Betsy Schmeler

Since at least the early 2000s, many Pittsburgh acts have rehearsed at ABC Self Storage in Allentown. But that all changed when the space said they'd no longer be able to host local bands.

Since moving around the corner to East Street in 2021, the Government Center record store now also includes a bar, coffee shop and a space for live performances that has contributed to Pittsburgh’s flourishing DIY music scene coming out of the pandemic.

Growing up in the Wertz home, melody and songwriting were continuous household decorations and necessities.