Traditional Irish Music Session
2025-05-09 18:00 - 23:30 (Australia/Melbourne)
Every Friday, our traditional Irish music session will get you going just right for your Friday night!

The Danny Walsh Banned
2025-05-10 21:00 - 23:30
The Danny Walsh Banned have been playing fever-pitched shows and jumping on tables for over a dozen years, serving up country-soul and rock’n’roll flavours infused with a touch of 70s Aussie boogie that will probably have you dancing on the tables, too.

“Walsh’s lyrics depict each landscape and emotional swirl with the caress of a bona fide bush poet…looking back and yearning ahead”’ – Forte Mag

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

The Subliminals
2025-05-18 18:30 - 23:30
The Subliminals live at The Poet!

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.

Phil Smith
2025-05-22 20:00 - 23:30
Phil Smith is a singer-songwriter based in Castlemaine, Australia. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Van Morrison, his songwriting is rooted in storytelling—capturing his own version of events with honesty and heart. A dedicated craftsman of song, he continues to evolve with each release, always chasing a deeper connection through music.
He’s recently completed work on his sixth album, Vesper Hymns, which is currently being mixed and is expected for release towards the end of 2024.

Fidel Monk
2025-05-23 20:30 - 23:30
Critically-acclaimed entertainer Fidel Monk has been touring, performing, and writing music since 1994. His booming voice and hard-driving rhythms have mesmerised audiences around the world.
He has recorded and shared the stage with countless renowned musicians including Bobby McFerrin, Fat Mike (NOFX), Ross Hannaford (Daddy Cool), Mick Thomas (Weddings, Parties, Anything), Clare Bowditch, Rory McLeod, The Go Set, Jordie Lane, The Real Mckenzies, Bill Chambers, Shane Howard, and Blue Grassy Knoll. Fidel has written, produced and contributed to over 20 full-length studio albums and received extensive airplay on ABC, PBS and RRR radio. Founding member of 90s Folk bands “Mongolian Fishmongers”, “Not The Wolf” and “McAlpine’s Fusiliers”.
Well-crafted songs and high energy showmanship led him to appear at major festivals including mainstage performances at Port Fairy Folk Festival, Queenscliff Music Festival, Apollo Bay Music Festival, Portland Music Festival (USA), and Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival (UK).
Fidel’s powerful delivery defies expectation for a one-man show, blending floor-stomping blues, smooth swing and story-telling country songs garnished with dark ale and witty banter. He grew up in a rural town in Wathaurong country, Victoria, and now resides in the remote Kangaroo Island community where he writes and records songs imbued with saltwater and solitude.

The Stetson Family
2025-05-24 21:00 - 23:30
“They blend like one of the legendary bluegrass or country families…their best material yet.” Rick Moore, American Songwriter, Los Angeles

The Stetson Family walk the line between alt-country and bluegrass with their free-wheeling, spirited songs, awash with soaring harmonies. Described in American Songwriter Magazine as “champions of fresh bluegrass but with a bedraggled soul of rock and roots,” the band takes their audience on a journey down life’s crooked highway.
They are regulars on the Melbourne music scene, the national festival circuit and everything in between, and their festival harmony workshops are inspiring and often culminate with participants joining them onstage.

This show is proudly supported by the Victorian Government through the Community Support Fund and Creative Victoria delivered by Music Victoria.

The Groovetones
2025-05-25 16:00 - 23:30
Still brandishing the same uptempo energetic and often frenetic Jumpin’ Blues and Jazz, Lindsay Davies (Double Bass and Vocals), Adrian Sims (Tenor Saxophone) and Alexander W Sims (4-string Guitar) combine with Gerry Nelson (Piano) to create a vibe that the punters can’t help but get involved with.This quartet will certainly immerse you in the Groovetones spirit.

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!

Ricki Wood
2025-05-30 20:30 - 23:30
Ricki Wood is a singer and guitarist with a live performance career that has seen him perform a countless number of shows in the last 30+ years. Born and raised in Gippsland Victoria, Ricki moved to New Zealand at age 13, where he discovered his love for playing the guitar. Starting out as a self-taught musician (to be honest he’s still never had a lesson, lol), Ricki mostly played rock and heavy metal in his younger years, but expanded his repertoire to include a wide range of styles as he matured.

