The Drunken Poet

The Hornets
2025-08-24 16:00 - 23:30 (Australia/Melbourne)
The Hornets Trio continue to celebrate their recent signing with Laneway Music and the release and launch of a brand new single ‘Just Another Rider’ at the Drunken Poet . You’ll hear see the trio play their new single as well as cuts from their new EP and a selection of songs from their entire eight album, 26 year career collection…not to be missed!

Mick Pealing and Nick Charles play the songs of Rod Stewart
2025-08-26 20:00 - 23:30

Madi Leeds
2025-08-27 20:00 - 23:30
Join indie-pop artist Madi Leeds for an intimate duo set at The Drunken Poet as part of Wine, Whiskey, Women on Wednesday 27th August. With catchy hooks and a touch of melancholy, Madi blends dreamy pop with raw, heartfelt lyrics that leave a lasting impression. Performing in a stripped-back duo format, this will showcase the emotional depth and honesty of her songwriting. Come along and support local talent at one of Melbourne’s most beloved live music venues.

Benny Elder
2025-08-28 20:00 - 23:30
Benny Elder spent his days in the mines and his nights with a guitar and a dream. A mechanical engineer by trade but a storyteller by heart, 31 year old Hobart born now Brisbane based musician Benny Elder has taken a leap of faith, and has begun turning his music dreams into reality. Set to leave Australia to live and pursue music overseas, Benny Elder embarks on one final tour of Australia before he leaves. Playing Shows in QLD, NSW, ACT, and VIC his blend of storytelling, country influence, folk style ballads and rock inspired vocals are sure to make a night to remember.

Joshua Batten
2025-08-28 21:00 - 23:30
Melbourne based Roots Rocker Joshua Batten is a genuine performer, with a rare ability to truly connect with his audience. With passionate vocals, accomplished guitar playing, layered arrangements and inspirational lyrics, Joshua displays a depth well beyond his years. Based on his insights living with neurodiversity, his songs offer authentic reflections of introspective moments, presented as universally relatable experiences.

With over ten years’ experience as a full-time musician, Joshua has recorded and released three studio albums, each garnering great acclaim. His live shows have resonated with audiences and garnered him a dedicated following, with extensive appearances at festivals across Australia.

King Leo
2025-08-29 20:30 - 23:30
Leo is a Virginia-born Blues singer and multi-instrumentalist currently residing in NZ and would be playing with a band of seasoned cats from VIC and SA. Leo‘s the real deal and brings a rare level of depth to 50’s and 60’s Blues styles, he’s played with Bo Diddley, Pinetop Perkins and Big Bill Morganfield and brings a killer show.

Suzette Herft & Pete Fidler play the songs of Emmylou Harris
2025-09-02 20:00 - 23:30
Suzette Herft & Pete Fidler pay heartfelt tribute to the legendary Emmylou Harris.
Expect soaring harmonies, sweet mandolin, and timeless songs from one of Americana’s most beloved voices — brought to life by two of Melbourne’s finest.
A night for the dreamers, the drifters, and the true Emmylou fans.

Stella Hannagan
2025-09-03 21:00 - 23:30
Stella is a 20-year-old singer-songwriter from the NSW Central Coast, now based in Melbourne. Her music blends acoustic warmth with electronic textures, underpinned by soul-crushing honesty and deeply melancholic lyricism.
In 2022, she won the Y4Y eMergent Sounds Song Competition for her original track Cassie, and in 2023 was nominated for the Encore Showcase in recognition of her outstanding HSC Music 1 performances. That same year, she made her festival debut as the opening act for Central Coast Council’s Light up the Lake — headlined by acclaimed Australian duo Royel Otis.
Stella has been awarded two Bouddi Foundation of the Arts grants, alongside the Graeme Anderson Encouragement Award, all in the lead-up to the release of her debut EP in 2025.
Now studying a Bachelor of Performance at the Australian Institute of Music, Stella is immersing herself in Melbourne’s rich creative scene, honing her craft and forging meaningful industry connections.
Her sound is the result of years of introspection — uncovering not just who she wanted to be, but who she could be as an artist.
With heartfelt songs and a clear vision, Stella is poised for an exciting chapter ahead.

