The Messthetics live in North Adams

Experience The Messthetics live on June 26th

The Messthetics will perform at Mass MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts on June 26, 2026. The Messthetics are a Washington D.C.-based instrumental trio comprising guitarist Alex Toth, bassist Melissa Runyon, and drummer James Hatch. Their music is generally described as a blend of post-hardcore, jazz fusion, and experimental rock, characterized by intricate compositions, angular melodies, and a dynamic interplay between the musicians. They are noted for their avoidance of traditional song structures and emphasis on improvisation within tightly constructed frameworks.

Mass MoCA (Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art) is one of the largest centers for contemporary visual art and performing arts in the United States. Located in a repurposed factory complex – formerly the Sprague Electric Company – its history is integral to its identity. Opened to the public in 1999, the museum’s vast spaces were initially built for industrial production and have been adapted to accommodate large-scale installations and performances. The site reflects a deliberate choice to locate a major art institution in a historically industrial region undergoing economic transition. Mass MoCA regularly hosts musical performances across various genres alongside its visual art exhibitions, utilizing both traditional theater spaces and non-conventional areas within the complex.