Misty (8pm) & Maja (9pm)
2024-06-26 21:00 - 23:30 (Australia/Melbourne)
Thought- provoking and deeply-personal, Maja’s songs are vulnerable and relatable, displaying a depth and maturity far beyond her age. Looking to the past for inspiration, her songs possess a sound quality and nostalgia that her audiences know so well, echoing soul, blues and folk music. Her diverse ranges of styles come to highlight her fierce vocal performance and direct song-writing style, channeling the likes of Otis Redding, Clairy Browne and the Banging Rackettes, Laura Marling and Fiona Apple.

Hayley Mary
2024-07-17 20:00 - 23:30
Hayley Mary, solo rock artist and front woman of The Jezabels with is excited to announce she will be playing an intimate acoustic set at The Drunken Poet. The set with be a journey through the years of her career, including some Jezables songs, tracks form her three solo EP’s and recent singles, combined with a selection of covers that have been influential on the singer. “They say the root of a good song is just two chords and the truth,” Hayley says of the upcoming gig, “I can’t wait to re-imagine these rock songs in true acoustic tradition in the intimate space of the legendary Drunken Poet.

Suzie So Blue
2024-09-25 21:00 - 23:30
Suzie So Blue is a singer-songwriter whose music delves deep into the heart of human emotions with just four strings and the truth. Blending the soulful essence of blues with the storytelling charm of country, Suzie‘s hypnotic tenor guitar style and evocative vocals create a mesmerising sonic tapestry.

Influenced by luminaries like Yola, Amythyst Kiah, Tracy Chapman, Gillian Welch and Sierra Ferrell, she weaves tales of love and life that resonate with Americana and dark folk enthusiasts.

Suzie So Blue‘s music is a captivating journey through the landscapes of the human experience, where raw emotions and authentic storytelling come together to create a truly soul-stirring musical experience.

Cathy Dobson
2024-10-02 20:00 - 23:30
Cathy Dobson is an award winning Melbourne based singer/songwriter/guitarist. She has been recognised by the Australian Songwriting Association for Songwriting Excellence.
Cathy has released 5 albums and has a new album-“Sundowner Drive”- due for release soon. It’s a concept album of co-writes with Angus Gill.
Her previous albums are “Prodigal Chile”, “Ball and chain”, “Tales of a suburban housewife”, “A farmer’s lullaby” and “Living in Mediocreville”.
Many of Cathy’s songs have regularly reached the country music charts of “The Australian radio”, OZ Music and the “Campfire publishing”.
Cathy has worked with Khristian Mizzi, Luke O”Shea, Allan Caswell, Angus Gill and Charles Jenkins.

Joyce Prescher
2024-10-23 20:00 - 23:30
Joyce Prescher is a Melbourne based singer-songwriter originally from the Netherlands.
Slowly but steadily, Joyce has been making a name for herself in the Americana and folk scene.
One easily picks up on her love of 70s music yet is left wondering just who she reminds you of. But never mind.
And if you didn’t feel anything yet, she is sure to make you feel things.

Brittany Elise
2024-10-30 20:00 - 23:30
Brittany Elise is returning back to The Poet!
Don’t miss this dazzling Country-Pop star when she returns in October !

Dakota East
2024-12-04 20:00 - 23:30
Earnest and soulful, Country/Indie artist Dakota East travels both on a lonesome mountain dirt road and an inner city street.
“I was surrounded by Country, Folk & Blues music for as long as I can remember,” says East of her musical upbringing.
“Mum would have Bonnie Raitt & Shania Twain playing around the house. Dad being Canadian loved North American folk singers like Neil Young, John Denver and Joni Mitchell. Growing up in a log cabin on a small island in the middle of a lake in Ontario Canada, the music married with the scenery so well and was the perfect soundtrack to my childhood. As I’ve gotten older I’ve been influenced by so much other music but the essence of pure, raw and unrefined musical emotion has always stayed strong within me and is what I try to evoke as an artist.”
2017 saw East follow her ears and move to Melbourne where she has established herself as a regular performer amongst Victoria’s most loved music venues and has opened for Australian music legends Jon Stevens, Travis Collins, Wendy Matthews & Jo Camilleri and The Black Sorrows.

