Artist: The Groove Merchants
Album: Take It (LISTEN)
Released: Aug. 9, 2016
Genre: Blues/Funk/Rock
Need New Year’s Eve plans? Ring in 2017 with The Groove Merchants at The Hamilton Kitchen beginning at 9 p.m. Details here.
The Groove Merchants have gained a reputation for their big sound, funky rhythms, and stellar musicianship. They deliver on all of those points on their recent full-length effort, “Take It.”
Tuesday night started a bit early for me than Monday’s adventure did. For one thing, I am (mostly) recovered from the Lehigh Valley Music Awards Rock Showcase, so it was easy for me to get moving.
It was even easier for the Festplatz crowd to get moving around 5:30 p.m. That’s when the Sensational Soul Cruisers took the stage. The vocal quartet — with one of the tightest backing bands you’ll ever hear — played more than an hour’s worth of Motown, soul, and R&B hits that kept the dance floor way more packed than you’d expect on a Tuesday afternoon.
There was still plenty of soul to be had a Musikfest after the Soul Cruisers wrapped up. For one thing, The Groove Merchants were getting ready to begin their second set of the day on the Provident Bank Main Street stage in celebration of their new album, “Take It.”
I swear, the Groove Merchants’ blend of funk, jazz, blues, and rock keeps getting better every time I see them. Frontman Tye Vallone excelled at his job, keeping the crowd engaged with his charisma and ability on multiple instruments, while solos from guitarist Luke Ferracone and trumpeter Dylan Hinnershitz wowed those who had gathered around for the band’s set.
As dusk came over Main Street and The Groove Merchants packed their instruments and merch table, it was time for a change of pace courtesy of Bethlehem indie rockers, Voirvoir. The five-piece packed the front of the stage with fans and supporters, injecting even more youthful energy into the night with anthems like opening song, “I Wanna.”
Tuesday’s lineup is particularly exciting to me. The official halfway point of Musikfest 2016 is marked by artists I’ve personally had the privilege of covering, as well as those I’ve seen, but who might be new to the Lehigh Valley Underground audience.
Come along with me, and I’ll make sure you know who’s who before the day is through.
Joyous | 12 p.m.
Stage: Wells Fargo Festplatz (North)
Description: Sneak out for lunch (or just take the day off) to hear some classic soul and R&B.
Seamus Kennedy | 5 p.m.
Stage: Red Stag Pub Liederplatz (North)
Description: The popular Celtic folk artist returns to Bethlehem once more.
The Groove Merchants | 7 p.m.
Stage: Provident Bank Main Street (North)
Description: Funk, soul, blues, and jazz collide for the second time today (the band also plays in the same spot at 5 p.m.).
Voirvoir | 8:30 p.m.
Stage: Provident Bank Main Street (North)
Description: There Are No Good Goodbyes, so say hello once more to the local indie rock masters.
Scythian | 9 p.m.
Stage: Air Products Americaplatz (South)
Description: One of the ‘Fest’s most popular returning performers brings their unique, thrilling brand of rock.
There’s more where that came from! Check in with DustinSchoof.com every morning throughout Musikfest for a full free stage lineup!
Musikfest starts this weekend, and we’re popping in on our summer break to preview the action! Joining us is Ricardo Flores, President of the Greater Lehigh Valley Music Association, who talks to us about the organization’s mission, values, and the Lehigh Valley Music Awards Rock Showcase, sponsored by Lehigh Valley Underground, happening Sunday, Aug. 7 from 8-11 p.m. at Musikfest’s Plaza Tropical stage.
Plus, we play music from artists who you’ll hear at the festival!
Track listing:
The Groove Merchants – John the Savage
Alex Radus – We Can’t Play Like Django
This Way to the Egress – Earworm
Doubting Thoma$ – Slate Clean
Voirvoir – I Wanna
Scott Marshall – Hope on the Cross
The Groove Merchants — the funky, bluesy pride of Kutztown — are the type of band that can draw a crowd. Their versatility and musical prowess will make even casual passers-by stand up and take notice. That’s what they did at Hamilton Kitchen & Bar’s second birthday party in Allentown on Tuesday night.
Restaurant and bar gigs can sometimes be tough for bands, in terms of keeping the attention of those in attendance. The fact that The Groove Merchants had folks hanging on their every note is a testament to the band’s ability.
We’re a bit late with our typical early-week preview. I guess that’s what happens when you’re out on the scene all day Sunday and have hundreds – literally, hundreds – of photos to sort through from Easton Heritage Day.
To make up for the tardiness, we present you with even more options as part of this week’s…
Tues., Jul. 12 | 6 p.m.
The Groove Merchants
Venue: Hamilton Kitchen & Bar, 645 W. Hamilton St., Allentown
Admission: FREE
Description: Listen to some funky, bluesy rhythms to celebrate Hamilton Kitchen’s second birthday.
Tues., Jul. 12 | 7 p.m.
Bryan Tuk Complex
Venue: Hook, 22 N. 6th St., Allentown
Admission: FREE
Description: Jazz drummer Bryan Tuk and his trio perform at Network Magazine’s release after-party
Jul. 15-17
Double Decker/Square of Opposition Anniversary Fest
Venues: St. Bernard’s, 331-333 Brodhead Ave., Bethlehem (Fri); Merchants Square Mall, 1901 S. 12th St., Allentown (Sat/Sun.)
Admission: $8-$50
Description: Celebrate 20 years of Double Decker and 15 years of Square of Opposition Records, all weekend long.
Sat., Jul. 16 | 4 p.m.
