Ziggy's, the long-running live-music mainstay on 2nd Street in downtown Hudson, is stepping back into the spotlight under a new name and new leadership. The venue has been reborn as Max's Social House, with Dr. Melvin "Max" Ashford taking over the space and keeping live music front and center while rolling out a refreshed food and cocktail program.
Ownership and the building’s history
As reported by Hudson Star-Observer, Kevin Jones transferred and sold the liquor license and property to Dr. Melvin "Max" Ashford. The outlet also names Misty Weispfenning as the venue’s general manager and notes that the 2nd Street building dates back to 1866, giving the reimagined space some serious historic bones.
Menu, hours and the new vibe
Per the venue’s website, Max's Social House is rolling out a southern‑Midwest food program and an elevated cocktail lineup while holding onto the music-first ethos that regulars know well. The site posts month-by-month musician lineups and states that implementation of the new menus began in June 2026 as the space transitions from Ziggy’s to Max’s.
Programming, stages and auditions
According to the Hudson Star-Observer, Max’s Social House plans live music Tuesday through Saturday, with sets typically starting between 4 and 5 p.m., plus karaoke on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. The article notes that the venue now offers two stages, one on each floor, and reports that Ashford wants the place to feel "like Nashville." The neighboring building that housed Hop & Barrel is expected to become a social hall, the front area is slated to function as an atrium-style closed patio, and new parking has been added across the street.
Shows and community bookings
The room is already pulling double duty as a community hub, with local calendars such as WiscoREIA listing networking nights and talks at Max’s Social House. Those listings indicate the spot is positioning itself as both a live-music venue and a downtown meeting place for groups and local organizations.
How to follow the calendar
Max’s Social House is open now. For the full lineup, menu and hours, visit the venue’s website at Max's Social House. The site’s events calendar is the go-to place to check nightly lineups, auditions and monthly showcases.
