Tanner Dane, alongside his best friends who would later become his bandmates, spent countless hours in his Elgin attic, initially starting with cover songs. As time went by, they developed a unique musical style, blending blues, alternative rock, and soul. They began self-producing their music using GarageBand, distributing their creations on CDs throughout their town. Their focus was never on a major marketing effort, as they simply cherished performing.

Two decades onward, Dane continues to embrace this grassroots approach, offering free performances by Lake Michigan. Based in Chicago, he pursues music both solo and with his band, Hollyy. Over the past year and a half, Dane and his bandmates, including some from the Elgin days, have gained recognition by performing at AIDS Garden Chicago in Lakeview.

These performances, starting a little over a year ago, have attracted hundreds of fans. People from diverse backgrounds, including families and commuters from cities like Indianapolis and Wisconsin, have gathered to watch. The shows are often announced one or two days in advance on Instagram or TikTok, capturing the essence of modern pop-up events, despite fans eagerly asking about upcoming dates.

“We’re literally just busking,” said Dane during an interview, expressing the simplicity of their performances.

This summer, they staged three shows, with the latest one occurring earlier this month. The performance drew attendees from across Belmont Rocks, with picnic blankets dabbling the stone steps. Jade Hart, a 25-year-old attendee, expressed her joy by saying, “I love Chicago. I love the community.” The notion of free music in Chicago’s summertime resonates strongly with many.

Musical Roots

Tanner Dane grew up surrounded by music, thanks to his family. He and his older sister received their first instruments when they were quite young. The affinity for music runs deep in the family, as reflected by Dane’s mother, Jean Bednar, who sings and plays piano. She passed this passion onto her children at a young age.

Music was integral to Bednar’s upbringing. Her father enjoyed classical music and crafted a sound system to listen to his favorite pieces. Her mother ventured into radio, singing on a Chicago show. Bednar herself took piano lessons but cherished singing along to records. Childhood performances for her parents were cherished memories.

Without much notice, Bednar cultivated a musical inclination in her children. Tanner and his sister gravitated toward theater early on, and Dane particularly showed promise as a showman. As their friend group grew, they formed their own local band. Spending hours practicing in the attic, they embraced the constraints of no air conditioning.

“You don’t even think about that. You’re just having a blast,” remarked Dane.

Post-practice trips to the local bodega were essential. Musical inspirations from other band members enriched Dane’s perspective, introducing him to genres like Motown and blues.

Early Band Success

At 14, Dane’s band, The Reverends, produced their first album, recording it in a Chicago studio as a prize from a battle of the bands competition. They distributed the record at school and the town’s record store.

“I think it’s just great that we were so hell-bent on putting out an album and making music,” Dane recalled.

Their first Chicago show marked a poignant milestone. However, The Reverends eventually disbanded due to members departing for college.

Rediscovering Music

When attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Dane explored political science with thoughts of law school. However, during a gap year, he reconnected with musical friends. Among them was Rafael Soto-Marquez, another musician from Elgin who shared common interests.

Soto-Marquez, although not initially part of The Reverends, played bass guitar in high school and formed other bands. The duo reunited in Chicago, amassing a group of musicians from their past.

“It was a bit of the familiar cast,” Soto-Marquez remarked.

Dane, facing graduation, chose to focus on music instead of pursuing law school. His decision led to forming the band Hollyy, emphasizing retro rock and soul.

For years, the band actively wrote and performed. As Dane’s musical aspirations consumed him, he began crafting solo works. Initially intended as personal therapy, these songs soon evolved into two EPs after signing a record deal. Concurrently, Hollyy released their first album.

Embracing Busking

A desire to perform outdoors led to Dane and his band busking by Lake Michigan. Soto-Marquez’s technological savvy facilitated the setup using solar-powered gear.

The lakefront shows emerged as an accidental opportunity as solo tour plans fell through.

The initial performance saw about 100 attendees despite technical difficulties. Subsequent shows attracted larger crowds, resulting in law enforcement intervening. Even after receiving tickets, legal support was offered to Dane, ensuring uninterrupted performances thereafter.

Liz Gazal, a creative director, embraced the opportunity to enjoy the music by the lake. She appreciated Dane’s vocal talents, having discovered him during a previous show.

For Kara and Sean Campbell, attending the lake performance doubled as a celebration for their daughter’s birthday.

“She likes to dance,” noted Kara.

That evening, families and groups gathered to enjoy meals, crafts, and the lakeside ambiance, including boats slowing to take in the music.

The band concluded their last song amidst cheers and tambourine beats.

“It’s the last one, Chicago! I need ya!” Dane exclaimed.