Julius’ Birthday Bash at Ranger Lake
Venue: Coplay, PA
Admission: FREE
Description: Celebrate the birth of one of the Valley’s premier rockers with his first gig at Ranger Lake.
Sat., Jul. 16 | 7 p.m.
Roi & the Secret People w/ Special Guest Carter Lansing
Venue: Tally Ho, 205 W. 4th St., Bethlehem
Admission: $5
Description: The Easton rockers perform as part of the WSCI Radio Summer Concert Series.
Hopefully, you find yourself well-rested after a beautiful, (mostly) sunny holiday weekend. We say that, because you have another busy week ahead of you, especially if you go to the…
Thurs., June 2 | 7 p.m.
The Phoenix Bridge and Mind Grenade at The Originals Music Series
Venue: Chicago Restaurant, 1179 Airport Road, Allentown
Admission: FREE
Description: The weekly showcase returns with two more great local bands, presented by The Fyre & Ice Show.
Sat., June 4 | 1-5 p.m.
Joe Wagner Jazz Trio and Cunningham & Associates at PBS39’s Sixth Annual BrewFest
Venue: Coca-Cola Park, 1050 IronPigs Way, Allentown
Admission: $35 general; $50 VIP; $5 designated driver
Description: Enjoy more than 100 beers from 45 distinct breweries, as well as live music from two top local acts. Proceeds benefit PBS39 programs and services.
Sat., June 4 | 10 p.m.
The Groove Merchants
Venue: The Funhouse, 5 E. 4th St., Bethlehem
Description: After a great day at the ballpark, head back to Bethlehem for a nightcap with the funky Kutztown ensemble.
JazzFest continues, while local favorites make their presence felt.
Allentown JazzFest is just getting warmed up! Expect plenty more coverage here on Lehigh Valley Underground throughout the week as we take you to different venues with an array of different artists.
Naturally, a few of those shows are listed below. We also have others for folks of different tastes. To us, they’re all, without a doubt, the…
Can’t-Miss Shows of the Week!
Mon., May 2 | 7:30 p.m.
Adam Niewood Quartet (AJF 2016)
Venue: Allentown BrewWorks, 812 W. Hamilton St., Allentown
Admission: $20
Description: Niewood and his band will play selections from his latest effort, “Homage: Niewood Plays Niewood,” in honor of his late father, Gerry.
Wed., May 4 | 7:30 p.m.
Steve Coleman and Five Elements (AJF 2016)
Venue: Miller Symphony Hall, 23 N. 6th St., Allentown
Admission: $30 general; $50 VIP
Description: World-renowned saxophonist and MacArthur Fellow Steve Coleman performs at JazzFest.
Thurs., May 5 | 8 p.m.
Lucy Woodward (AJF 2016)
Venue: The Renaissance Ballroom, 12 N. 7th St., Allentown
Admission: $30 general; $47 VIP
Description: Acclaimed London-born singer-songwriter Lucy Woodward makes her Lehigh Valley debut.
Fri., May 6 | 5:30 p.m.
The Bastard Sons Ride Again
Venue: Weyerbacher Brewery, 905 Line St., Easton
Admission: FREE
Description: Come to Easton after work for songs and musings from Carter Lansing, Bryson Kay, Werner Sommer, and Mike Roi.
Fri., May 6 | 9 p.m.
The Groove Merchants
Venue: The Hamilton Kitchen, 645 W. Hamilton St., Allentown
Admission: FREE
Description: Shoot over to Allentown later on for a great night of excellent food, drinks, and Groove.
Sat., May 7 | 5 p.m.
JazzFest at Noches de Ritmo (AJF 2016)
Venue: West Park, 15th and Linden Sts., Allentown
Admission: FREE
Description: Hector Rosado’s Orq HACHE kicks things off, and the Jeff “Tain” Watts Quartet keeps it going.
Sat., May 8 | 5 p.m.
Jazz at Billy’s: The Bryan Tuk Complex (AJF 2016)
Venue: Billy’s Downtown Diner, 840 W. Hamilton St., Allentown
Admission: FREE
Description: Allentown JazzFest 2016 concludes with a show from the festival’s Executive Director and his ensemble, plus special guests.
I’m not even sorry about rubbing it in your face with that photo.
Hello from sunny Florida! I’m going to make this short and sweet, as I still have plenty of perfect weather to enjoy. While I’m enjoying that and the road back to PA, you can enjoy the…
Thurs., Feb. 25, 7 p.m.
The Originals Music Series
Venue: Chicago Restaurant & Club Gravity, 1179 Airport Rd., Allentown
Description: After a week off to take care of some very important business, The Originals Music Series returns. Stay tuned to the series’ Facebook page for updates.
Fri., Feb. 26, 8 p.m.
Steve Brosky & Li’l Big Band Reunion
Venue: Godfrey Daniels, 7 E. 4th St., Bethlehem
Description: Steve and his musical pals will be singin’ and swingin’ some Blues, Dylan and, of course, Brosky originals (from Godfrey Daniels’ website).
Sat., Feb. 27, 10 p.m.
The Groove Merchants
Venue: The Funhouse, 5 E. 4th St., Bethlehem
Description: Hopefully, the winter weather stays away this time as Kutztown’s favorite funk rock band returns to South Bethlehem.
The Groove Merchants are a name you’ve heard a lot so far on Lehigh Valley Underground. Between this Q&A from earlier in the week and our review of their debut, self-titled album, you’ve had the chance to know this great funk rock outfit from Kutztown.
It keeps getting better! The band has released a three-track EP, on which they’ve re-imagined some favorite songs from their first album with new trumpeter, Dylan Hinnershitz. Check it out!