PITTSTON – For more than four decades, Rock Street Music has been a familiar name at 148 S. Main St., serving everyone from beginning musicians picking up their first instrument to professional performers and major event producers who need sophisticated sound and lighting equipment.
Brothers Richie and Billy Kossuth founded the family-owned business in 1985, with considerable help from their mother, Marie Griglock.
It all began as a small operation in the family garage, eventually growing into a business with a storefront and several warehouses in Greater Pittston.
Today, Richie remains a central figure in the operation, while the Kossuth family continues to be closely associated with the business.
Rock Street Music’s services have expanded considerably over the years. In addition to musical instruments and accessories, the company has offered music lessons, instrument repairs, professional sound equipment, concert sound and lighting and production services for live music acts.
Its production division, Rock Street Music Productions, is listed in industry directories as providing full-line production, backline and lighting services throughout the northeastern U.S.
The company’s reputation has taken it far beyond Pittston. Rock Street Music has provided sound and lighting assistance for major events and has worked with several U.S. presidents, including providing lighting and sound support for presidential inaugurations.
Its institutional work has also included large-scale projects. In 2006, Rock Street Music was awarded a nearly $20,000 contract to upgrade the auditorium sound system at Wilkes-Barre Area Vocational-Technical School, demonstrating that its work has extended well beyond retail sales.
The company has also been part of the region’s performing arts and live-music community, preserving and recording music by local artists.
Today, Rock Street Music continues to serve musicians, bands, schools, event organizers, concert producers and other organizations requiring professional audio and lighting support.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board currently lists Rock Street Music as a sound equipment and lighting provider.
After more than 40 years, Rock Street Music remains a Pittston institution — a business that grew from a family garage into a regional production company serving both the professionals and the beginners.
If you are interested in a music lesson or need sound and lighting for an upcoming event, contact Richie at 570-655-6076.