Local Musician Tanner Dane Finds Success with Chicago Lakefront Shows

Tanner Dane and his friends in Elgin spent countless hours jamming in his attic during their youth. They began with cover songs and soon developed a unique sound, blending blues, alternative rock, and soul. Eventually, they started creating their own music using GarageBand and distributed CDs around town. They focused on their passion for music, not on extensive marketing strategies.

Now, Dane continues this grassroots approach as a Chicago-based artist, performing solo and with his band, Hollyy. The band has gained a local following through busking at AIDS Garden Chicago in Lakeview. These spontaneous performances have attracted crowds, with hundreds of fans attending and some traveling from places like Indianapolis and Wisconsin.

“We’re really just busking,” Dane remarked, reflecting on the growing popularity of these performances. Shows are announced only a day or two before on Instagram or TikTok, creating a modern pop-up sensation.

This summer, the band held three performances, with their latest drawing a crowd that packed Belmont Rocks. Attendees spread picnic blankets and enjoyed the communal vibe. Jade Hart, 25, enthusiastically described her love for Chicago and its community as she watched the show.

Music has always been part of Dane’s life. At a young age, he received musical instruments with his sister and quickly showed a knack for performance. Dane’s family has a musical background, with his mother teaching him and his sister to play the piano and sing. His love for music continued to grow, fueled by influences from his bandmates who shared a passion for Motown and blues. Their band, The Reverends, recorded its first album at a young age, thanks to winning a battle of the bands competition.

Despite their early success, The Reverends eventually disbanded as members pursued college. Dane attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, initially planning to study political science and eyeing a law career. However, he soon realized how much he missed performing and began playing with friends again, including Rafael Soto-Marquez.

Soto-Marquez was not a founding member of The Reverends but shares a long history with Dane. They met through a charity, and Soto-Marquez played in bands throughout high school and college. When he reunited with Dane, Soto-Marquez had experience in Chicago’s music scene. Together, they formed Hollyy, bringing together former bandmates from Elgin.

Reconnected with his passion, Dane decided to pursue music seriously, even as he took a corporate job. Hollyy started writing, gigging, and promoting, and Dane also began writing solo material. He signed a record deal in 2024, releasing two EPs. Hollyy released its first album, gaining significant momentum, and soon began their lakefront busking performances.

Soto-Marquez contributed to the band’s sound system innovations, integrating solar-powered gear for portable performances. After initial setbacks and a serendipitous nudge from Dane’s manager, the band held their first lake show, quickly gathering an enthusiastic audience.

This year’s shows drew even more people, with the Chicago Park District intervening at one point. Despite challenges, the band managed to proceed with performances, gaining legal support when necessary. Fans like Liz Gazal and the Campbell family found the shows to be enriching experiences, building a community around Dane’s music.

As the band’s lakefront performances continue to flourish, Dane expresses gratitude for the receptive support from the local community. Fans cheer in as the band plays, and Dane calls for their involvement in a spirited exchange.