The Drunken Poet

Garry Allen plays the songs of Robert Johnson
2025-06-24 20:00 - 23:30 (Australia/Melbourne)
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!

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.

Conan Smith
2025-06-28 15:00 - 23:30
Conan Smith live at The Poet – the perfect way to spend your Saturday!

CJ Stranger
2025-06-29 18:30 - 23:30
CJ Stranger heads to the Drunken Poet on the 29th of June for night of story-telling song craft, authentic humorous lyrics and a constantly searching guitar style. CJ hails from Darug Country, Blue Mountains NSW. His songs connect with people through everyday experiences, observations and struggles as well as images of the Australian landscape. Whilst his solo sets sit firmly in the folk genre with acoustic guitars, resonators and banjo, his sound also has a large dollop of indie grunge grit, further realised with the full band. Stranger is not afraid to use fx to push the sonic possibilities of the instruments. CJ will be joined by his brother Nick Henderson of the ‘Good Behaviours’ on banjo for this show.

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.

Sam Curtis
2025-07-10 20:00 - 23:30
Sam Curtis is an up and coming guitarist and singer songwriter with rock and folk influences from Naarm/Melbourne. Sam has been playing live venues since he was 17 after discovering his passion for music and performing.
Heavily inspired by Australian artists such as Xavier Rudd, Tash Sultana and John Butler, Sam creates his own unique sound and songwriting style by drawing on his own lived experience.
Steadily developing his repertoire and stagecraft into an exciting and captivating live set, covering the full scope of a band by himself.

James Atkins
2025-07-10 21:00 - 23:30
James C. Atkins bringing his take on roots music to The Drunken Poet.
James’ songs have an emphasis on storytelling and rawness.
He Has been playing live for over 10 years with a real love for performance. His passion for his songs and playing them comes across when he’s performing. He released two singles in 2024 including his debut on his way to building a career.
With his guitar, stomp and roaring voice its bound to be a great night.

Oh Gibson
2025-07-11 20:30 - 23:30
Oh Gibson return to the Drunken poet for two sets of high energy good old fashioned bluegrass just the way you like it! Featuring Elwood Sze on banjo, Tom Kendall on guitar, James Taylor on bass, we intend to kick into high gear for your aural pleasure. In the front bar of one the best little watering holes Melbourne has to offer, you’re immersed in the music the moment you walk in the door.

Marty Kelly
2025-07-12 15:00 - 23:30
Marty Kelly returns to The Poet on Saturday afternoon, all welcome!
Born on a farm in Co. Derry and raised on music since the age of five, Marty Kelly brings a lifetime of stories to the stage. A masterful guitarist with a soulful voice, Marty weaves together heartfelt Irish ballads, rollicking Celtic rock, and blues-soaked grooves — all delivered with a good dose of Irish wit.
Having toured Europe and North America with award-winning acts like Inchequin, Marty now calls Melbourne home, and we’re lucky to have him as a regular fixture at The Poet.
Expect tunes that stir the soul, tales that tickle the ribs, and the kind of warm welcome only Marty can deliver. Céad Míle Fáilte!

Duncan Phillips
2025-07-12 21:00 - 23:30
Scotland’s Shetland Islands, a collection of small rocks straddling the North Sea and the North Atlantic, might seem an unlikely birthplace for an Americana singer songwriter. But nourished from an early age on a musical diet of country, folk and rock and roll, Duncan
Phillips always knew he wanted to write his own songs.
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.

Tapsalteerie
2025-07-13 18:30 - 23:30
Gaelic for topsy-turvy, Tapsalteerie lives up to its name. The band performs original music, best described as a curious mishmash of folk, Celtic, jazz, country & blues with a strong connection to place. Featuring catchy tunes, vibrant arrangements, driving rhythms, and a touch of nostalgia, Tapsalteerie is establishing itself as a force on Melbourne’s live scene.
Comprised of Meredith Beardmore (flute), Timothy Franklin (guitar/keyboards), Isaac Gunnoo (bass) and Maddison Carter (drums), Tapsalteerie represents a truly contemporary Australian folk sound. Tapsalteerie are excited to return to the Drunken Poet.

