Groove Merchants (EP Release Show)

Friday, November 6, 2026

Doors: 6:00 PM | Show: 6:15 PM

21+ with Valid Photo ID required for entry

About MilkBoy

Visit milkboyphilly.com or venue details including how to get here, parking, FAQ, MB Merch, Private Events, Menus and all things MilkBoy

Please Note: MilkBoy’s stage is located on the 2nd floor and is standing room only. All patrons must be able to walk the flight of steps in order to enter the venue, as there is no elevator in the building.

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About Groove Merchants

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Founded in 2012, out of the practice rooms and Main Street basements of Kutztown University in Pennsylvania by lead vocalist Tye Vallone, lead guitarist Luke Ferracone, and bassist John Evin Groome, the band discovered their chemistry almost instantly. Twisting in elements of blues, funk and soul resulting in a revival of authentic performance, The Groove Merchants have been pushing that sound forward ever since.

During the pandemic, the band was fortunate enough to release its first ever live EP, “Live at Morgan Creek.” Recorded live at Morgan Creek Farms in Quakertown, PA, and produced by organist Mark Brown of LA-based jazz/funk outift Hambone Relay, the project reimagines some of the best songs from their third studio album, “The Throne,” as well as a cover of Bob Dylan’s classic, “I Shall Be Released.” Featuring Brown on organ, a powerful horn section and backup vocalists, the record has garnered critical acclaim in publications such as Philadelphia Weekly and The Key and has received airplay on WXPN as they band continues to spread its roots in the greater Philadelphia area.

The group now boasts driving a 9-piece lineup ideal for larger stages featuring Josh Maskornick on drums, Mike Talento on Tenor Sax, Jimmy Boyle on Trumpet, John Bickel on Hammond Organ, and Brie Parry & Jenny Founds on backing vocals. This full-bodied, energetic, and soulful sound can be heard on the Groove Merchants’ 2023 release, “Real Estate,” produced by Grammy-winner Phil Joly and mastered by Colin Bryson out of The Bunker/Electric Lady Studios in NYC, the song has received major airplay on WXPN Philadelphia and NPR affiliate WDIY in Bethlehem. New music is planned for release in late 2026.

The band has performed sets at the historic Sellersville Theater in Sellersville, PA, 118 North on Philadelphia’s Main Line, The Grape Room in Manayunk, PA, the Midnight Mountain Music Show in Blakeslee, PA, hosted by country group Mason Porter. The Groove Merchants also maintain a strong Lehigh Valley presence with yearly appearances at Blues, Brews, and BBQ in Allentown, PA, Musikfest in Bethlehem, PA, and hosting the annual Lehigh Valley Turkey Jam at SteelStacks. In late 2025, the group made its debut at the famous Ardmore Music Hall in Ardmore, PA supporting world-renowned Talking Heads tribute act Start Making Sense

Celebrate what happens when The Groove Merchants control the room. With each performance, the band strives to create an energy that lies inside intimate clubs and transcends past large stages. Once The Groove Merchants show up, expect relentless, soulful energy and a belief in connecting beyond music.

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About Emily Drinker

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Emily Drinker is an independent, award-winning singer-songwriter from Philadelphia. Her soulful brand of folk, pop, and rock goes down smooth, whether she’s performing with her powerhouse band, the Funky T, or in a more intimate format, incorporating live looping. Emily is an artist who has found a way to do what she does using every weapon in her considerable arsenal. Emily has been featured by NPR Music, Philadelphia\'s WXPN, and played at many festivals in the Philly area including the Philadelphia Folk Festival, WXPN\'s XPoNential Music Festival, and Musikfest in Bethlehem, PA. In the last few years, Emily has opened for Pat Benatar, Rufus Wainwright, JD Souther (Linda Ronstadt, Eagles, James Taylor), Switchfoot, the Secret Sisters, Joey Dosik (Vulfpeck) and Bakithi Kumalo (Paul Simon’s Graceland). In addition to a busy performance schedule in Philly and its surrounding areas, Emily enjoys working as a session vocalist doing sync work for national TV shows, performing in half a dozen local bands, and hosting a festival in her backyard with her band/housemates. (CINNAMiN Fest!) Emily is currently performing with her partner Josh as the Stein-Drinker Duo on Virgin Voyages in the Caribbean.

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About Superpink

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Superpink is a space disco band.

Founded in 2021, Superpink is the brainchild of songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Luke Bergamini. Their music spans from garage rock to disco, rockabilly to 80s pop. In spring 2024, Superpink began rolling out an EP of “Life Metal,” beginning with their lead single Windbreaker on May 31st.

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About Christopher Burkholder

Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify

Christopher Burkholder is an independent singer-songwriter known for his raw vocals and honest lyrics. Blending gut wrenching grit and soaring melodies he aims to give his listeners an excuse to simply listen and feel real for a moment. Drawing from his life and spiritual experiences, his music connects with listeners who appreciate songs that feel unfiltered and true.

Whether in the studio or on stage, Burkholder brings an energy that’s both grounded and electric, building a growing audience through word of mouth and streaming platforms. Fueled by the conviction to make music that\'s true, he continues to write, record, and perform songs that hit where they’re supposed to...right in the feels.

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