The Drunken Poet

Girl Friday & The Sepia Tones
2026-03-11 20:00 - 23:30 (Australia/Melbourne)
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.

Katie Robinson plays the songs of Taylor Swift
2026-03-24 20:00 - 23:30
This upcoming gig marks my very first Taylor Swift–themed night in Australia, and I couldn’t be more excited. Bringing sequins and sparkles from the North of England straight to Melbourne! From classic bangers to the latest releases, Taylor Swift never fails to deliver the perfect soundtrack, and this night will be no different. As a 2010s girl, Taylor Swift will always have a place in my Spotify playlist. Whether you’re a die-hard Swiftie or more of a car-radio listener, expect a night full of energy, dancing, and—of course—great music.

Stu Thomas
2026-03-26 20:00 - 23:30
The ubiquitous Melbourne music maverick STU THOMAS returns solo to The Drunken Poet on Thursday 27th of March.
Bringing a diverse range of his own cool songs, from rockin’ to meditative, plus uncovered gems from movie soundtracks, which he makes his own. Stu is known from his bass playing in many bands including The Stu Thomas Paradox, Kim Salmon & The Surrealists, Dave Graney & The Mistly / Coral Snakes and The Silversound.
But this night he’ll perform on guitar and vocals, stripped back but with full sound and emotion. Don’t miss this rare appearance.

Conan Smith
2026-03-28 15:00 - 23:30
Conan Smith – a favourite here at The Poet!
This Irish born, Melbourne based musician brings the greats to life, the perfect way to spend your Saturday afternoon.

R.R. Grenville plays the songs of Nat King Cole
2026-03-31 20:00 - 23:30

Rubita
2026-04-01 21:00 - 23:30
As the first female electric guitar graduate from the University of Otago (NZ), Rubita crafts intricate, heartfelt songs shaped by her love of bossa nova, pop, and jazz, delivered through her velvety smooth vocals.
Come and join her at The Drunken Poet on April 1 to hear her latest tunes, along with an array of fresh guitar solos delivered using her loop pedal.

Closed for Easter
2026-04-03 09:00 - 2026-04-06 23:30

Adrian Whitehead plays the songs of John Lennon
2026-04-07 20:00 - 23:30
Ask anyone about The Beatles and they’ll likely say: Paul wrote the ballads, John wrote the rockers.

But a deeper listen to John Lennon’s remarkable catalogue reveals something more—an artist capable of writing love songs that are as tender as they are sharp, as vulnerable as they are honest.

On Tuesday 7th January, local singer-songwriter and devoted Lennon fan Adrian Whitehead presents Lennon Love Songs, a tribute to some of Lennon’s most moving and intimate works.

Rediscover the depth, beauty, and edge of these timeless songs in a live performance that celebrates Lennon’s softer, more reflective side. Show starts at 8pm.

Mason, Shane, Joe
2026-04-09 21:00 - 23:30
Mason, Shane and Joe are a newly formed trio – from The Poet’s Open Mic, to our legendary Thursday nights!

Bidibids
2026-04-09 21:00 - 23:30
You listen to folk music because you want to hear something that speaks to your heart. A connection from one human being to another. With lush harmonies, intricate arrangements, and beguiling melodies, the Bidibids balance soulful ballads that will tug your heart-strings with upbeat numbers which will get your toes tapping. This trio from Aotearoa New Zealand is built around Sarah August’s honest, intimate songwriting, driven by Brendan Scheck’s blazing mandolin and guitar, and anchored by Simon Carryer on cello-banjo.
Having played just about every venue they can find in New Zealand, they’re coming to Australia for the first time. With only one show in central Melbourne, don’t miss your chance to see the Bidibids!

Sarah-Anne Smyth
2026-04-11 15:00 - 23:30
Sarah-Anne Smyth hails from County Down, shaped by her travels, her warm acoustic style gets crowds singing along. Embedded in Irish traditional and folk music, she blends old time favourites with modern classics.

R.R Grenville
2026-04-11 21:00 - 23:30
R.R. Grenville is a Melbourne-based veteran musician and bandleader known for tributes to artists like Nat King Cole, Fats Waller and Moon Mullican. He leads various projects including R.R. Grenville and the Mooncats or The Retrobates, focusing on jazz, swing, country, and roots music

Craićns Lament
2026-04-12 18:30 - 23:30
Craic’n is a dynamic Celtic folk duo hailing from Melbourne, bringing the heart and soul of traditional Irish and Scottish music to the people.
Featuring the exceptional talents of Dannie McKenzie on guitar and Alex Taylor on fiddle, they weave together the rich, time-honoured sounds of lively reels, jigs, and ballads with a passion that transports audiences straight to the heart of a bustling pub session.
With years of experience spanning multiple genres, Dannie and Alex bring their own unique flair and energy to the traditional repertoire, infusing each performance with spontaneity, warmth, and the raw joy of live folk music.
Whether it’s the foot-stomping drive of a fiery reel, the haunting beauty of a mournful lament, or the raucous camaraderie of a drinking song, Craic’n captures the magic of Celtic music in its purest form—alive, untamed, and brimming with storytelling.
Craic’n delivers the kind of music that makes you want to dance, sing, and raise a glass to the old ways.

The Funkadelic Side plays the songs of James Brown
2026-04-14 20:00 - 23:30
Come and join us at The Drunken Poet where James Brown, ‘The Godfather of Soul’, will be brought to life in an exciting and dynamic tribute show performed by Michael GT Blair and The Funkadelic Side. The band will deliver a set of music with a horn-driven, funky rhythm-and-blues sound that will make your night an experience to remember.

