Sat 2/25 @ 3PM-midnight
The Brite Winter Festival has always been about change. It debuted as a casual gathering put together by some local music fans, which attracted less than 1,000 people to Rivergate Park in the Flats. After two years there it moved up to Ohio City for four years, exploding in attendance as it filled numerous venues and outdoor stages fanning out from West 25th and Lorain. It outgrew that space and moved own to the West Bank of the Flats in 2016, where it’s been ever since (well, except for 2021 when it took place on your computer.)
Its mix of music and art has changed too, with some festivals featuring up to 50 artists including touring acts. More recently it’s downsized and become more focused on local music, a trend that continues this year with just three stages and just over 20 acts. And a partnership it forged several years ago with the Ingenuity Festival has expanded its arts installation element, with more and bigger pieces including Ingenuity-style large-scale interactive ones. The theme this year is “Anchor’s Aweigh” so expect to see things with a nautical theme.
The big names this year are two veteran Cleveland ensembles who’ve spend a lot of time touring outside the area as well to support their multiple releases. Both bluesy classic-rock style Welshly Arms and punk-pop rockers Signals Midwest will headline the West Bank stage with the former playing at 10pm and the latter at 8:50. Central Ohio roots rocker Angela Perley, Akron teen punk quartet Detention and Cleveland’s recently formed seven-member Shoreline Funk All-Stars featuring Apostle Jones singer Mikey Silas are among the other highlights.
As usual, there’ll be food, drink and bonfires!
General admission tickets are $10 in advance or at the door. Go here for more information and to buy tickets.
