Holiday Hootenanny with The Melismatics, Ryan and Pony, And Ryan Smith Solo

The Melismatics have built a cult following with their blend of post-punk urgency, indie-rock hooks, and theatrical stage presence. Fronted by Ryan Smith and Pony, their dual vocals, explosive energy, and boundary-pushing songwriting have taken them to stages like Lollapalooza, Summerfest, and CMJ while earning TV placements on MTV, NBC, and more. Produced by luminaries including Jon Auer and John Fields and powered by Mark Wade’s iconic bass work, The Melismatics continue to shape Minneapolis music culture with passion, melody, and fearless weirdness.

Ryan & Pony is the evolution of that chemistry — a duo project that fuses dream-pop, Brit-rock, EDM, and art-punk sensibilities into something wholly its own. Their debut album Moshi Moshi (Pravda Records) showcased their inventiveness, award-winning songwriting, and deep Minneapolis roots, with Ryan producing and John Fields mixing. Both longtime fixtures of the Twin Cities scene, Ryan and Pony continue to explore new sonic territory while preserving the melodic punch and irony-streaked charm fans have come to love.

Ryan Smith Solo brings the night full circle. Best known as lead guitarist for Soul Asylum and for his roles in The Melismatics, Ryan & Pony, and punk supergroup Ultrabomb, Ryan began his musical journey making DIY solo records as a teenager on his own Hygh Tension Records. His latest solo material — raw, psych-tinged rock with hooks to spare — emerged during a burst of writing between Soul Asylum tours, leading to new singles and an upcoming full-length. Expect intimate storytelling, inventive arrangements, and a chance to hear the songwriter behind several beloved Minnesota bands stripped down to his essence.

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