Local Band Hollyy Gains Popularity Through Lakefront Performances

Growing up in Elgin, Tanner Dane and his friends spent endless hours jamming in his attic. Starting with cover songs, they quickly developed their unique sound, blending blues, alternative rock, and soul. With a DIY spirit, they used GarageBand to produce their music, burning CDs to distribute around town. It wasn’t a formal marketing effort, but they simply wanted to share their music.

Now, two decades later, Dane continues this grassroots approach with his band, Hollyy. Based in Chicago, he pursues his career as a solo artist and with the band. For over a year, they’ve been drawing crowds at AIDS Garden Chicago in Lakeview by busking. The surprise performances, shared on Instagram and TikTok just days beforehand, have attracted large audiences.

The recent show at Belmont Rocks saw attendees stretch along the city block, enjoying the music on picnic blankets. Jade Hart, a 25-year-old fan, expressed her love for the Chicago community from the middle of the crowd. The experience of live, free music is a cherished part of Chicago summers.

Tanner Dane: “You don’t even think about that, you’re just having a blast, somehow.”

Dane’s musical journey began with his family’s influence. His mother, Jean Bednar, cherished music, and Dane grew up surrounded by it. His first instruments came at ages 11 and 13, shared with his sister. Friends joined in, and soon, a local band was formed, playing in the attic regardless of the summer heat.

Called The Reverends, they recorded their first album at a young age after winning free studio time. Dane remembers the thrill of making music and the dream of performing beyond their suburban roots. Though the band dissolved as members went to college, Dane kept music close, later connecting with members like Rafael Soto-Marquez.

Soto-Marquez didn’t initially join The Reverends but shared musical interests with Dane during their teens. After studying physics at the Illinois Institute of Technology and exploring Chicago’s music scene, he reunited with Dane. Living in Logan Square, they rekindled their passion for music with other former bandmates.

While studying political science at the University of Illinois, Dane realized he missed performing. Choosing to explore music over law school, he took a corporate job that allowed him to pursue music seriously. The band Hollyy, formed with old friends, has been active for six years. Dane also started writing solo music, securing a record deal and releasing EPs.

The desire to busk became reality with solar-powered gear, enabling performances without traditional setups. Last summer, Dane’s plans changed, prompting outdoor shows alongside Hollyy. Attendance grew with each show, despite initial challenges like faulty equipment. Legal issues arose, but support from a free legal organization for artists helped resolve them.

The latest performance drew a diverse crowd. Liz Gazal, a creative director, enjoyed the evening with a picnic, while the Campbell family celebrated their daughter’s first birthday with music. Around them, attendees engaged with the performance, from making dreamcatchers to enjoying the water with the music as background.

Dane’s family watched proudly. For Dane, the local support is empowering, as he continues to create music and engage with the community. As the band concluded their performance under Chicago’s dusk, they encouraged the audience to join them in song.