Northern Shiners
2025-09-05 20:30 - 23:30
Daniel Watkins and Justin Vilchez return fresh from their road trip to Tamworth to play the Poet from 8:30.
They will be joined by Jim Taylor on double bass

Marty Kelly
2025-09-06 15:00 - 19:00
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!

David Clements
2025-09-09 20:00 - 23:30
David Clements is a singer songwriter from Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
He writes simple, melodic songs that tell a story – usually about love, family, or the beauty & brevity of life – and occasionally about nicotine poisoning.
If you like songs about falling in love in an op shop; or memories of your dad’s old cars; or insomnia – David’s songs are here for you.

Andy Penkow
2025-09-12 20:30 - 23:30
Andy is a familiar presence on CMT Australia, the Music Network Top 30 Charts, Kix FM, Triple M, and ABC Country, where he has built a loyal fan base. He regularly performs at festivals, entertainment venues, hotels, and on cruises throughout Australia and internationally. Notable appearances include the Groundwater Country Music Festival, Gympie Muster, Airlie Beach Music Festival, Stock Route Music Festival, Country By The Bay, Tamworth Country Music Festival, and Captain Cook Cruises, among others. Performing over 120 shows in 2024 alone.
He studied at JMC Academy, earning an Advanced Diploma in Popular Music and Performance.
Andy has been featured on ABC Radio programs, including Ian McNamara’s iconic show (“Macca”), Simon Marnie’s weekend show, and Saturday Night Country with Beccy Cole. His television appearances include features on SBS, 7 Network Australia, and CMT.
Internationally, Andy has performed in Nashville, Texas, and Iceland, and has participated in prominent Canadian festivals such as Canadian Music Week, the Canadian National Exhibition, and the Toronto International Busking Festival. He has also appeared on media outlets like Rogers TV Ottawa, along with other global platforms.
Andy has collaborated with a wide range of respected songwriters and producers, including:Shane Nicholson, Rob Motbey, Lindsey Waddington, Steve Newton, Michael Moko, Allan Caswell, Lyn Bowtell, David Carter, Shawn Moore, Elias James, Jessica Sole, Michael Flanders, Rip Van Parks, Kath Stewart, and production teams from 2000 Studios, Blacklist Productions, and MRVP Studios, among others.
In 2001, Andy gained national attention after making it to the Top 20 on the Australian television show Popstars.
His debut album, “Sad Love Songs”, along with “Love, Lies & Dirty Dishes”, was recorded and mixed by Rod Motbey, and mastered by Steve Corrao at Sage Audio in Nashville, TN. Love, Lies & Dirty Dishes was released in December 2018.
Andy’s EP “Chasing the Sun” was produced by ARIA and Golden Guitar award-winner Shane Nicholson, and released on 27 July 2020.
His latest album, “Shades On Me”, was recorded in Canada and produced by Shawn Moore, the CMAO Producer of the Year (2024).
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Hard Peanut
2025-09-14 16:00 - 23:30

Redfish Bluegrass play the songs of Willie Nelson
2025-09-16 20:00 - 23:30

Demi Casha
2025-09-17 21:00 - 23:30
Demi Casha is an independent songstress from the Sunshine Coast, known for her captivating blend of gum tree rock, indie, and folk. Inspired by love, loss and life’s raw beauty – delivered through powerful yet tender vocals and honest lyricism. Performing solo with her acoustic guitar, kick drum, and tambourine, Demi creates dynamic, heartfelt shows full of energy and vulnerability. Known for her authenticity and off-the-cuff banter, she’s supported acts like C.W Stoneking, Thelma Plum and Watty Thompson. Her melodies and lyrics are her truest form of expression, creating a deep and genuine connection that resonates profoundly, both in her recordings and live performances.

