Good Guy Hank play the songs of Hank Williams
2025-01-07 20:00 - 23:30 (Australia/Melbourne)
Good Guy Hank play the songs of Hank Williams!

Thomas Kendle plays the songs of Flatt and Scruggs
2025-02-04 20:00 - 23:30
Flatt and Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys did much to popularize bluegrass music. Their sound became widely recognized in the 1960s through their recording of “The Ballad of Jed Clampett,” the theme for the network television show The Beverly Hillbillies.
Both Flatt and Scruggs grew up in rural farm homes immersed in rich musical traditions. Both worked in textile mills before becoming full-time musicians. Flatt, who left school at the age of twelve and married at the age of seventeen, began his radio career in 1939 and worked in several bands, including that of Charlie Monroe and his Kentucky Partners, with whom, in 1943, he sang tenor and played guitar and mandolin. In 1945, Flatt was hired as guitarist and lead singer in Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys.

Andy Baylor plays the Bob Dylans Country songs
2025-02-11 20:00 - 23:30

Moonee Valley Drifters play the songs of Lefty Frizzell
2025-02-18 20:00 - 23:30
Poet faves The Moonee Valley Drifters play the songs of Lefty Frizzell

James Taylor, Darren Maxfield and Greg Field play the songs of Robbie Fulks
2025-02-25 20:00 - 23:30
Join us at 8 PM for a special tribute to the storytelling brilliance of Robbie Fulks!
James Taylor, Darren Maxfield, and Greg Field take the stage to deliver an unforgettable night of folk, alt-country, and Americana classics, celebrating one of the genre’s sharpest songwriters.
Grab a tasty pint, soak in the tunes, and let these seasoned musicians take you on a journey through Fulks’ rich catalog.

Katankin plays the songs of Paul Simon
2025-03-04 20:00 - 23:30
Katankin brings her exquisite voice and artistry to the timeless songs of Paul Simon.
With intricate arrangements and a deep connection to the craft of songwriting, Katankin will breathe new life into classics from Graceland, Still Crazy After All These Years, Bridge Over Troubled Water, and beyond. Expect a night of stunning vocals, heartfelt storytelling, and a fresh take on one of the greatest songwriters of our time.

Rory Newman plays the songs of Van Morrison
2025-03-11 20:00 - 23:30
Rory Newman brings the songs of Van Morrison to life with soul, passion, and a voice that’ll take you straight to Cypress Avenue. From the deep grooves of Moondance to the raw beauty of Astral Weeks, expect a night filled with timeless classics and hidden gems.

Suzette Herft plays the songs of Joan Baez
2025-03-18 20:00 - 23:30
With a voice as rich and timeless as the songs she sings, Suzette Herft pays tribute to the legendary Joan Baez in a night of soaring melodies and heartfelt storytelling. From protest anthems to ballads of love and loss, Suzette brings warmth, grace, and a deep connection to the music that defined a generation.

Vardos pay tribute for Greek Independence Day
2025-03-25 20:00 - 23:30
Vardos pay tribute for Greek Independence Day!
Driven by Alana’s wild violin, chased by accordion and double bass, Vardos play folk and Romany music learnt from Rroma (Gypsy) musicians during their travels in Eastern Europe. Based in Melbourne, Australia, the band has toured to Hungary, France, Berlin, Switzerland, Amsterdam, New Caledonia, New Zealand, London and Scotland.

Taylor Project and Greg Steps play the songs of Blink 182
2025-04-01 20:00 - 23:30
“What’s my age again?”
Taylor Project and Greg Steps pay tribute to Blink 182 in Country & Folk style! Experience this iconic band in a whole different genre!
What’s my age again? And what the hell is Call ID?
Join Taylor Project and Greg Steps for a Tribute Tuesday presenting Blink 182 songs in country and folk style.
Revel in the “I don’t know whether to kill myself or go bowling” country humour hidden in Blink 182 lyrics, and have the excuse to enjoy these wonderful 1990s and 2000s songs again, from a band that dominated punk-pop and absorbed the Jackass aesthetic of the era, but also valued effective songwriting and could have stepped sideways into other genres. At least, that’s our theory.
The Taylor Project have written and recorded music since 2008, and have performed at many bars, pubs, festivals and community events, with an idiosyncratic and entertaining folk music style featuring mandolin, violin, harmonies and much thought-through lyrics. The band is built around twin sisters Liz Taylor and Sarah Taylor, both of whom also enjoy chatting through song backgrounds on stage.
Greg Steps is an indie-folk singer songwriter with a distinctive, homespun voice, an inherently watchful eye and a vivid imagination. He is a friend of Taylor Project, an excellent performer, but not, as yet, a fan of Blink 182. Join us as we win him over. Or just join us for watching, waiting, and commiserating!

