The Bright Box’s small and cozy stage lit up for the first time in 16 months Friday night with a free public show hosted by local musicians. The local performance venue in Winchester has not held a show since March 13, a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. There was a point in November, when Bright Box Owner Marilyn Finnemore thought its days as a public performance venue may be numbered without assistance.
Bright Box worried like many music venues during the peak of the pandemic if they could financially survive without holding shows. In fact, some indoor indie music venues did have to permanently shut down due to COVID-19 restrictions, including U Street Music Hall in Washington, D.C.
But as the crowd began dancing to the funky rock reggae jam band sounds of Atlantic Aesthetic, Friday night was a celebration of survival for the Bright Box. Bill Rogers, who does marketing for Bright Box, said it’s been 16 months too many without local live music at the venue on the Loudoun Street Walking Mall.
