10th annual Gretsch Day celebrates the iconic guitar brand’s Brooklyn roots
Over 300 People Enjoy Music and Entertainment at Bay Ridge Event
For the past decade, Street Sounds in Bay Ridge has been celebrating the legacy of Gretsch guitars. In fact, it’s become an anticipated community event that brings appeals to musicians and music lovers from all across the borough, and some from various parts of the country. This year’s event took place on June 3 and featured a full day of music, ranging from rock and rockabilly to bluegrass, jazz and the blues. There was free food and drinks and numerous giveaways that included six Gretsch guitars.
Sound Streets owner Rocky Schiano welcomed the crowd and offered a history of the Gretsch guitar brand. Schiano held up and described various guitar models that lined the walls of his store.
Schiano has been in the music business since 1988, when he opened Street Sounds as a CD store. He eventually switched over to selling instruments and offering music lessons. Located about 10 miles away from the original Gretsch factory, Street Sounds is one of the largest authorized Gretsch dealers in the world and carries one of the largest inventories of Gretsch guitars anywhere. Renowned artists and musicians such as John Sebastian of the Lovin’ Spoonful, and guitar legend Duane Eddy have come to visit Schiano to check out his vast collection of Gretsch guitars.