Oh Gibson with Duncan Stephen play the songs of Doc Watson
2025-04-08 20:00 - 23:30

The Acrobats play the songs of The Cure
2025-04-15 20:00 - 23:30
Inspired by The Cure’s stunning new album, Chris Keogh and Tom Caley from The Acrobats bring ‘Two Re-imaginary Boys’ to The Drunken Poet. This show will delve into The Cure’s extensive and eclectic songbook in full acoustic mode. From the early post punk, through their dark and haunting moments, to the pristine pop and everything in between, expect to hear classics and deep cuts that cover the duration of The Cure’s full treasure chest.

Ingrid Saker plays the songs of Hendrix
2025-04-22 20:00 - 23:30

Yolanda Ingley plays the songs of John Lennon
2025-04-29 20:00 - 23:30

Reuben Ishrahm plays the songs of Chris Stapleton
2025-05-20 20:00 - 23:30
Reuben Ishrahm dives deep into the soulful sounds of Chris Stapleton, delivering a heartfelt set of songs by one of country music’s modern greats. Grit, gravel, and golden tones – this one’s for fans of raw emotion and powerhouse vocals.

Girl Friday plays the songs of Barbara Dane
2025-05-27 20:00 - 23:30
Girl Friday plays the songs of Barbara Dane!
Join us for a soul-stirring evening as Girl Friday brings the powerful protest songs and bluesy ballads of Barbara Dane to life. With heartfelt vocals and vintage charm, this tribute celebrates the voice of a true folk legend. Don’t miss this moving homage to a musical trailblazer!

Duncan Phillips plays the songs of Steve Earl
2025-06-03 20:00 - 23:30
Duncan Phillips plays the songs of Steve Earl
Duncan picked up his first guitar at the tender age of eight. By fourteen he was a mainstay of the local gig and festival circuit. With a sound and sensibility that leans heavily into the likes of Tom Petty, Steve Earle and Bruce Springsteen, Duncan’s take on Americana rock genre has won hearts and minds on Melbourne’s live music scene and at national radio stations like PBS and 3RRR.
Multi-talented Steve Earle was born on a military base in Hampton, Virginia in 1955. He dropped out of school in the 9th grade to pursue a career in music, then moved to Nashville in 1975 and worked as a staff writer for RCA Records. His own debut album, Guitar Town, was not released until 1986, earning Grammy nominations for Best Country Male Vocalist and Best Country Song for the title track. Earle followed that up with two Grammy nominations for the album Exit 0 in 1988.

Earle documented his long struggle with drug addiction in his biography, Hardcore Troubadour: The Life and Near Death of Steve Earle. He began using heroin when he was 13 and spent the 1990s, as he has famously referred to it, “vacationing in the ghetto.” He was regularly seen drunk or high on cocaine around Nashville. His money spent on drugs or alcohol and no longer fit to perform, Earle borrowed money from friends or pawned his guitars to feed his habit. Finally, in 1994, he was sentenced to prison and a stay in rehab after failing to appear for a court date. By January 1995, Earle was sober and released his comeback album, Train A Comin’, which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album in 1996.

His first Grammy came in 2005 for Best Contemporary Folk Album for The Revolution Starts…Now. Earle is well known for his liberal political views and this album stirred up some controversy for its anti-Iraq War leanings. The title track was used as the theme song to Earle’s radio show on Air America, which was on the air from August 2004 through June 2007. He said in 2007 that part of the reason he moved to Greenwich Village in New York was he was “tired of being behind enemy lines” in Nashville, where he had lived for over 30 years.

Bill Barber plays the songs of Chess Records
2025-06-10 20:00 - 23:30
Tonight, we pay tribute to the gritty, ground-breaking sounds of Chess Records. Join us as bluesman Bill Barber takes the stage to honour the legends—Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Etta James and more.

Pete Cornelius plays the songs of Tom Waits
2025-06-17 20:00 - 23:30
Pete Cornelius plays the songs of Tom Waits!

