Government Center doubles as music venue

Music was a great way for Government Center record store owner Josh Cozby to find his own passion, profession, and personality.  

“I got into music because I wanted to find my identity and start navigating the adult world,” Cozby said.  

The Government Center, located at 715 East St. on the North Side, sells new and used vinyl LPs, cassette tapes, CDs, and vinyl turntables. The genres the store carries include indie rock, alternative rock, hip-hop, underground hip-hop, jazz and experimental rock. 

The Government Center started out on East Ohio Street on the North Side, before moving a few blocks to its current location six months ago. Cozby had always envisioned the shop not just a record shop, but a music venue as well – and with the new location he can have in-store performances.  

The Government Center has bands perform at least once a week, along with other events, like comedy shows. Some upcoming shows at the Government Center are the KY Voss album release show on April 7 and the Traitrs/Take Me With You show on June 6. 

Crozby is currently working on setting up a cafe and bar next door to complement the stage. He already has renovated the store to fit his needs, including adding the recessed stage along a back wall. 

Cozby originally worked as a high school and middle school teacher for nine years in Oregon before shifting into the record business there. He eventually moved to Pittsburgh and opened the Government Center.

“I used to be a high school teacher and I was looking for something new to do,” Cozby said.