PIPES
2025-05-31 21:00 - 23:30
Get ready to stomp, strut, shake and shimmy, as Pipes play old jazz with a fresh energy. Made up of some of Naarm’s best young jazz musicians, they’ll bring New Orleans to you and make the 20’s roar again!

Sean Frayne and Shayne Cook
2025-06-01 18:30 - 23:30
Hailed by Beat Magazine for his “soulful folk-pop sound,” Sean Frayne’s impressive musical resume features standout tracks like “Seven Kisses” and “Vermilion Hue,” and a debut album that’s surpassed half a million streams. A three-time semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition, Sean has received airplay on Triple J and RRR, collaborated locally and internationally, and featured on Spotify’s Fresh Finds playlist.

Naarm/Melbourne-based artist Shayne Cook fuses emotional depth with timeless songwriting. His 2020 debut LP earned airplay on Triple J, local radio, and a live set on FOX Austin (USA). In 2023, he released “Better Things,” co-written with Sean Frayne and has a second album arriving in 2025. Shayne continues to craft music shaped by cross-generational influences that leave a lasting emotional impact.

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.

Archer
2025-06-08 16:00 - 23:30
Archer is a folk musician. A country blues crooner poet. Singing by the Rivers, singing in the nursing homes, singing for the children. He is an author, has written hundreds of songs and spends most days Planting Trees and feeding delicacies to a giant Cow.
Archer recently featured in the cult classic documentary “I’m Wanita” and is busy recording an album with producer Michael hohnen (Gurrumul) and composer Erkki Veltheim. A unique and captivating voice.

Now he’s back on the pub circuit singin the blues and finally returning to one of his favorite all time venues The Drunken Poet

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.

Henri Herbert & Jumpin' Whittaker
2025-06-12 20:00 - 23:30
Henri Herbert is an international boogie-woogie sensation and one of the most technically dazzling pianists of his generation. Born in France and raised in the UK, Henri has taken the world by storm with his blistering speed, impeccable timing, and deep, soulful groove.
Whether playing sold-out shows in iconic venues or racking up millions of views online, Henri’s passion for boogie-woogie and blues is infectious. With a background steeped in musical tradition and a modern edge that keeps audiences on their toes, Henri is the ultimate piano powerhouse.

The Jump Cats
2025-06-15 16:00 - 23:30
The Jump Cats are a swingin’ jump blues band that plays an uptempo style of blues that you can dance to. Their music harks back to the 40’s and 50’s when rhythm and blues was big on the scene with music from the likes of Louis Jordan, Tiny Bradshaw and later from artists such as Hollywood Fats.

The Jump Cats are a four piece band with Mark (Harpo) Greenway on guitar, Alf Mott on the skins, Jeff Walters on Bass and Chris (Stibbo) Hanger on Vocals and blues harp.

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

Katie May & The Mystics
2025-06-18 20:00 - 23:30
Prominent vocalist in Melbourne’s alt-country scene, Katie May; will be joined by her band The Mystics, at the Drunken Poet on June 18th, bringing you two sets of both her original music and country covers.

Katie is known for her rich and warm tonalities, her confessional lyrics and captivating melodies, which have been heard blending with some of the finest artists in Melbourne. She has sung alongside and opened up for artists such as Ella Hooper, Joe Camilleri, Freya Josephine Hollick, Alma Zygier and many more. Join Katie May & The Mystics at The Drunken Poet on the 18th of June from 8-10pm.

Charlie Bedford
2025-06-20 20:30 - 23:30
One of Australia’s exciting next generation artists, Charlie began playing in bars & clubs at the age of 12 & is now a regular, touring the Australian pub, club & festival scene.
Performing in the USA multiple times in Memphis, Nashville & Muscle Shoals, Charlie has played alongside band members from many great acts, including BB King, Ray Charles & Wilson Pickett.
Charlie’s reputation is growing here in Oz & globally, with his most recent album “Good to Go” receiving fantastic reviews & hitting #1 on Australia’s RMR Charts, #2 on USA RMR Blues Rock Charts & #14 on the UKs IBBA Charts.
A serious audiophile, mentored by some of Australias’ finest, Charlie is constantly looking to push his music into new sonic arrangements while staying true to his live show, working hard & wide across the country.

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!

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!
