Brite Winter, an annual Cleveland tradition that has found a home in the West Bank of the Flats, has unveiled the 2019 lineup of musicians that will perform across various stages during the free(!) event, scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 23.
The festival’s mission is a simple one: “To bring joy to the Cleveland community through arts and music.”
The tenth edition of Brite Winter includes national headliner Smallpools (an incredibly cool band, if you have yet to check them out) and local headliner Ezri, an up-and-coming hip-hop star in the making.
While most of the musical acts on tap hail from North East Ohio, out of town guests include Joplin, Missouri’s Me Like Bees and Fort Collins, Colorado’s Slow Caves.
As far as the local flavor, this writer’s three ‘can’t miss’ acts?
- Front Porch Lights (The 5-piece folk-influenced act highlighted by vocals of frontman Connor Standish were tapped to open for the incomparable Dave Matthews’ solo show at the Agora in April 2018 — a benefit for failed-gubernatorial candidate, Dennis Kucinich.
- The Vindys (Who doesn’t love an awesome female-fronted act? The Youngstown based trio, lead by frontwoman Jackie Popovec the jazz-inspired group are sure to be one of the standout sets at this year’s festival)
- Ray Flanagan & The Authorities (Flanagan, a Cleveland staple, whose official website bio describes him a “chameleon in the local scene, he can be found delivering his own songs intimately in his dynamic solo performances, rocking and rolling with his band The Authorities, or playing sideman to any number of bands and artists around town,” has opened for big-time national touring acts including Train and Tim Reynolds.
The event will feature a plethora of other art, including ice sculptures! Fire pits will help make the event cozy, no matter how cold the night. Hungry? Thirsty? Check out one of the food trucks or grab yourself an ice cold craft beer.
The festival still needs volunteers! For all things Brite Winter, including a VIP hotel package, please visit their official site: BRITEWINTER.COM