Rhian Elin
2025-03-05 20:00 - 23:30
Rhian Elin grabs attention with her enchanting energy and soulful guitar playing.
Drawing inspiration from legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan to modern stars like Taylor Swift, she blends blues, rock and pop into a sound that’s uniquely hers.
With her talented band and an electric stage presence, Rhian’s shows are packed with energy and groove – an experience you won’t want to miss.
Catch Rhian Elin for a band show on Wednesday 5 March from 8pm at the Drunken Poet!

aeriqah
2025-03-19 20:00 - 23:30
Join us at The Drunken Poet for a night of heartfelt storytelling indie-folk with Melbourne and Singapore-based singer-songwriter, aeriqah. With a sound deeply influenced by the likes of Leith Ross, Lizzy McAlpine, and Christian Lee Hutson, aeriqah’s music weaves together stories of love, loss, and self-discovery. A year into living in Melbourne, aeriqah brings fresh writing, adding to the growing discography of intimate tunes that document her 20s. Bring tissues and an arm to cling to, just in case.

Rubita
2025-04-09 20:00 - 23:30
Rubita will be returning to The Drunken Poet with fresh songs and instruments.
She’ll be joined by Henry Smithers on bass guitar, delivering soulful bass lines and groovy solos, along with Christian Silva, a world-class percussion player showcasing an array of rhythms and beats.
Tying it all together with Rubita’s smooth guitar chords and velvety vocals, the band will perform an array of bossa nova, pop, and jazz-inspired tunes written by Rubita.

Kathleen Halloran
2025-04-16 21:00 - 23:30
Electrifying guitarist/singer/songwriter Kathleen Halloran has well and truly established herself as one of the country’s most exciting rising stars. Educated on stage alongside some of Australia’s biggest names, this triple threat is widely known for her swaggering fretboard flare and irresistible spirit. The launch of her soaring debut single ‘Free with Me’ has seen her sweep through the country with headline shows and appearances on some of our favourite festival stages.

Grace King
2025-05-14 20:00 - 23:30
Grace King has an eclectic love of music, homemade and raw songwriting.

Willow and Lake
2025-06-25 21:00 - 23:30
Willow and Lake are a dynamic guitar and vocal duo based in Melbourne, bringing smooth grooves and infectious energy to every stage they grace. Known for their rich harmonies, vibrant performances, and genre-spanning setlists, this talented pair effortlessly blends jazz, funk, indie rock, pop, and timeless 80s/90s classics into a sound that’s uniquely their own.
Whether they’re delivering a soulful ballad, a funky rhythm, or an upbeat crowd-pleaser, Willow and Lake know how to read the room and keep the vibes flowing. Their versatile style and undeniable chemistry make them a perfect fit for everything from intimate acoustic sessions to lively party sets.
With a passion for live music and a reputation for making every performance a celebration, Willow and Lake are more than just musicians — they’re a guaranteed good time.

Sherri Parry
2025-07-09 20:00 - 23:30
Sherri Parry has never sat comfortably in one box. This is especially true when it comes to her music. With a sound completely unique Parry blends genres unhesitatingly. Taking influence from solo artists such as Amy Winehouse, Hayley Williams and Mitski Parry has birthed her own commanding sound in songwriting. Think jazz chords, pop vocals, folk storytelling, soul emotion, and whatever else is nearby. The only thing retaining a constant is the catchiness of her song writing and power of her lyricism.
Born and bred in regional Victoria, Parry has been writing, releasing and performing in Central VIC since 2013. She opened for Australian music royalty John Butler in 2019 at the Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival at Ulumburra theatre, three months before releasing her full-length album ‘Leave The Flowers’ in February 2020. With COVID 19 dismissing any chance of a tour, spent the isolation writing new music. Since January 2021, Parry joined forces with Bendigo guitarist, engineer and producer, Tom Hadlow to start building the next project. Working through the heat of the summer, the pair are independently recording and producing Parry’s new songs for her upcoming new album. The songs embody the feeling of melancholy, desperation, and anger shifting Parry’s music in a very new direction.

