Brooke Russell & Abeny Hayes
2026-01-22 20:00 - 23:30 (Australia/Melbourne)

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

Gabby Steel
2026-01-30 20:30 - 23:30
Gabby Steel is a singer-songwriter who writes songs full of heart, soul, and storytelling. Her music explores love, life, and the small moments that stay with us, all delivered with a voice that’s both powerful and personal. Whether she’s performing a stripped-back acoustic set or on a bigger stage, Gabby has a way of connecting with everyone in the room. Make sure to catch Gabby at The Drunken Poet.

Ezra Lee & Jumpin' Jethro Whittaker
2026-02-01 16:00 - 23:30
The Boogie Men features international piano man of mystery Ezra Lee and hot shot guitarist Jumpin’ Jethro Whittaker.
Feb 1 at The Drunken Poet will be one their last gigs before touring ten days in Japan backed with The Broken Blues Band.
Leaning heavily into the great guitar songs of Link Wray, Johnny Guitar Watson and Freddie King, as well as the piano boogie woogie of the 40s and 50s, this duo is steeped in stompin’ blues and rare rockin’ tunes and ready to boogie !

Suzanne Petersen & Big John (Zhang Ling)
2026-02-04 20:00 - 23:30
Suzanne Petersen is a Geelong-based pianist, flautist, singer and songwriter whose music spans folk, blues, pop and jazz. Her releases have appeared on the Australian Blues & Roots charts, and in 2024 she made her solo debut at the Edinburgh Fringe, performing original songs including work from her upcoming release Down That Road. Big John (Zhang Ling) is a celebrated musician from China, known for his powerful voice, virtuosity on bass, and stage presence. A pioneering figure in introducing blues and jazz to Chinese audiences, he has fronted bands that blend blues with soul, rock, and beyond.

The Matinays
2026-02-06 20:30 - 23:30
The Matinays – electric organ and drum set duo playing boog-a-loo and bossa nova.

Tracey Bunn
2026-02-08 16:00 - 23:30
Tracey Bunn returns to the Drunken Poet with her brand new self-produced album ‘Another Broken Juliet’ with Richard Grace on upright bass and Damien Neil on guitar.
Darwin singer-songwriter Tracey Bunn has spent over 30 years honing her craft, performing at venues and festivals across Australia, Ireland, UK, Europe and the US, both solo and with her former band the Toe Sucking Cowgirls. Her exuberant live shows have garnered praise around the world and her song-writing has drawn a swag of awards.
In 2022 Tracey Bunn put down her pen and donned her newly acquired producer’s hat. Setting aside her own storytelling prowess she partnered with lyricist Peter Hayes to self-produce ‘Another Broken Juliet”, her first release in over 10 years.

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”

Zac Henderson
2026-02-12 20:00 - 23:30
Zac Henderson will be performing at The Drunken Poet showcasing his highly anticipated new album, ‘Change The Tides’. Known for his magnetic blend of Blues, Folk, Rock and Roots, Zac brings his trademark wit, warmth and raw storytelling to the stage for an intimate night of new music. Recorded live at MONA’s Frying Pan Studio, the album has already turned heads with the first singles from the album, ‘Suzie’ & ‘Fever’. Don’t miss your chance to hear these songs up close from an artist praised for “arresting folk… full of heart and wit.”

Flora Falls
2026-02-15 16:00 - 23:30
Flora Falls is the indie-folk duo of Brea (Australia) and Dom (Canada), who met in Berlin in 2019 and quickly bonded over their shared passion for songwriting. Since forming, they’ve crafted a distinctive, harmony-rich sound, releasing two EPs that earned millions of streams and features on major German stations including Radio Eins, Der Kultur Blog, ALEX Berlin, and FLUX FM. They’ve toured widely across Europe, sharing stages with artists such as Ondara, The Wellermen, Kim Churchill, and Tessa Devine. Now, ahead of their March 2026 debut album, Flora Falls celebrate with their first Australian tour, bringing their intimate, heartfelt music home.

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.

Glenn Skuthorpe
2026-02-20 20:30 - 23:30
A master of melodies! Experience the powerful and soulful sounds of Glenn Skuthorpe live at The Drunken Poet on July 5th. Glenn Skuthorpe, a celebrated Australian First Nations musician, brings his unique blend of rock, folk, and country to the stage, captivating audiences with his poignant storytelling and rich melodies.
His remarkable 6 albums have earned him recognition within the music industry, while his enthralling live performances continue to engage audiences worldwide. Glenn is an impressive composer of soundtracks for movies and documentaries such as The Emu Runner and John Pilger’s Utopia, so you simply must experience him live!

Closed for private event
2026-02-22 20:00 - 23:30
We’re open Sunday February 22 from 12noon, however we will close from 8pm onward for a private event.

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

Closed due to wild weather
2026-02-25 08:00 - 17:00

Jet Black Machine
2026-02-26 20:00 - 23:30
Melbourne’s newest Rock ’n’ Roll duo from hell will be hittin’ The Drunken Poet on the 27th of November for their solo debut! Jet Black Machine plays a stripped back, blues shoutin’, twanged up sound, drawing heavily from material by Howlin’ Wolf all the way to The Cramps. Armed with a hell of a voice from their lead gal, Mariana, and their loud, rakin’ lead guitar man, Gabriel, these Melbourne-raised siblings have been making a splash in the local music scene. They love raw blues, hard rockabilly and mean, outlaw country. If you are looking for a fun, rockin’ time, you can’t miss The Jet Black Machine!

