Today we’d like to introduce you to Ilan Tarrab.
Ilan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m from Hollywood, FL, and I got into performing pretty young. Around 14, I started singing at local restaurants and community events. At first, it was just about getting comfortable on a mic and learning how to work a crowd. Over time, it turned into something I really wanted to build a career around.
I’ve always had a thing for classic music, older styles, retro vibes, and timeless songs — and that shaped my sound. As I kept performing, I also got interested in the technical side of live events. Now I perform, and handle audio and lighting setups for weddings, private events, and community shows across South Florida.
A couple moments that pushed me forward were winning the 2022 South Florida Kids Got Talent competition and getting to sing the National Anthem at places like Marlins Stadium and the Polo World Cup Final. Those experiences helped me gain confidence and showed me that I’m heading in the right direction.
I still have a long way to go, but I’m proud of where I started and I’m excited to keep moving forward.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Academics have never been my thing, often struggling throughout middle, and high school, it never inspired me or gave me a passion as much as music and technical aspects did. Joining drama freshman year in high school was a game changer that introduced me to the theatrical world.
One of the challenges I also had to face, included hearing aids as I’m hard of hearing, tho I like showing people that it’s not a barrier to performing or working in live production. If anything, it motivates me more, and I hope it gives other young performers confidence too.
However the biggest challenge for me was the passing of my dad due to cancer when I was almost 10 years old. I hope he is looking down on me to see the side that he never got to see much of.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I currently perform at local restaurants and events, I’m working on specializing more in audio particularly as I have almost the same amount of passion as performing in that aspect as well.
What makes me proud and what I believe sets me apart from others is, the fact that I’ve been having this kind of job just before the age of 15, along with singing Sinatra, Elvis, Buble, and more, adding on top of all…my hearing loss.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I’ve always loved being a showman growing up. I went from singing karaoke to hosting little “shows” in my room with a karaoke machine and lights for my family. Performing was something I naturally gravitated toward even as a kid.
At the same time, I picked up a family passion for railroads. I had my own model trains, became friends with railroad staff, and even got to make announcements on real trains for the next station stop. That interest never left, and today I still photograph trains as a hobby when I can.
I was also a pretty hyper kid, so my dad kept me active by helping around the yard. We had about an acre and a half of land, so there was always something to do. We would work, then take breaks and grab an Orange Gatorade every single time. One moment I’ll never forget is when I was finally heavy enough to start the tractor by myself. The seat had weight sensors, so being able to start it felt like a big milestone.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilantarrab?igsh=MXQwMHA0Nmo3ZXdvMw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CZ9D3WY4Y/