Elly McK & The Unbelievers
2025-07-23 20:00 - 23:30
Elly McK & The Unbelievers are an Australian alt-country and Americana powerhouse, shaking up the scene with their genre-defying sound.
Frontwoman Elly McK crafts hauntingly original songs that dance along edges of folk, alt-country, and Americana. Backed by The Unbelievers, the band delivers a mix of vintage-inspired vibes and foot-stomping grooves, blending raw storytelling, rich harmonies, and a sound that marries rootsy twang with modern grit. Known for their captivating live performances and evocative songwriting, Elly McK & The Unbelievers are carving a distinct path in the Australian music scene, becoming an undeniable force to watch.

Taya Chani
2025-07-30 20:00 - 23:30
Sydney-born singer, guitarist, and powerhouse songwriter Taya Chani, live at The Drunken Poet!

With a voice that stirs the soul and guitar grooves that linger long after the last chord, Chani has lit up venues across Sydney and collaborated with some of Australia’s most in-demand musicians. She brings her energy south from Sydney to Melbourne for a special night of Wine, Whiskey, Women.

Laurel and the Painkillers
2025-08-13 20:00 - 23:30
Laurel and the Painkillers deliver music that is blues at heart, driven by rock, pop & groove. The band plays on the legendary Blues Train, at the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society, Hume Blues Club, Jimmy Hornets & 12 Bar Belgrave. New EP (Keep On Moving Towards The Light) has just been released.

Demi Casha
2025-09-17 21:00 - 23:30
Demi Casha is an independent songstress from the Sunshine Coast, known for her captivating blend of gum tree rock, indie, and folk. Inspired by love, loss and life’s raw beauty – delivered through powerful yet tender vocals and honest lyricism. Performing solo with her acoustic guitar, kick drum, and tambourine, Demi creates dynamic, heartfelt shows full of energy and vulnerability. Known for her authenticity and off-the-cuff banter, she’s supported acts like C.W Stoneking, Thelma Plum and Watty Thompson. Her melodies and lyrics are her truest form of expression, creating a deep and genuine connection that resonates profoundly, both in her recordings and live performances.

Alice Isabella
2025-09-24 20:00 - 23:30
Join local singer-songwriter Alice Isabella for an intimate night of heartfelt pop and indie tunes at The Drunken Poet on Wednesday the 24th of September. Blending acoustic elements with honest storytelling, Alice delivers original songs that will be remembered long after the last chord. With a sound that takes you on a musical journey of love, identity, nostalgia, and adventure, she will certainly captivate you and leave you with wanting more. This solo set promises a cosy midweek escape into story-driven music. Whether you have known her for a while or are just discovering new local talent, come down early, grab a drink, and settle in for a soulful evening. Music starts at 8pm, don’t miss it!

Cousin Maya
2025-10-01 20:00 - 23:30
Cousin Maya blends folk traditions from Ireland, England, Appalachia and the Deep South with just a hint of the blues. Inspired by many, from Aoife O’Donovan to Susana Baca to Ola Belle Reed, Maya has played banjo, guitar and sung solo and with others across Melbourne for the past five years or so, in a range of genres from country, to contemporary R&B to cumbia. Cousin Maya proves any song works on the banjo, as long as you’ve got faith and fast fingers.

Rubita
2025-10-01 21:00 - 23:30
Local guitarist and singer-songwriter Rubita brings her soulful, electric sound to The Drunken Poet on October 1st. Known for her captivating vocals and infectious melodies, Rubita was the first female electric guitarist to graduate out of Otago University in 2015, and since then, she’s played her songs ‘Geraldine’ and ‘Strange Company’ at music festivals and venues across her home country of Aotearoa and more recently, Naarm/ Melbourne.

