Adam Hattaway (NZ) plays the songs of Van Morrison
2025-12-02 20:00 - 23:30 (Australia/Melbourne)
Adam Hattaway (nz) sings the songs of Van Morrison. Likened to Van Morrison in his own songwriting and singing, Adam has been saluting Van with his 10 piece soul band across New Zealand. Now in Naarm, Adam will play a stripped back set of his favourites with guitarist Elmore Jones. Featuring songs from Astral Weeks, Veedon Fleece, Moondance, Days Like This and more.

Daniel Watkins plays the songs of Gordon Lightfoot
2025-12-09 20:00 - 23:30
Saddle up for an evening of timeless storytelling and heartfelt folk classics as Daniel Watkins of the High Street Drifters brings the iconic songbook of Gordon Lightfoot to life at The Drunken Poet.
Expect warm acoustic tones, poetic ballads, and Watkins’ signature authenticity as he honours one of folk music’s greatest voices.
Whether you’re a lifelong Lightfoot fan or discovering the magic for the first time, this is a show you won’t want to miss.

Brooke Russell, Tamara Murphy and Jacob McGuffie play Neko Case
2025-12-23 20:00 - 23:30
Brooke Russell, Tamara Murphy and Jacob McGuffie, bring the music of Neko Case to Tribute Tuesday at the Drunken Poet, 23rd December 2025.
With an esteemed solo career and an incredible list of collaborators, Neko Case has been a hero to many young songwriters and a well-known voice to a generation.
As tribute, this trio will perform songs from her extensive back catalogue, and include a few classic covers and guest appearances that Neko has been a part of.
From her early country and rockabilly influence, to her startling vocal collaborations with Kelly Hogan, the set list has been crafted to show her versatility and artistry.

Ciaran Boyle plays the songs of Josh Ritter
2026-01-06 20:00 - 23:30
Ciaran is better known for his Irish setlist but has long played the songs of Josh Ritter to his own amusement and would love the chance to share the lyric based songs of Josh Ritter. Josh lived in Ireland for a period of his creative life so brought his Idaho based country music and fused it with the singer songwriter movement of the time. He is softly spoken but strongly written with songs of American disillusionment such as ‘All some kind of Dream’. Come enjoy & “have mercy on the man who sings to be adored”!

Oscar LaDell plays the songs of Curtis Mayfield
2026-01-27 20:00 - 23:30

The Ocelots play Tom Waits first album "Closing Time"
2026-02-10 20:00 - 23:30
The Ocelots play Tom Waits first album “Closing Time”

Stella Anning Trio plays the songs of Khruangbin
2026-02-17 20:00 - 23:30
Blending Thai funk, Iranian pop, dub, psychedelia, soul, and surf rock, KHRUANGBIN have built a global cult following — and inspired musicians everywhere.
Led by guitarist Stella Anning, STAT blends electric grit with jazz-school sensibilities, wrapping tight rhythm section interplay in a wash of vintage tones and soulful spontaneity. In this exclusive tribute performance, STAT brings this iconic sound to life. Expect the deep grooves, lush guitar tones, and dreamy, worldly textures that define the Khruangbin experience — all reimagined through STAT’s creative lens.
This is more than a tribute — it’s a celebration of groove, connection, and vibe.

Viki Mealing and Peter O’Shea play the songs of Sinead O'Connor
2026-02-24 20:00 - 23:30
Viki Mealing and Peter O’Shea play the songs of Sinead O’Connor

Those Folk play the songs of The Beatles
2026-03-03 20:00 - 23:30
Charismatic, authentic, and entertaining, Lawrence Menard (USA) and Clare Quinn (AUS) are the transpacific-troubadours known as Those Folk. ‘All You Need Is Love’ is a concert where these two performers celebrate their love for The Beatles. The show pays tribute to the hooks and harmonies from one of the greatest bands in the history of pop music. Those Folk are honoured to present All You Need Is Love – a chance to hear The Beatles stripped back and re-imagined.

