Groove Merchants (EP Release Show)
Groove Merchants headline this EP release show at MilkBoy, bringing a nine-piece blend of blues, funk, soul, and high-energy live performance to the venue. The lineup also features Philadelphia singer-songwriter Emily Drinker, space-disco band Superpink, and singer-songwriter Christopher Burkholder.
Founded in 2012 by Kutztown University musicians Tye Vallone, Luke Ferracone, and John Evin Groome, Groove Merchants developed their sound through elements of blues, funk, and soul. Their live EP, “Live at Morgan Creek,” was recorded at Morgan Creek Farms in Quakertown and produced by Mark Brown of Hambone Relay. The band’s later release, “Real Estate,” was produced by Grammy-winning engineer Phil Joly and has received airplay on WXPN and WDIY. The group plans to release new music in late 2026 and is known for creating an energetic connection between intimate clubs and larger stages.
When: Friday, November 6, 2026
Showtimes: Doors open at 6:00 p.m.; the show begins at 6:15 p.m.
Tickets: $21.06 for advance general admission standing room, consisting of a $15 ticket and $6.06 in fees. The listing states that the price includes fees.
Ages: 21 and over. A valid photo ID is required for entry.
Lineup: Groove Merchants, with Emily Drinker, Superpink, and Christopher Burkholder
Groove Merchants lineup: Tye Vallone on lead vocals, Luke Ferracone on lead guitar, John Evin Groome on bass, Josh Maskornick on drums, Mike Talento on tenor saxophone, Jimmy Boyle on trumpet, John Bickel on Hammond organ, and Brie Parry and Jenny Founds on backing vocals.
Emily Drinker: The Philadelphia-based, award-winning singer-songwriter performs soulful folk, pop, and rock, either with her band the Funky T or in an intimate live-looping format. She has been featured by NPR Music and WXPN and has appeared at the Philadelphia Folk Festival, XPoNential Music Festival, and Musikfest. Her past opening credits include Pat Benatar, Rufus Wainwright, JD Souther, Switchfoot, the Secret Sisters, Joey Dosik, and Bakithi Kumalo.
Superpink: Founded in 2021 by songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Luke Bergamini, Superpink describes its sound as space disco, drawing on garage rock, disco, rockabilly, and 1980s pop. The band began releasing its “Life Metal” EP in 2024, starting with the single “Windbreaker.”
Christopher Burkholder: Burkholder is an independent singer-songwriter whose music combines raw vocals, candid lyrics, gritty intensity, and soaring melodies. His songs draw from personal and spiritual experiences and aim for an unfiltered, emotionally direct connection with listeners.
Venue: MilkBoy Philadelphia
Accessibility: The performance space is on the second floor and is standing room only. Guests must be able to climb a flight of stairs because the building does not have an elevator.
Admission format: General admission standing room.
Ticket policy: Tickets are final sale and cannot be exchanged or refunded. If the event is canceled without a rescheduled date, a full refund will automatically be issued to the credit card used for purchase.