lighting during a concert.
A female singer stands on stage holding a microphone, wearing a green outfit with tattoos visible on her arm, illuminated by colorful stage lights.

CHANDLER LEIGHTON

A performer with long red hair stands on stage in a colorful, eclectic outfit while singing into a microphone. The background features a patterned backdrop with various designs.
A female musician playing a bass guitar on stage, wearing a red top with black lace details and looking focused.
A performer with long red hair is singing into a microphone on stage, wearing a stylish outfit with intricate patterns and accessories. The background includes colorful stage lights and a patterned banner.
A female vocalist passionately performing on stage with an intense expression, holding a microphone in one hand and letting her long, red hair flow.
A singer on stage with a microphone, wearing a black outfit and striking a dramatic pose under stage lights.
A performer singing passionately into a microphone on stage, with vibrant lighting and a lively atmosphere.
A musician performing on stage with a bass guitar, wearing a stylish outfit and posing confidently amidst colorful stage lights.
A female singer performing on stage with a microphone, wearing a bold costume with fishnet and stripes, energetic pose, and colorful stage lights in the background.
A musician playing an electric bass guitar on stage, smiling, with stage lights in the background.
A performer playing a bass guitar on stage, wearing a red dress with black accents, under dramatic lighting.
A singer with red hair performing on stage, holding a microphone, dressed in a stylish outfit with tattoos visible on her arms, with colorful lighting in the background.

VANA

A performer with bright red hair sings passionately into a microphone while wearing a vibrant red dress. The stage is illuminated with colorful lights, creating a dynamic atmosphere.
A female performer with bright red hair sings passionately on stage, wearing a red dress with puffed sleeves and holding a microphone. She has tattoos visible on her arms and sparkling makeup on her face, surrounded by colorful stage lights.
A female singer performing on stage, wearing a dramatic red outfit with lace details. She holds a microphone and is passionately singing, surrounded by warm red lighting and musical instruments in the background.
A female singer passionately performing on stage, holding a microphone adorned with glitter, wearing a striking outfit with intricate patterns. The background features colorful stage lights, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
A vocalist with long red hair passionately performing on stage, wearing a red floral outfit and holding a sparkling microphone. The background features dramatic stage lighting and a drum set.
A musician performing on stage, wearing a mask and a dark shirt, playing an electric guitar under dramatic lighting with red and green hues.
A female singer with red hair performs on stage, wearing a glittery red outfit and holding a microphone surrounded by colorful stage lights.
A musician wearing a mask and black clothing plays an electric guitar on stage, with dramatic lighting and shadow effects in the background.
A female vocalist passionately singing into a microphone while performing on stage, illuminated by red stage lights. She has long hair and is wearing a gothic-style outfit with a spiked necklace.
A female singer with red hair and a red dress performs on stage, holding a microphone, with a drum set and stage lights in the background.
A musician playing an electric guitar on stage, illuminated by red and pink stage lights, wearing a black outfit and featuring intricate tattoos.
A performer passionately singing into a microphone with elaborate stage lighting and a drum set in the background.
A female singer with vibrant red hair performs on stage, holding a microphone adorned with glitter. She wears a colorful outfit and has intricate tattoos on her arms, with dramatic stage lighting in red and blue hues.
A performer with red hair in a striking outfit stands on stage, surrounded by colorful stage lights and smoke.
Close-up of a woman with bright red hair, wearing dark clothing and a choker, performing on stage under red lighting.
A close-up of a female singer with red hair and tattoos, holding a microphone and performing on stage with dramatic lighting.
A musician playing a bass guitar on stage, wearing a mask, with colorful stage lights in the background.
A singer with long hair and tattoos performs energetically on stage, holding a microphone aloft, while a guitarist and drummer are in the background. The stage is illuminated with vibrant pink and purple lights.
A performer with red hair and dramatic makeup sings into a microphone, wearing a red lace outfit on stage with colorful lights in the background.
A female performer in a red, ornate costume stands on stage, raising a microphone with one hand. She has tattoos and a confident expression, illuminated by red stage lights with instruments visible in the background.
A performer with vibrant red hair sings into a microphone on stage, wearing a red dress with puffed sleeves. The stage is illuminated by colorful lights.
A musician wearing a decorative black mask with long hair, performing on stage with colorful lights in the background.
A female performer on stage, wearing a black and purple dress with a lively expression, singing into a microphone while illuminated by stage lights. A band member is visible in the background with instruments set up behind them.

Check out their websites for more info –

Readhook

Deadlands

Chandler Leighton

Vana

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