Katie Robinson plays the songs of Taylor Swift
2026-03-24 20:00 - 23:30
This upcoming gig marks my very first Taylor Swift–themed night in Australia, and I couldn’t be more excited. Bringing sequins and sparkles from the North of England straight to Melbourne! From classic bangers to the latest releases, Taylor Swift never fails to deliver the perfect soundtrack, and this night will be no different. As a 2010s girl, Taylor Swift will always have a place in my Spotify playlist. Whether you’re a die-hard Swiftie or more of a car-radio listener, expect a night full of energy, dancing, and—of course—great music.

R.R. Grenville plays the songs of Nat King Cole
2026-03-31 20:00 - 23:30

Adrian Whitehead plays the songs of John Lennon
2026-04-07 20:00 - 23:30
Ask anyone about The Beatles and they’ll likely say: Paul wrote the ballads, John wrote the rockers.

But a deeper listen to John Lennon’s remarkable catalogue reveals something more—an artist capable of writing love songs that are as tender as they are sharp, as vulnerable as they are honest.

On Tuesday 7th January, local singer-songwriter and devoted Lennon fan Adrian Whitehead presents Lennon Love Songs, a tribute to some of Lennon’s most moving and intimate works.

Rediscover the depth, beauty, and edge of these timeless songs in a live performance that celebrates Lennon’s softer, more reflective side. Show starts at 8pm.

The Funkadelic Side plays the songs of James Brown
2026-04-14 20:00 - 23:30
Come and join us at The Drunken Poet where James Brown, ‘The Godfather of Soul’, will be brought to life in an exciting and dynamic tribute show performed by Michael GT Blair and The Funkadelic Side. The band will deliver a set of music with a horn-driven, funky rhythm-and-blues sound that will make your night an experience to remember.

During the set you will hear many of the James Brown favourite hits performed in this great tribute show. Songs like: ‘I Feel Good’, ‘Sex Machine’, ‘It’s a Man’s World’, ‘Cold Sweat’, ‘Get on the Good foot’, ‘Papa’s got a brand-new Bag’, and more.

Redfish Bluegrass plays the songs of Dwight Yoakam
2026-04-28 20:00 - 23:30
Redfish Bluegrass plays the songs of Dwight Yoakam!
Dwight Yoakam is famous for his pioneering country music. Popular since the early 1980s, he has recorded more than 21 albums and compilations, charted more than 30 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, and sold more than 25 million records. Yoakam has recorded 5 Billboard #1 Albums, 12 Gold Albums, and 9 Platinum Albums, including the Triple Platinum This Time.
Join us for a night of Country swagger at The Poet!

Kier Stevens playing the songs of Tex, Don & Charlie
2026-05-05 20:00 - 23:30

Rufous Whistler play the songs of Mandolin Orange / Watchhouse
2026-05-12 20:00 - 23:30
Rufous Whistler play the songs of Mandolin Orange / Watchhouse “10 years of Blindfaller” performing the album front to back.

The Otago Players play the songs of BB King
2026-05-19 20:00 - 23:30
The Otago Players play the songs of BB King!

Stu Thomas and Tanya-Lee Davies doing Lee and Nancy
2026-05-26 20:00 - 23:30
Stu Thomas and Tanya-Lee Davies doing Lee and Nancy!

Adam Hattaway and Nick Armstrong play Bruce Springsteen
2026-06-09 20:00 - 23:30

Jade Lawford plays the songs of Amy Winehouse
2026-06-16 20:00 - 23:30
Jade Lawford is a blues, soul and jazz singer from South East Melbourne. Much of her vocal styling and musical inspiration derives from artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Janis Joplin, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert King and most notably Amy Winehouse herself!
She is thrilled to dedicate a beautifully curated one hour tribute in honour of Miss Winehouse at The Drunken Poet with her band. With Kat on keys, Dylan Hind on guitar, Theo on drums and Bailey Roe on bass, come celebrate one of the most phenomenally unique, raw and intimate female artists in music history on a fantastic evening!

