About the Band
The Light Inside is a multigenerational Chicago based rock band. Their original music is aimed at helping people grow into the best version of themselves.
Led by Garret Rhea- a multifaceted individual, serving as a children’s book author, science teacher, artist & philosopher - and drum virtuoso Zack Darce, The Light Inside’s 5 piece arrangement packs a huge punch. The keyboard player Andrew Russell, guitar player Colin Singer, and bass player Adam Bodtke, are all star students ranking in the top 1% of all the School of Rock students nationwide.
The band’s sound varies from hard rock to folk and even rock opera, with one of their songs, “Un Soffio Di Luce” meaning “A breath of light” being sung in Italian in the style of an aria. The one theme every song has in common is their intention for peace, wellness, personal & spiritual growth. the music is meant to help access a sense of inner oneness to connect with our higher selves.
The Light Inside formed in late 2024 is ramping up for a huge 2025 year! Stay tuned for show schedules and their first album release.
“ Garret Rhea is a gift to the world of music. He has contributed so much beauty to this world with his music and creativity. Most of my favorite songs are his. I’m convinced there is nothing inside that world that he cannot do. I am honored to call him one of my closest friends. And so I have had the privilege of watching him grow as an artist. I'll never forget the first time I heard him play. It was just him, his guitar and his voice. I was blown away! Over the years, I saw him pick up one instrument after another and teach himself how to play within hours and master them each within days. I’ve seen him move from genre to genre seemingly without effort. His music will make you dance, make you cry, teach you, heal you and inspire you. He will make you want to make music. He is the reason I play guitar, the reason I believe in myself as a musician at all. And, he does this all with grace and patience. He is more than just a musician; he is a teacher and leader, a constant source of inspiration. Some people ignore their calling in life. I am so glad he did not ignore his. He has been a blessing to my life and I know to so many others as well. And, with all that he has done so far, it’s easy to see the best is yet to come”- Ben Berger
Meet the Musicians
Garret rhea
Band Leader | Lead guitarist | Songwriter |
Garret is a multifaceted individual, serving as a children's book author and science teacher, while also embracing roles as a yogi, artist, philosopher, and healer. Over the past decade, he has taught more than 25,000 elementary school children. His children's book, The Story of Circle and Square, imparts the fundamental concept that we are composed of atoms, while simultaneously celebrating themes of friendship and diversity.
With 15 years of experience playing guitar and singing, Garret is passionate about educating others about the Universe, empowering them to lead strong, intelligent, and fulfilling lives. He infuses this philosophy into his songwriting, crafting emotional lyrics centered on personal journeys. Garret believes that healing and growth can manifest through various mediums, and his music aims to unite individuals and guide them toward discovering their own truths.
Throughout his career, Garret has performed at numerous venues, including Joe's Live in Rosemont and the main stage at The House of Blues in Chicago. He finds fulfillment in inspiring others to confront the barriers that separate them from the light, encouraging them to do so with grace and resilience.
Zac Darce
Band Leader | Drummer
Zack Darce, originally from Aurora, Illinois, embarked on his drumming journey at the young age of four. As he grew older, Zack directed his passion for music towards electronics, mastering audio/visual technology, live sound, and recording equipment.
At just fifteen, Zack utilized these skills to record his first band's debut album in a basement setting. Over the years, he has honed his diverse talents through performances with various bands, touring, and managing audio/visual systems. His interest in video production, combined with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, has led to his development as a proficient drummer, audio engineer, and videographer.
Zack is dedicated to lifelong learning and connecting others through the universal language of music.
Adam bodtke
Bass Player
Adam Bodtke has been immersed in music since the fourth grade, when he joined his school's orchestra. He actively participates in several jazz bands, both within the school and in external settings. Additionally, he is enrolled in the prestigious Houseband program at the School of Rock, which has afforded him the opportunity to perform at significant venues, including Summerfest. Notably, he was selected for a ten-day tour, an honor bestowed upon less than 1% of School of Rock students worldwide. During this tour, he traveled to various cities, including Nashville and Indianapolis, among others in the Midwest.
Andrew Russell
Keys
Andrew Russell has been playing the keyboard for 13 years across various musical genres. At the age of 10, he had the transformative experience of seeing Billy Joel perform live, which ignited his passion for the world of music performance. His unwavering dedication led him to excel in the School of Rock programs, where he was selected to participate in a 10-day tour with the top 1% of the 63,000 students from around the globe. With his charming and charismatic personality, he consistently stands out. Currently, he is channeling his talents into The Light Inside, aiming to inspire future musicians.