How to go
Who: Jasper the Colossal
Where: Canal Street Tavern, 308 E. First St., Dayton
When: 9:30 p.m. Friday. Doors open at 8 p.m.
Cost: $5
More info: (937) 461-9343 or www.canalstreettavern.com
Artist info: www.jasperthecolossal.com
Like many Daytonians, Nick Kizirnis and Henrique Couto are huge fans of Jasper the Colossal. In advance of the local, all-female punk rock band’s five-year anniversary show at Canal Street Tavern in Dayton on Friday, the prominent local music and arts figures shared their thoughts on the infectious music created by Paige Beller (vocals), Moriah Yux (guitar), Nicki Brooks (bass) and Sarah Kouse (drums).
Ringing endorsements
Kizirnis, the man behind groups like The Nicky Kay Orchestra, the Fabulous Kay-tones and The Mulchmen, has been enamored with Jasper the Colossal since his bands The Fair Shakes and Rude Boys played a gig with the ladies at One-eyed Jacks in Fairborn several years ago.
“I was blown away by how great the tunes were and how together the band was, since I hadn’t heard them before,” Kizirnis said. “I love the fact that they write great memorable and hard-hitting songs, and play them so well live. At the same time there’s no ‘act’ or attitude, they’re totally at ease and having a good time, and I think that people respond to that. I’ve taken friends to see them and they’re always blown away.”
Local filmmaker Henrique Couto is also an avid fan of the group. He even enlisted longtime friend Yux to co-star in his 2012 project “Depression: The Movie,” which also featured Jasper the Colossal songs.
“Jasper has an attitude and style all their own,” Couto said. “Their music opens up your chest and climbs inside and then fills you with pounding rhythms and strong hooks. You couldn’t ask for a better band with more style, talent and enthusiasm.”
Advice for the future
“If I had to give them advice it would be to keep doing exactly what you want to do,” Couto said. “They have built an amazing fan base and reputation by being as true to their music as they could. We love you ladies for it.”
Kizirnis, who recently began collaborating with Beller on a new group called Paige and the Bel-Airs, agrees.
“They’ve made a great record (with 2012’s ‘Liar’) and are in the zone when they play,” he said. “I’d say they should let the music guide them as it has to date, and stick with their extreme DIY-attitude, which I think has worked very well so far. I believe more and more people will be attracted to the honest and straightforward punk rock style, so get out there and keep converting people show by show. You guys are what Dayton music is all about!”
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