Back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, The Merchants of Groove dominated the blues scene in Northeastern Pennsylvania, playing clubs and festivals throughout the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metro area and the Poconos. Fronted by founder Paul Lyon on vocals and guitar, the band features the jaw-dropping lead guitar work of original band member Teddy Young, the masterful harmonica and vocals of Les Toth and the rock-solid rhythmic grooves of drummer Mike Basalyga and bass player Rob “Frog” Fenstermaker, formerly of The Blue Sparks from Hell. The Merchants disbanded in the early 90s after Young, who joined the band at age 15, left to pursue a solo career that would take him all over North America. Over the years, Lyon came out occasionally to jam with Young’s band, Teddy Young and the Aces, and kept in touch with other band members. Through a series of chance encounters and events, Lyon put the band back together in 2011. The band plays houserockin' original tunes penned by Lyon and a wide variety of classic blues tunes by such artists as Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Little Walter and many others. The Merchants are available for bookings by contacting Lyon at (570) 954-0504 or plyon01@comcast.net.