The crowd was ready to “BEG” for more after VANA left the stage. 

The New Zealand metal artist brought her The Lady In Red headlining tour to Mahall’s in Lakewood, OH on April 29. This was her very first headlining tour and this particular show was sold-out. The small room was packed wall to wall with people ready to rock out. There was no barricade so people were lined up across the front of the stage.

VANA took the stage in her all red outfit, which was completed with her signature red hair and red sparkly microphone.  Her band dressed in black shirts paired with black masks that looked like they could barely see through.

What stood out to me the most was VANA’s stage presence and vocal range. Her songs quickly transition from clean vocals to heavy screams and she nailed it effortlessly. Her microphone was on – holding back or faking it. She showcased her ability to do the vocals you hear on the recorded tracks. And when she hit those screams, the crowd went crazy. They lived for the heavy moments to rage with her. 

Paired with the killer vocals was VANA’s two modes: sassy and sweet. There were moments when she would smirk at the crowd but she was also full of smiles. Oftentimes in between verses or songs she smiled at the packed room. She would finish letting out a big scream but then hit a full grin. 

VANA radiated joy as she did little dances and hit fun poses during the songs. While songs like “PRAY” or “BITE BACK” are about being a dominant and powerful woman putting a person in their place, she has fun. Early in the night, she even got so excited and giddy when people were handing her gifts from the audience. I think these breaks gave levity to the show. They allowed everyone to let out their inner powerful person who knows their worth with a laugh and a smile. I think this dichotomy is going to benefit VANA in the long run. It is golden when an artist can have fun on stage, but also nail their songs. 

And of course, VANA brought a fan out on stage to throw Magic The Gathering cards into the audience. Because why wouldn’t she? Don’t they do that at rock concerts? 

Seriously, VANA threw a pack of MTG cards into the audience and whoever caught them got to come up on stage, open the pack and throw them into the crowd. I thought that was very fun and a great way for many fans to have a unique souvenir from the show. 

An emotional moment was when she grabbed her SpongeBob guitar and played “Crawling”, one of the first songs she released. This moment slowed down the show, where up to that point had been very high energy with no moments to breathe. She stood center stage with her guitar and microphone and just sang. This song had the crowd singing along, but also highlighted just how a strong vocalist she is. This track has a creepier instrumental that layers nicely with her voice. It is simple and straightforward – a truly memorable moment. 

Before playing the last two songs, VANA talked about how this was the part of the show where they walked off stage and pretended that it was the end of the show. However she discussed how the stage was surrounded and everyone was packed in. So to make things easy, her and the band all turned around and got into a huddle and we changed for “one more song”. Then they all turned around and the crowd all screamed and asked surprised. 

For the encore, VANA went out with a bang. During “BEG” the crowd went absolutely nuts. She climbed up onto the speaker and sang over the crowd. Then during the final song “Clandestine”, she pulled out her guitar. But, as the song came to an end, multiple crowdsurfers made their way to the front of the stage, falling onto the stage before making their way back into the crowd. Also, due to the layout of the venue, security joined her on stage to try and catch the crowdsurfers. But, don’t worry, VANA still kept it together. 

All in all, VANA left a last impression for her first headlining show in Cleveland, OH. While it was a short set, only eleven songs, she made them count and kept the show flowing. Whether it was a heavy, scream-focused song or a slower, toned back song, she commanded the stage. 

There is no doubt in mind VANA is made to headline. So, if you are not already following her, get to it because she is about to blow up and become the next artist in the metal and rock scene to watch.

Just you wait. She is already selling out shows on this tour, so it’s only a matter of time.

You can find information on all of VANA’s upcoming tour dates on her official website. You can also stream all her music on all major music streaming platforms.