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.

The Simpson Three
2025-07-20 18:30 - 23:30
The Simpson Three are a high energy Celtic trio from Melbourne. They are award-winning musicians who play predominantly Irish music, with a few interesting flavours! These cheeky siblings sure know how to have fun whilst pumping out tight arrangements of crankin’ tunes and songs.

James Cisco plays the songs Johnny Cash
2025-07-22 20:00 - 23:30
James Cisco has sung the songs of Johnny Cash since his voice dropped into his baritone range as a teenager. Fronting bands like Cisco Caesar, The Excellent Smithers, and Preseley Davis Jr. he has decades of experience getting those low notes to ring out like they should. After performing a Hank Williams, and Willie Nelson tribute together he has again partnered up with legendary master of all stringed instruments Paddy Montgomery. This performance is sure to put a strong thirst for whiskey in your throat, and get you tapping your toes while you sing along to the classics by the Man In Black.

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.

Wobbly Boots String Band
2025-07-24 20:00 - 23:30
Dust off your dancing boots!
WOBBLY BOOTS OLD TIME STRING BAND are rolling into The Poet with their foot-stomping, knee-slapping mountain music.
This six-piece string band is led by Charlie Sanford on fiddle and Peter Holmes on banjo, with Tom and Matt Rodd (of Shaky Stills) bringing the twang on steel string and mandolin. Rounding out the rhythm are double bass and washboard wizards Andrew La Blanc and Andy Reid.
Boot-worn legends and Out On The Weekend favourites — these folks are the real deal.

Coode Island Cowpokes
2025-07-27 16:00 - 23:30
Born under the shadow of the Westgate Bridge, the Coode Island Cowpokes ride into town, specifically the Drunken Poet on this occasion, on a wave of guitar drenched psycho/rockabilly, surf, country, texmex and RnB sounds.
After years of playing inner-city burbs and haunts, as well as coastal pubs and the odd festival, the Cowpokes bring a well-travelled and eclectic mix of twang, melody and flat out riff-laden guitar originals about cattle, cars, canines, the call of the sea and just about everything in between.
The Coode Island Cowpokes play the Drunken Poet on Sunday 27 July from 4-6pm. Git along thar doggie!

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.

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.

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.”

Nathan Seeckts
2025-08-08 20:30 - 23:30
Having spent a decade touring much of Australia and parts of North America, it was Nathan Seeckts’ acclaimed debut album ‘The Heart Of The City’ in 2019 that cemented him as one of the most exciting new voices on the Australian Americana landscape.

The album received a nomination for Country Album of The Year at the 2019 Music Victoria Awards, earned Seeckts an opportunity to showcase his talent at AmericanaFest in Nashville and also opened the door for him to be selected as the Queenscliff Music Festival Emerging Artist of The Year.

The Maskell-Love Band
2025-08-09 21:00 - 23:30
Born out of love for the Blues and a need to escape the ennui of COVID lockdowns, The Maskell-Love Band is a fresh project brought forth by a seasoned collective of musicians, each with a considerable local music pedigree.
Fronting the band is Pete Maskell, a man with a rare gift for lyrical interpretation. His style is unassuming yet feisty, with vocals akin to smoked honey. Pete’s no slouch on slide, lead and rhythm guitar, either. A great songwriter in his own right, Pete’s debut album Accidentally Happy, (produced by Jeff Lang) won critical acclaim, and was voted runner up Australian Debut Album of The Year by Rhythms Magazine’s reader’s poll.
Fans of The Mojo Corner, Chris Wilson, Sweet Felicia and Wayne Jury will already be acquainted with Troy Love’s fine guitar work. Troy’s honest, straight-from-the-heart style, combined with intensely uplifting and intricately crafted solos mark him as one of Geelong’s premier and truly unique Blues guitarists.
Providing momentum in the engine room, keeping this Blues machine grooving steadily forward is Adrian Gardham on drums. With a lifetime of drumming under his belt, inspired by a wide variety of music including Led Zeppelin & Jimi Hendrix.
Performing with several Geelong bands including Sessions with Troy ‘back in the day. To complete the rhythm section, Luke Hynes (The Tufftones, Chubby Rae and the Elevators) injects a solid groove and energetic stage presence, bringing a powerful and soulful foundation to every performance. His ability to seamlessly blend traditional blues elements with modern influences sets him apart in the blues scene.
The Maskell-Love Band is shiny new and ready to sweep you up and take you with them as they embark on their remarkable Blues journey.