Bec Bastoli
2025-10-15 20:00 - 23:30
Bec Bastoli is an Australian-Palestinian artist whose songwriting explores threads of identity, connection and longing. Accompanying herself on guitar and mandolin, her richly melodic music invites listeners into a space of thoughtful reflection.

Emmy Ryan
2025-10-15 21:00 - 23:30
Guided by tenderness, curiosity, and a fierce devotion to truth, Emmy Ryan’s music lives between lullaby and reckoning. She brings her command of melody and emotional nuance to the Drunken Poet to draw listeners into musical landscapes shaped by a life lived between skyscrapers, red earth, and weatherboard towns. Emmy holds tight the conviction that we’re not meant to go it alone, and that songs can build bridges, soften edges, and remind us what it means to stand together.

Topaz Lyon
2025-10-29 20:00 - 23:30
On acoustic guitar with warm & captivating vocals, Topaz Lyon writes music to intrigue your mind and entice your soul. Having grown up in the mountains behind Mullumbimby, the singer-songwriter is sharing new work from a very creative past 6 months.
With the story-telling style of Joni Mitchell, the alt-country notes of Gillian Welch and a hint of the strength and edge of PJ Harvey, she’ll take you on a journey from the everyday to the ethereal.

Ingrid Saker
2025-10-29 20:00 - 23:30
Ingrid achieves a rare balance of vigorous raw emotion and humble greatness, piloting the band down pathways of expansive creative energy with her songwriting, guitar and singing. A craftful songwriter, her potent and melodic vocals are a vehicle for lyrical brilliance.

Tasha Zappala
2025-11-12 20:00 - 23:30
Singer-Songwriter and researcher Tasha Zappala crafts poetic and nature-inspired music. Based in Lutruwita/Tasmania, her performances are an exploration of sound and site, influenced by her work with environmental sound. When not serenading, she spends her time in the southern woods of Lutruwita, making billypots of beans, drinking tea and capturing field recordings.

Elly McK & The Unbelievers
2025-11-19 20:00 - 23:30
Based in Melbourne, Australia, Elly McK & The Unbelievers are passionate about creating evocative music. Their journey began in 2023, with all four members united in their exploration of the Country, Americana, and Roots sounds they love.

Yolanda Ingley II
2025-12-03 20:00 - 23:30
There’s a defining old world charm to Melbourne songstress Yolanda Ingley II – equally wielding smoky vocals and impassioned heart, Yolanda’s songs dip into soul, blues and jazz with inherent sophistication that draw to mind the greats of eras passed.
A Poet favourite!

Rubita (duo)
2025-12-17 20:00 - 23:30

Kaliopi & the Blues Messengers
2026-01-21 20:00 - 23:30
Kaliopi & the Blues Messengers play The Poet!
KALIOPI and the BLUES MESSENGERS recently celebrated their 1st year anniversary performing St Kilda Blues Festival after officially launching at the Glenmaggie Blues & Roots Festival 2022 to vibrant receptions. In that time, Kaliopi’s band has supported some of our country’s blues icons for Double Trouble Blues Sessions with her team of seasoned musicians.
Kaliopi and the Blues Messengers have honed in on the works of Memphis Minnie as a fundamental mentor and the line of powerful women in blues since pre-WW. They have developed their unique texture using the Double bass like a sousaphone with flavours of early Dixieland piano, weaving clarinet blues licks and Delta Blues guitar over swinging groove shuffles topped with Kaliopi’s powerfully soulful vocals.
Their live shows are energetic and engaging attracting and building a steady following in Melbourne. They are receiving national raving reviews for their live performances and single releases through AMRAP, Australian Musician Neos Kosmos, the latter celebrating their native blues-woman.