Garry Allen plays the songs of Robert Johnson
2025-06-24 20:00 - 23:30
Garry Allen is a singer/songwriter/guitarist based in Melbourne. He has a love for the old blues – raw and pure. Robert Johnson is a towering figure who has inspired generations of blues and rock musicians. His songs have left their mark and his delivery is still unmatched. Keith Richards, Eric Clapton and other giants have sited Robert Johnson as their biggest inspiration.
Garry pays homage to this blues god to the best of his ability! Garry’s CD (Garry Allen Plays Robert Johnson) has been played on Blues radio stations around the country. Werner Martin (Night Owls on Rhythm 3CR) has had calls that Garry is “The Real Deal” by listeners of his long running show.
Garry will present The Drunken Poet’s audience a show shining the spotlight on Robert Johnson’s greatest songs. Also, Blind Boy Fuller, Son House and Charley Patton will be given a nod showcasing the influences each artist had on each other.
This show promises a night of intimate acoustic blues sung and played with passion and reverence.
The real deal!

Viki Mealing & Peter O'Shae play the songs of The Pogues
2025-07-08 20:00 - 23:30
Peter O’Shea is a veteran of the Australian Music scene and a multi Golden Fiddle award winner. He has played in countless bands, recording sessions, appeared on TV, radio, films and theatre productions as a Musician and actor, notably ‘Ned Kelly’, the 2003 film starring Heath Ledger. He has 3 solo albums and has produced 4 music books. Peter’s original compositions reflect the diversity and colour of his hometown Melbourne.

Viki Mealings is the lead singer of alt country folksters Brittle Sun. Her powerful voice belies her small stature. They weave lyrical storytelling with evocative melodies. They grew out of the thriving spoken word and music scene in Brunswick. They have an expansive, diverse repertoire and their live performances are energetic and fearless. They have recently released an album ‘Falling Stars and Magpies’.

Viki and Peter met for a Sinead O’Connor tribute show at The Drunken Poet and bonded over a shared love of Irish music and The Pogues. They are thrilled and honoured to be paying tribute to this extraordinary band at one of Australia’s best Irish bars.

James Shortland Trio plays the songs of Thelonious Monk
2025-07-15 20:00 - 23:30
Step into the world of bebop brilliance as the James Shortland Trio pays tribute to jazz icon Thelonious Monk. Expect sharp rhythms, unexpected turns, and masterful improvisation from one of Melbourne’s finest trios.

Stu Thomas and Tanya-Lee Davies play the songs of Lee & Nancy
2025-07-29 20:00 - 23:30
Stu Thomas joins with Tanya-Lee Davies to play the iconic songs of Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazlewood. Drawing from the duets and their separate careers. Get along to Sugar Town.

Van Walker plays the songs of Ronnie Lane
2025-08-05 20:00 - 23:30
Van Walker plays the songs of Ronnie Lane!
Van Walker is a well loved singer/songwriter who was described by Rhythms Magazine as “A devoted songwriter..Walker is a much revered, almost cult figure locally.”

Catfish Gumbo pay tribute to Louisiana Blues
2025-08-12 20:00 - 23:30
Catfish Gumbo pay tribute to Louisiana Blues!

Brendan Lloyd plays the songs of John Williamson
2025-08-19 20:00 - 23:30
Like a lot of kids born in the 80s and raised on a farm, Brendan Lloyd fell in love with John Williamson songs from an early age. In fact, it’s fair to say that JW was the entire reason he ever picked up a guitar. Enjoy an evening of nostalgic Australiana with a selection of JW’s best from the 80s and 90s, accompanied by the inimitable Craig Kelly on bass.

Mick Pealing and Nick Charles play the songs of Rod Stewart
2025-08-26 20:00 - 23:30

Redfish Bluegrass play the songs of Willie Nelson
2025-09-16 20:00 - 23:30

The Strays play the songs of The Stray Cats
2025-09-23 20:00 - 23:30
The songs and music of the Stray Cats and Brian Setzer.

An intimate gig with Dizzy Davidson Frontman singer and guitarist of The melbourne rockabilly trio The Strays performing STRAY TRAX (THE MUSIC of The STRAY CATS and Brian Setzer, Slim Jim Phantom and Lee Rocker

With his 59 Orange jumbo Gretsch 6120 , tube amplification , analogue delay and a touch of cat class and cat style come along to the Drunken Poet Tuesday 23rd September to hear Dizzy and standup sidekick play some of the stray cats biggest hits , family favourites and rarities.

Now get your cat clothes on
Let’s rock this town”
Cat Class , Cat Style
Dizzy Davidson

Joshua Batten plays the songs of Bowie
2025-10-07 20:00 - 23:30
Joshua Batten plays the songs of Bowie!
Ground control to Major Tom! Joshua Batten makes his triumphant return to Tuesday Tribute night at the Drunken Poet with a one-hour set of David Bowie’s greatest hits, covering the ‘Golden Years’ of 1969-1983! Put on your red shoes and dance the blues with JB as he plays DB at the DP!
