Anyone who questions Northeast Ohio’s toughness needs to look no further than Brite Winter.
Held annually in Cleveland’s West Bank of the Flats, the music-and-art festival returns — Mother Nature be damned — for its 15th year on Feb. 24 under the Main Avenue bridge.
“What continues to surprise me a little bit every year is, we’ve discovered that in weather, whether it’s 10 degrees or 65 degrees, people will come out and play,” said Emily Hornack, Brite Winter co-founder and managing director.
“People love our community — the music and the art that we produce here. They really relish the chance to experience it in all types of weather. Also, by February, people are itching to get out of the house and do something, so Brite is happy to give them that outlet.”
In addition to art displays, food trucks and beer offerings, it’s the more than two dozen musical acts — performing all day across three outdoor stages and two indoor performing areas — that offer the most appeal.
Having previously showcased regional acts, this year the festival is turning the spotlight back on its hometown with festival headliners Wanyama, a Cleveland-based act performing funk, reggae, rock, hip-hop and pop.
“Being our 15th year, we wanted to get back to our roots,” she said. “We started out being more focused on Northeast Ohio. In addition, there (were a lot of shake-ups) with bands and performers — who is playing with who and how much material people were putting out — during the pandemic.
“It ended up being a pretty productive time artistically for people. Feeling like we have really great quality bands within our region, we might as well give them a chance rather than bands from other places.”
When it comes to programming Brite Winter, Hornack said a 45-person music-review committee vets the acts before applicants are ranked accepted.
This year’s lineup also includes Anya Van Rose, Kid Tigrrr, Big Hoke, Kultures, Black Island Condors, Lauren Lanzaretta, Charity Evonna, LILIEAE, Chayla Hope, LoConti, Cory Grinder and The Playboy Scouts, E.Side4, Esther Fitz, M.O.O.K.Y., RADDERALL, Ray Flanagan & The Mean Machines, GRVE, Hello! 3D, The Baker’s Basement, The Monday Program, Illest Villains, JD Eicher and Wynton Existing.
“I’m always excited to hear Ray (Flanagan),” she said. “I’m also excited for Hello! 3D. They’re kind of a Brazilian fusion band. That should be really fun and energetic. Then there’s GRVE, which is a heavier sound, a heavier rock band.”
Brite Winter has come quite a long way over the last decade and a half. Early on, the festival attracted 600 to 800 brave souls. These days — pandemic aside — anywhere from 10,000 to 15,000 people attend.
“It’s kind of crazy to see how much it’s grown over the years,” Hornack said. “I don’t think I’m bragging, but at this point, Brite is one of the biggest events in Cleveland.
“It’s definitely one of the biggest events in the winter and the largest music festival happens inside the city of Cleveland as well. We’re really proud of that, and we’re really excited to continue to welcome people to Brite this year.”
Brite Winter 2024
When: 3 to 11 p.m. Feb. 24.
Where: Cleveland’s West Bank Flats (2014 Sycamore St.).
Tickets: $12 ($17 at door).
Info: britewinter.com.