Maggie Carty pays tribute to Dolores Keane
2026-06-23 20:00 - 23:30

Baby Salma & Lucie Mallinson play the songs of the Cranberries
2026-06-30 20:00 - 23:30
All the way from Bali, Baby Salma brings a mix of youthful spirit, acoustic grit, and alternative rock influence, delivering intimate live performances filled with emotion and nostalgia, blending her sultry, soulful vocals with that alternative edginess. Accompanying her, Melbourne bassist Lucie Malinson fills the low end with warm, steady grooves and tasteful bassline. Together, they combine expressive vocals with rich bass accompaniment. Together, they bring a fresh yet nostalgic approach to acoustic alternative music.

Thomas Kendall plays the songs of Doc Watson
2026-07-07 20:00 - 23:30
Arthel Lane “Doc” Watson was an American guitarist, songwriter, and singer whose revolutionary flatpicking and fingerpicking techniques reshaped Appalachian folk, bluegrass, country, and blues music. Blind from infancy, Watson went from a street performer in North Carolina to a multi-Grammy Award-winning national treasure.

Moonee Valley Drifters play the songs of Hank Williams
2026-07-14 20:00 - 23:30
Moonee Valley Drifters play the songs of Hank Williams!

Hank Williams was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist who arguably became country music’s first superstar. In a brief but explosive seven-year career, he wrote a catalog of emotional, honky-tonk classics before dying tragically of a heart attack at just 29 years old.

Craig Kelly & Joyce Prescher play the songs of Mark Lanegan
2026-07-21 20:00 - 23:30
Mark Lanegan was one of the great underrated singer-songwriters of the modern era, with a deep, smoky baritone drawing comparisons to Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave. Rising to prominence with Seattle grunge band The Screaming Trees (I Nearly Lost You), he went on to collaborate with close friend Kurt Cobain, appeared as a featured voice across three Queens of the Stone Age albums, and became the brooding foil to Belle & Sebastian’s Isobel Campbell across three dark-folk records echoing Lee Hazlewood and Nancy Sinatra — alongside countless other collaborations and 11 solo albums.
Performed by Craig Kelly with Joyce Prescher.

Victor Stranges plays the songs of Stiff Little Fingers
2026-07-28 20:00 - 23:30
Victor Stranges returns to the songs that shaped him with Get Stiffed – a rare, one-night-only dive into the catalogue of Stiff Little Fingers, the Irish punk band whose songs defined a generation. As a teenage drummer in Melbourne’s underground ’80s band Drunk ’n’ Disorderly, Stranges cut his teeth on this material across the pub circuit. Now, 37 years on, he brings them back reinterpreted solo, with weight and perspective. Expect material from the band’s early run through their first split in 1983, spanning Inflammable Material (1979), Nobody’s Heroes (1980), Go For It (1981) and Now Then… (1982). Tuesday 28 July, 8:00pm at The Drunken Poet.

THE PRAIRIE OYSTERS playing the songs of THE SMITHEREENS!
2026-08-04 20:00 - 23:30
DAVE MILES and MICK EVANS (from THE PRAIRIE OYSTERS) present the songs of the best
band you’ve never heard of: THE SMITHEREENS.
It took some hard decisions to trim the set down when you have 7 albums of masterful power pop to choose from. But they have curated a 1 hour goldmine of great and memorable songs, from the achingly beautiful “CIGARETTE” to the stomping “TOP OF THE POPS”.
In an intimate “unplugged” setting, these songs will be stripped back to their essence to get a long- delayed hearing by Mick (drums, percussion and vocals) and Dave (guitar, harmonica and vocals).

Brittle Sun & Peter O'Shea play the songs of Velvet Underground
2026-08-11 20:00 - 23:30
Brittle Sun & Peter O’Shea play the songs of Velvet Underground

Scott Hamilton plays Townes Van Zandt
2026-08-18 20:00 - 23:30
“Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world, and I’ll stand on Bob Dylan’s coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that.”
Steve Earle.
“I’ve met Bob Dylan’s bodyguards, and if Steve thinks he’s going to stand on Bob’s coffee table in his cowboy boots, he’s sorely mistaken.”
Townes Van Zandt.
“A Song For “ The life of Townes Van Zandt. The telling of the life of the legendary Texan songwriter through his songs from beyond the grave to the beginning and back again.

Peter Baylor & Nick Hayward play the songs of Willie Nelson
2026-08-25 20:00 - 23:30
