“THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING”: VILLAGERRR & DARI BAY CO-HEADLINE GMAN TAVERN
Chicago, IL | August 5th, 2026
Photographed and Written by River Epperson
Guitarist and vocalist Mark Scott of Villagerrr.
In the world of live music, kindness is a currency worth its weight in gold, and the members of Villagerrr and Dari Bay have taken this belief to heart. Hailing from Columbus, Ohio and Burlington, Vermont, respectively, the two bands have more in common than you’d think. Both bands started as DIY solo recording projects for Zack James of Dari Bay and Mark Scott of Villagerrr before eventually growing to larger ensembles, and both groups highlight the same, distinct slacker rock and alternative country sound, characterized by the strum of acoustic guitars, the hum of pedal steel, and a touch of electronic distortion. A sound deemed perfect for the road, as Villagerrr recently concluded a full-band headlining tour across Europe and will continue touring North America this fall, supporting Chicago indie-rockers Friko, following the conclusion of their co-headline leg with Dari Bay. What’s more, both groups are promoting brand-new records on the road this summer: Carousel (Winspear) for Villagerrr and Surprise Wish (Double Double Whammy) for Dari Bay, and co-headlined Wrigleyville’s Gman Tavern with support from Options’ Seth Engel. Engel, too, established a juxtaposition between the acoustic and digital, pairing a guitar with a synthesizer and looper.
Vocalist/Drummer Zack James and Bassist Nina Cates of Dari Bay.
No one is a stranger during a Villagerrr or Dari Bay set. Originally crossing paths in 2022 as solo artists, James and Scott have welcomed several new family members into the mix over the years as their respective ensembles continue to grow. Despite its exponential increase in size, the cohort fosters the same collaborative and welcoming spirit. At the top of the show, I unknowingly struck up a conversation with Zayn Dweik, Villagerrr’s drummer and one of the friendliest humans east of the Mississippi River, as I stopped by the merchandise booth after doors. Members of both ensembles could be seen mingling with the concertgoers at Gman Tavern, unafraid to embrace the nearly sold-out crowd that welcomed them on a warm Wednesday evening in August. Speaking to me before their set, Dweik mentioned Villagerrr continues to return to Chicago & Gman Tavern each time they play the city due to the crowd’s uniquely welcoming energy, a sentiment echoed by James of Dari Bay and members of both projects. The camaraderie between the bands carried itself into the audience, as many concertgoers could be seen exchanging pleasantries and conversations with complete strangers. This same ethos can be found in the music created by Scott and James, as the chords evoke a certain feeling of familiarity and ease. Though perhaps my Midwestern roots are showing, as I’ve taken a particular liking to guitars and pedal steel playing together.
“Come and look at what you’ve done…” Scott croons alongside Merce Lemon on the track “Neverrr Everrr” from Villagerrr’s 2024 record Tear Your Heart Out. While the line carries a twinge of loneliness on the studio recording, it was impossible to feel alone as it was sung on Wednesday evening, as the audience was enveloped in the warmth of twanging guitars and steady percussion. “He’ll tear your heart out, and you’re living again,” Scott sings on the record’s title track, echoing a certain truth Wednesday night as I faced practically every mechanical failure known to man with my camera gear during the final two minutes of music. Each of us left a piece of our hearts behind at Gman Tavern that night, torn out by the welcoming embrace of Villagerrr and Dari Bay, and because of it, we’re living again.
In the studio, Villagerrr is composed of Mark Scott (vocals/guitar), Zayn Dweik (drums/vocals), Cam Garshon (Bass), Alec Cox (Guitar), and Henry Schuellerman (Pedal Steel). Dari Bay is composed of Zack James (Drums/Guitar/Vocals), Nina Cates (Bass), and Joey Krause (Guitar). The Villagerrr and Dari Bay co-headline tour concludes Saturday, August 8th, in Columbus, Ohio, with Villagerrr supporting Friko across North America this fall.