During the set you will hear many of the James Brown favourite hits performed in this great tribute show. Songs like: ‘I Feel Good’, ‘Sex Machine’, ‘It’s a Man’s World’, ‘Cold Sweat’, ‘Get on the Good foot’, ‘Papa’s got a brand-new Bag’, and more.

Peny Bohan
2026-04-15 20:00 - 23:30
Peny Bohan is an award winning local Melbourne singer songwriter whose sweet croonings will make you want to stay, buy a drink and let yourself be wrapped up in her melodies.
Honest, gritty and a wee bit seductive, Peny spins tales of her every day life, love, anxiety and her sometimes desire for hirsute men.

Brett Franke
2026-04-17 20:30 - 23:30
A dynamic powerhouse of Foot stompin, Blues and Roots powered by the 12 String acoustic Guitar and howling vocals of singer songwriter Brett Franke’, accompanied by Kevin Starling on hand percussion and Carla Zilles on Bass guitar.
A truly unique and engaging sound built off some original songcraft and beautiful fingerpicked acoustic guitar stylings.
Blues n Roots that ignites, bites and begs you to get your groove on.

Archer
2026-04-19 16:00 - 23:30
Archer the wild crayzed loner country-bluesman is feeling positive about 2026. Despite all the fukked up shit Goin on everywhere there is also magic and beauty. And of korse the human race still has the limitless potential to turn things around and fulfill our right-way destiny. So he’s putting together a little trio with Peter Baylor and Andi Cooper to sing sum songs for the people in celebration of waking up this morning.

Matty Campbell (Solo)
2026-04-19 18:30 - 23:30
Country, folk, and blues, Matty sings with emotional expression that’s developed over 35 years.
Passionate about song writing and his original music mixed with covers from Dylan, Tom Waits, Tom Petty and Paul Kelly.
Normally found fronting his 5 piece and long-time passion “The Pheasantry Band”, Matty takes an opportunity to step out of his comfort zone and play this solo performance on his acoustic guitar.

Clare Cowley plays the songs of Gillian Welch
2026-04-21 20:00 - 23:30

Suzette Herft
2026-04-22 20:00 - 23:30
Soulful, sublime and shining! Three words sum up this Melbourne based, exotic singer-songwriter from Sri Lanka.
Soulful songstress, contemporary troubadour, and weaver of magic with her heart moving original songs of resilience and triumph mixed with some joyful classics. Described as the ‘Australian Joan Baez’, Suzette is known for her beautiful voice and graceful stage presence.
Suzette has won wide acclaim for her brilliant tribute show to her hero – Joan Baez for being the ‘voice for the voiceless’ at numerous festivals around Australia, including standing ovations at recent Port Fairy Folk Festivals. With her band, she has recently breathed life into the songs and the story of Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt, singers she admires.
Suzette is also masterful facilitator of singing sessions and a ‘song catcher’ with her wide-ranging repertoire and her passion for inclusivity, ‘giving everyone a voice’. Suzette is passionate about songwriting and inspired by a visit to Nashville, she founded the Melbourne Songwriters Guild. She has been a regular songwriting tutor at The Lake School for Celtic Music and other community groups.
Her songs have been finalists in the Australian Independent Music Awards over the years.

Miss Jones
2026-04-22 21:00 - 23:30
Music is a balm for the soul and blues is what makes Miss Jones’ heart sing, and what she does best.
With decades of performing experience, a big voice, her own unique jazzy blues guitar sound, and a big catalogue of original tunes, Miss Jones writes songs full of soul and personal experience.
She returns to The Drunken Poet, the venue that hosted her debut performance many years ago, for Wine Whiskey Women this April 22nd at 9pm.

Matt Sier
2026-04-23 20:00 - 23:30
Matt Sier is a unique singer/songwriter from country Victoria. He loves singing about things he knows, such as growing up in the country, moving to the city, moving from the city, travelling through Australia and overseas, and working in various jobs from offices to shearing sheds. He has performed on streets, at farmers’ markets, pubs and wineries and has also performed his music at festivals such as the Woodford Folk Festival, Yackandandah Folk Festival and Uranquinty Folk Festival. You won’t want to miss this authentic, warm and heartfelt performance!”

El Montez
2026-04-23 21:00 - 23:30
Deep, dark, electric tales from the interior weather of the heart.

Electric-leaning grunge-folk with expansive vocals and intimate storytelling, shaped by travel between bush and city. Australian-Irish artist El Montez first carried a guitar along dusty roads, dry creek beds, and under eagle shadows among the granite of Djaara Country. From those beginnings grew a signature blend of grunge-folk poetry, taking listeners on a journey from Central Victoria to Central Park, New York.

Performing a stripped-back solo set to celebrate the Bandcamp release of Bitch Sonnet (Remastered).
“El Montez: the absolute cure for overdone, turbo-processed, commerciality…HUZZAH!” — chicago_word_brigade

Adam Waldron Trio
2026-04-24 20:30 - 23:30
Journeyman guitarist and singer/songwriter Adam Waldron returns to the Poet for another night of swampy, rockin’ and psychedelic blues explorations.
Joining Adam for the return to the Drunken Poet will be session and touring ace Craig Strain on bass, and Melbourne shuffle-king Neil Richardson on kit.