Roesy
2025-08-10 18:30 - 23:30
After a long hiatus, Irish singer/songwriter Roesy returns to the stage with songs from his catalogue of 8 albums and a fresh collection of originals. Blending rich, introspective songwriting with the songs that have shaped his journey, this gig marks the start of a new chapter. Roesy will be airing some of his new work for the first time. Known for his soulful and intimate performances, Roesy’s return is one not to miss.

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

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.

Bom Derry
2025-08-14 20:00 - 23:30
Possessing a deep affinity with the acoustic folk and rock sound of the 60s and 70s, Bom Derry seamlessly weaves these influences into his covers of popular tracks, and into his own songwriting. His style is known to strike a chord with a broad audience, but those who appreciate the artistry of Paul Simon, Vance Joy and Bob Dylan in particular will find comfort in the soothing tones and captivating presence of this emerging artist.

Jeremy Beggs
2025-08-14 21:00 - 23:30
Jeremy Beggs is a Ballarat-based Americana artist crafting songs that walk the long road of resilience, reflection, and redemption. His =. music blends alt-country grit with emotional storytelling, drawing comparisons to Jason Isbell, John Moreland, Nathaniel Ratelif and Joe Pug. Finding stories from his life as a husband, father, educator and now musician, Jeremy uses his deeply personal songwriting to connect with audiences navigating their own storms.
Jeremy’s latest singles, Cover Me, co-written with Matt Joe Gow, explores the journey from self-doubt to grace, while I Just Wonder takes a moving dive into grief and love lost. Supported by The Long Road Travellers, his performances are intimate, sincere, and unforgettable.

Kelly Auty & Brian Fraser
2025-08-17 16:00 - 23:30
Kelly Auty is renowned for her powerhouse performances and her show-girl versatility. She is a favourite on the Australian music scene.
In 2022 Kelly teamed with award winning producer and bass player and Blues Music Victoria Hall of Fame Inductee, Barry Hills, who had been working with several session players for various studio projects before and during the pandemic. In 2023 the new lineup includes two award winning musicians, Brian Fraser – lap steel, electric and acoustic guitars, vocals: Roland Kretschmer – Electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin, banjo, dobro, ukulele, vocals. And finally Kelly’s longtime drummer and vocalist, Nick Carrafa, joined the band completing the brand-new look and sound and a new name, PepperCreek Revival.
Kelly has always enjoyed Duo performance, and has recently joined with her Guitarist, Brian Fraser performing reworked versions of Kelly’s previous songs, some brand new originals & covers. The result is breathtaking.

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.

Bret Mosley
2025-08-22 20:30 - 23:30
An extraordinarily itinerant journey from a small desert town in Texas to New York’s indie music scene informs Mosley’s sound, which popmatters.com described as, “…no more country than R&B, no more folk than rock.”
Nomadic beginnings prepared Mosley for years of constant touring following the release of his debut album, Light & Blood—which NeuFutur Magazine commended as “a heart-felt masterpiece”. The veteran road warrior has more than 2000 headlining dates under his belt, and has opened for notable international artists Cedric Burnside, Trombone Shorty, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, George Porter, Jr., Jackie Greene, Kaki King, and The Blind Boys of Alabama, among others.
Two studio releases followed up Light & Blood: Charge, in collaboration with indie/jam rocker Jerry Joseph—and his self-released EP, X-ING. Mosley is currently self-producing multiple solo projects from sessions in New York, Mississippi, and Australia.
Now living in Melbourne, Mosley has shared the stage with or supported prominent Aussie artists Ian Moss, Tex Perkins, The Pierce Brothers, Hussy Hicks, Minnie Marks, Kallidad, et al.
“…roots folk rock at its best…quietly stunning in its seemingly simple beauty…” – ACED MAGAZINE
