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Brite Winter

@britewinter

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❄️Join us February 20, 2027 in the Waterloo Arts District.❄️
Cleveland’s outdoor wintertime music & art festival. 501(c)(3)

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The brutal truth is.. I wrote this song about a bitch I was cheating with, but it was before I got caught so I told my then main bitch it was about her. Now it’s just a beautiful love song, shoutout to them bitches tho ♾️🩰🤙🏾😘 #woahwoah #thestepfather #foreverstepping #retropharaoh #brite2026

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Reminiscing about @britewinter #thestepfather #woahwoah #foreverstepping #areyoustepping #brite2026

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We had an incredible time capturing the energy, creativity, and community at this year’s @britewinter festival held in the @waterlooarts district.

Massive thanks to the artists, organizers, and everyone who braved the cold to make this one unforgettable! 🔥❄️

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#BriteWinter 2026! Turning ambition into achievement, one step at a time 🤙♾️👟 #thestepfather #woahwoah #foreverstepping #brite2026

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My Riot (Live at Britewinter)

UPCOMING SHOWS:
4/11 @themagicbagmi
4/18 @ Federal Frenzy (@ysupenpro)

📸 - @retouchbyriley

#thesweetspot #thesweetspotband #liveshow #livemusic #rockshow

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It was fantastic talking with Stephen Calhoun, a Cleveland Heights–based artist whose path into the art world is as unexpected as it is inspiring. Born in Cleveland in 1954, Calhoun describes himself as an “accidental artist,” having truly begun his art career around age 60. That turning point came when Deborah Gray was conducting an appraisal at his stepmother’s home and noticed one of his pieces hanging among others. What started as a quiet moment of recognition quickly grew into broader interest, much to his surprise, ultimately leading to his first exhibition in 2016.

A self-taught artist, Calhoun works across photography, mixed-process new media, digital cinema, generative art, and sound design. Recording under the name Kamelmauz, he produced ten experimental music recordings between 2001 and 2017. His creative path began as a graphic designer in 1985, followed by a period of painting from 1993 to 2002, before fully embracing digital art in 2003. He later incorporated digital photography in 2009, merging it with generative techniques to create intricate, evolving compositions.

Since 2012, his work has focused on complexity, iteration, symmetry, and generativity, often resulting in striking visual patterns. In 2022, he began integrating diffusion technology into his process, continuing to push the boundaries of his digital practice. His background in music and sound design remains deeply embedded in his visual work, giving it a rhythmic and structural sensibility.

Beyond his artistic journey, it was meaningful to hear him reflect on his life and influences, including his late friend Ken Warren, who not only was a giant in local librarianship and a talented writer and artist, but also someone who encouraged Calhoun to more fully embrace art in his life. Though he lived in Santa Fe, Vermont, and Los Angeles, Calhoun returned to Northeast Ohio in 1992 and has remained rooted here ever since, building a body of work that proves creative discovery can happen at any stage of life.

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I met Michael Di Liberto at Brite Winter along with his companion, Quincy, a Bernese Mountain Dog. The pair stopped by the Waterloo Arts Cafe, which was filled with visitors for the day. It was great to see two of my favorite Clevelanders, Angela Lupica and Julian Williams, helping the busy staff keep up with the crowd. Thanks to Julian for sending me additional information about the café, including that Waterloo Arts dates back 20 years and that the café’s location was once known as Leo’s Bar.

While the café was full, all eyes turned to Quincy, the well-behaved dog, patiently waiting as Michael ordered his drink. Di Liberto, a musician and visual artist, and Quincy, both Collinwood locals, were enjoying a walk along their street, which had drawn an unusually large number of visitors for the festival. It was great meeting them and seeing the community come together for the day. To see some of Michael’s work, check out @prehd.

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I met Zack Zhang and Julia Kashuba inside the Cleveland Rocks Shop during Brite Winter. Zhang, a financial analyst with Nestlé, has lived downtown for more than three years. An Asian American born in New Orleans, he later spent time in Oregon before relocating to Cleveland. A 2022 graduate of Case Western Reserve University, he previously lived in Beachwood and is also affiliated with Strong Style MMA.

Kashuba, a Ukrainian artist and writer, recently completed her training as a therapist while recovering from surgery. Her family immigrated from Ukraine, and her parents, Volodymyr and Olha Kashuba, operate Video Memories LLC. A 2022 graduate of John Carroll University in psychology and creative writing, she is continuing her studies toward a CMHC degree in 2025. Her work includes oil and acrylic painting as well as mixed media. She also spoke about her 14-year-old teacup chihuahua, Zhul’ka, who wears a sweater hand-crocheted by her mother because nothing small enough could be found. I loved meeting the couple and especially getting a pic of Zhul’ka, who made everyone who saw her stop and want to pet her. It was great meeting them and I look forward to the next meeting.

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New episode with the full Streets interviews of @britewinter Winter!
Coda Crose and I hit the streets of Brite Winter Music Fest for some street interviews !

@lex moda @cellophane_jane
@Jenna Fournier Of Kid Tigrrr @kid.tigrrr
@julbiggreen
Alisha Stahnke Blue Uma
@tobyraps Raps
@maura1977 of Maura Rogers and the Bellows
@taymadlamb Lamborn
M. Moody @mattismoody
@love_freely333 Young of Mixed Feelings
@princetuckermusic
Alec Danger Schumann of Awesome Quest
@jinari_kemet
@hyperiusblake @blackvoltronband
@mollzmca
Matthew Sutherland Left Of The Dial @wruwfm
@michael_w_h
@mikey.silas @apostlejonesing
Brent Kirby @10x3songwritershowcase
Joe Kardos @jd.kardos
Jon Coxs @lazerspy
AJ and The Woods AJ & the Woods @ajandthewoods
Lea Marra @leamarramusic
Greg Harris
James Carol
#clevelandmusic #britewinter
Only on YouTube This Week!!!!!

https://youtu.be/Ie7QsPrpyIk?si=k-Ti9ACsDcy0

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It was a great meeting with Tanya Comfort on Waterloo Road in the Collinwood neighborhood during Brite Winter. Comfort was there working with Anonymous for the Voiceless, a nonprofit focused on raising awareness about animal exploitation through public conversation and the use of standard industry footage.

A Cleveland-area native, Comfort is also an active musician. She previously performed with the band Blow Up Dolls and now plays in Comfort Jam, continuing her involvement in the local music scene while supporting advocacy efforts in the community.

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🚺⚠️

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During the lively chaos of Brite Winter in Collinwood, I had the pleasure of meeting Cleveland native David Sharkey in a packed Collinwood pub. Born in Newbury and raised in Fairview, Sharkey moved to downtown Cleveland in 1986 and has since called several city neighborhoods home, including Detroit‑Shoreway and East 40th in St. Clair‑Superior. His stories of life across the city offered a unique perspective on Cleveland’s different neighborhoods.

Sharkey brings decades of experience to the local real estate scene as President and Principal Broker of Progressive Urban Real Estate. The firm recently marked its 40th anniversary, celebrating four decades of work in urban residential and investment properties. Progressive Urban guides clients through neighborhoods including Tremont, Ohio City, Detroit‑Shoreway, Clifton‑Baltic, University Circle, and North Collinwood. Known for his deep knowledge of the local market, Sharkey is also active in urban revitalization, collaborating with community organizations, lenders, and city agencies to promote neighborhood growth and redevelopment.

For more on his work, visit Progressive Urban Real Estate @progressiveurban_realestate

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