Show Recap: Remembering Jayson Loput at the Cinema Bar
Within minutes of the show beginning, the Cinema Bar in Culver City, Los Angeles was packed with music lovers of all ages. Gathered to celebrate the life and music of our friend Jayson Loput, the members of Nuclēaria and four supporting bands put on an unforgettable show on March 7, 2025.
Opening the evening was indie rock band Midfield Avenue. Watching their set, it’s easy to understand their huge presence in LMU’s college music scene, with frontman Zac Brosky’s phenomenal vocals and their melodic, danceable indie sound. With a set of original songs, Midfield set the tone for a night of joyful and passionate music.
Photo by Abbie Harris
Next on the bill was Trophy Eddy, who shared the stage with Nuclēaria at an LA show in November. Frontwoman Solia Mayo gracefully reminded the crowd of our unity in the love of music as we celebrated the life of someone who loved music alongside us. Trophy Eddy held the bar in the palms of their hands with their new original music and a chills-inducing cover of “Aerials” by System of a Down. The band successfully invited the entire bar to sit criss-cross on the ground as they serenaded us with a mellow song, and in that moment you could feel the room on the same level, literally, united in the love of music.
Photo by Abbie Harris
The night turned in a high-octane, punk direction with the set of Diamond Riot. Another band from the LMU scene, Diamond Riot has the incredible, unique ability to blend catchy melodies with gnarly breakdowns. Frontwoman Stella Katona delivered nothing short of a powerhouse performance, notably in the band’s cover of Paramore’s “Decode”, which brought me to tears. Lead guitarist Grant L’Heureux’s unique and incredibly dynamic playing style, including harmonics, melodic solos, and chugging riffs exemplifies a passion and dedication much like his bandmate Jayson’s.
Photo by Abbie Harris
The Connecticut-raised group Mandala took the stage next to share with us thirty minutes of pure delight. While I can’t seem to nail down a genre or even a word to define Mandala’s sound, the buzz of energy they created throughout the venue was palpable. Harnessing and creating this energy was frontwoman Morgan Fasanelli and her tambourine, which she beat wholeheartedly to the point of drawing blood. Mandala’s set reminded me of the unbridled joy and creative expression that music can channel, and how unifying that can feel for the people who witness it.
Photo by Abbie Harris
Closing out the night, of course, was Nuclēaria, who not only showed incredible strength in performing their music, but did so with the same ferocious passion that has become their signature. Along with their set of familiar originals and iconic cover of Velvet Revolver’s “Slither,” Nuclēaria debuted two powerful new songs: one of which Jayson had rehearsed and worked on with the band, and another written in his memory.
Seeing the band on stage without Jayson and his signature guitar, customized with his sister’s artwork, was devastating. But at the same time, his presence was undoubtedly in the room with his band and the people who cared for him. The feeling in the room was not somber or mournful – it was full of life, loud music, and love – which is exactly the legacy that we carry on in Jayson’s name. As Nuclēaria and their supporting bands look to the future, they are watched over by the memory and spirit of the unforgettable Jayson Loput.
Photo by Will Graczewski.
We love you Jay
