Ciaran Boyle plays the songs of Josh Ritter
2026-01-06 20:00 - 23:30 (Australia/Melbourne)
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”!

Jarrod Shaw
2026-01-08 20:00 - 23:30
Jarrod Shaw possesses a passion and appreciation for blues music that becomes obvious from the moment the first note sounds. He delivers a soulful blues inspired show, performed with conviction.
Jarrod was born and raised in country Victoria, down the dirt roads of the Macedon Ranges. He taught himself to play guitar listening to the renowned blues greats, as well as the icons of the Australian and local Melbourne blues scene.
Performing countless solo gigs has aided Jarrod in developing a musical style of his own. He blends his unique guitar approach lying somewhere between piedmont fingerstyle and the blues of the delta, with a powerful voice often described as belying his years. At times he even wails away on a racked blues harp – all at once without missing a beat. If you close your eyes you might even believe there’s more than one person performing…

Gwyn Ashton
2026-01-09 20:30 - 23:30
Ashton is on the top of the list of the new wave of modern blues rock artists, spearheaded by The Black Keys, Jack White, Seasick Steve etc. Live, his dynamic performances also include haunting and mesmerising bottleneck and lap steel moments.
Laying down a dirty backbeat on a foot drum kit, bass lines with his thumb, he attacks his guitar with a bottleneck slide, sings and blows blues harp into a lofi radio microphone, creating the illusion of a full band. From a scream to a whisper in a split second, his dynamic sensitivity on all these instruments defines his musicality and flexibility.
With a new single Get Outta Town feat Guns N’ Roses guitarist Richard Fortus and members of Australian bands Cold Chisel and Superjesus, the Welsh-Australian recently appeared across Europe with prog rockers Wishbone Ash, co-headlined the Adelaide Guitar Festival in Australia and blazed his way across the UK, Germany, Balkans, Czechia, Slovakia and Poland. He’s played dozens of festivals across Europe, UK, Mexico, Brazil, Australia and Russia and tours with some of the biggest names in rock and blues.
Inspired by the likes of Hendrix, Ry Cooder and David Lindley, his “guitarsenal” includes a rack of electric and acoustic instruments including lap slide, resonator, 12-string and old pawn shop guitars. He plays venues, festivals, guitar shows and conducts masterclasses worldwide.

Paul Penguin
2026-01-17 15:00 - 23:30
This show features just Paul ‘A Bad Penguin’
From Ireland to West Melbourne, Paul brings a joyful afternoon mix of Irish standards and cheeky covers. Full of heart and humour.

Callum Wylie plays the songs of Paul Westberg
2026-01-20 20:00 - 23:30
Callum Wylie will take to the poet in January to sing the songs of legendary songwriter Paul Westerberg. From his years with the hardest partying band of all time The Replacements to his solo records, Westerberg is one of the finest to ever do it, leaving honesty, grit and humour within every previous lyric. Callum will be playing his personal favourites spanning primarily Westerbergs solo catalogue with a few Mats songs thrown in for good measure.

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.

Brooke Russell & Abeny Hayes
2026-01-22 20:00 - 23:30

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!