Dan Webster and Emily Lawler
2026-02-27 20:30 - 23:30
All the way from York, UK, Dan Webster and Emily Lawler bring to the stage a unique blend of Country/Americana fused with folk and roots from both sides of the Atlantic (‘Anglicana’, it has been called!). A combination of distinctive warm and powerful vocals and guitar interlaced with a dexterous meld of celtic- and country- style fiddling and beautiful harmonies mesmerises a multi-genre audience through upbeat energising tunes and introspective ballads.

Snasta
2026-02-28 15:00 - 23:30
Our names are Áine, Niamh and Sinéad. We are 3/4 members of ‘Snasta’ a new, all female, traditional Irish music band consisting of piano, concertina and fiddle.
We most recently played at the Southeastern Old Time Gathering in Bangkok in November 2025.
All three of us play regularly at sessions across Melbourne and have formed a tight-knit sound as we’ve gotten to know each other’s styles more intricately. We play a wide repertoire of traditional Irish tunes and pieces which are informed by our individual music experiences growing up.
Join us in The Drunken Poet, Melbourne on the 28th of February 2026 from 3-6 pm for a session! All musicians welcome!

Moonee Valley Drifters
2026-03-01 16:00 - 23:30
Moonee Valley Drifters are back at The Poet!

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.

Shannon Murphy
2026-03-07 15:00 - 23:30
Shannon is a singer and guitarist from Cork. She was a finalist on The Voice of Ireland in 2013 and has played support for John Spillane, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Jack L, Eleanor McEvoy and Shayne Ward.
She loves Country, Irish, Folk and Pop music but plays a bit of everything. Her favourite thing is when people request songs and get involved during gigs.

Molly O'Brien (Tasmania)
2026-03-08 16:00 - 23:30
Celebrating International Women’s Day with a special performance from Molly O’Brien (4-6pm)

Rory Newman plays the songs of Nick Drake
2026-03-10 20:00 - 23:30
Starting out as a key figure in the Scottish folk scene of the late 1960s, John Martyn’s prolific career spanned 40 years and 23 studio albums. His music blurred the boundaries of folk, jazz, rock and blues and inspired generations of fans and artists alike. Rory will play songs from a selection of albums including Bless The Weather, One World, Sunday’s Child, and arguably Martyn’s most enduring work, Solid Air. A must see for any John Martyn fan, don’t miss it!

Girl Friday & The Sepia Tones
2026-03-11 20:00 - 23:30
Girl Friday & The Sepia Tones return to The Poet!

Svavar Knútur (Iceland)
2026-03-12 20:00 - 23:30
A native of the rugged north of Iceland, troubadour and storyteller Svavar Knútur has dedicated his life to exploring the human condition through the lens of his country’s dark and often tragic history and unique melodies and narrative style.
Channeling the angst ridden serenity of long dark winters and the insomnia of the 24 hour glaring summer sun, this eclectic musician has in recent years blossomed into a sublime singer and songwriter. Knutur’s songs of misery and redemption deliver a healthy dose of hope in the midst of despair. A humoristic storyteller and avid diver into the murky waters of the human condition, Svavar Knútur sows and reaps a unique mixture of art and entertainment.
Drawing upon a wide range of influences, three of Svavar Knutur’s most governing ones are without doubt Nick Drake, Will Oldham (Bonnie Prince Billy) and Kris Kristofferson, although such artists as Leonard Cohen, Cat Stevens, Joni MItchell, Nick Cave and many more singer/songwriters have contributed to the icelandic troubadour’s development.

The Lonesome Wranglers
2026-03-14 21:00 - 2026-05-30 23:30
The Lonesome Wranglers bring their infectious blend of vintage country and rockabilly to the Drunken Poet. Expect originals, obscure covers and re-imaginings of some unexpected favourites. Come git some grit!

Paddy's Day 2026
2026-03-17 11:00 - 23:30

Emmy Ryan
2026-03-18 20:00 - 23:30
Emmy Ryan wants to tell you a story. Her songs carry truth like a heartbeat — stories of love, loss, belonging, and the land that holds us. Following in the footsteps of troubadours like Joan Baez and Paul Kelly, Emmy sings with fierce tenderness about what it means to find home, to face history, and to stay open-hearted in a complicated world. With songs that have earnt recognition in the International Songwriting Competition, the Listen Up Music Songwriting Prize, the NT Music Awards, and the Australian Bluegrass and Old Time Music Songwriting Competition, Emmy invites you in — not just to listen, but to feel.

Nick Howells (Duo)
2026-03-20 20:30 - 23:30

David Cosma
2026-03-21 21:00 - 23:30
The absolutely wonderful David Cosma returns to the Poet to get your Friday swinging!
David Cosma’s music has been described as “a straight ahead, thinking person’s songwriter that speaks volumes to what a terrific talent we have in our midst”- Inpress Magazine, while The Age wrote “his full-bodied croon pairs the silken wryness of Elvis Costello and the gravel of Bob Dylan”.
Inspiring lyrics accompanied by sumptuous melodies and harmonies, together with his unique method of playing the guitar, guarantees an impassioned live performance.