Matt Glass
2025-09-19 20:30 - 23:30
Crackling with wit and infectious melody – Melbourne’s smouldering, cool, inner-urban contemporary folk savant is a craftsman: writer, performer, multi-insrumentalist, and producer. Sparkling with hooky exuberance on his new EP, Slow Fireworks, a mission statement of Glass’s inner-city, pop-folk sensibility, his songs are unique in their impressionistic style – warm-hearted and infectiously catchy snapshots of time, place, and feeling. Glass explores the complex landscape of contemporary relationships – writing from personal experiences as a father, son, lover, and friend. Often brutally honest, non-romanticised little fragments of Melbourne life, Glass draws in the listener with strong urban-Australian, chill/indie-folk mastery.
In Slow Fireworks, Glass has fused traditional folk hooks with contemporary beats, creating a unique – yet readily accessible – sonic landscape. At times reminiscent of the genre-hopping wisdom of David Gray, Slow Fireworks was birthed during the bleak Melbourne winder lockdown of 2020, collaborating with producer Myles Mumford, who pitched in with the recording, mixing, and drum programming. Glass is virtuosic, playing every instrument on the EP.

19th Birthday Celebrations!
2025-09-21 12:00 - 23:30
Wobbly Boots!

Yolanda Ingley II!

Van Walker!

The Tipplers!

The Strays play the songs of The Stray Cats
2025-09-23 20:00 - 23:30
The songs and music of the Stray Cats and Brian Setzer.

An intimate gig with Dizzy Davidson Frontman singer and guitarist of The melbourne rockabilly trio The Strays performing STRAY TRAX (THE MUSIC of The STRAY CATS and Brian Setzer, Slim Jim Phantom and Lee Rocker

With his 59 Orange jumbo Gretsch 6120 , tube amplification , analogue delay and a touch of cat class and cat style come along to the Drunken Poet Tuesday 23rd September to hear Dizzy and standup sidekick play some of the stray cats biggest hits , family favourites and rarities.

Now get your cat clothes on
Let’s rock this town”
Cat Class , Cat Style
Dizzy Davidson

Alice Isabella
2025-09-24 20:00 - 23:30
Join local singer-songwriter Alice Isabella for an intimate night of heartfelt pop and indie tunes at The Drunken Poet on Wednesday the 24th of September. Blending acoustic elements with honest storytelling, Alice delivers original songs that will be remembered long after the last chord. With a sound that takes you on a musical journey of love, identity, nostalgia, and adventure, she will certainly captivate you and leave you with wanting more. This solo set promises a cosy midweek escape into story-driven music. Whether you have known her for a while or are just discovering new local talent, come down early, grab a drink, and settle in for a soulful evening. Music starts at 8pm, don’t miss it!

Jack Raymond
2025-09-26 20:30 - 23:30

Kier Stevens plays Tex, Don & Charlie
2025-09-30 20:00 - 23:30
Kier Stevens plays Tex, Don & Charlie!

Cousin Maya
2025-10-01 20:00 - 23:30
Cousin Maya blends folk traditions from Ireland, England, Appalachia and the Deep South with just a hint of the blues. Inspired by many, from Aoife O’Donovan to Susana Baca to Ola Belle Reed, Maya has played banjo, guitar and sung solo and with others across Melbourne for the past five years or so, in a range of genres from country, to contemporary R&B to cumbia. Cousin Maya proves any song works on the banjo, as long as you’ve got faith and fast fingers.

Rubita
2025-10-01 21:00 - 23:30
Local guitarist and singer-songwriter Rubita brings her soulful, electric sound to The Drunken Poet on October 1st. Known for her captivating vocals and infectious melodies, Rubita was the first female electric guitarist to graduate out of Otago University in 2015, and since then, she’s played her songs ‘Geraldine’ and ‘Strange Company’ at music festivals and venues across her home country of Aotearoa and more recently, Naarm/ Melbourne.

Sunshine Tip
2025-10-05 16:00 - 23:30
Sunshine Tip hits the Drunken Poet for a free Springtime Sunday arvo show, bringing their sweet and sour, original alt-country tunes on guitar, mandolin, cello and brushes, all warmed up from recent sessions in the recording studio.

Gypsy King Jones
2025-10-05 18:30 - 23:30
Gypsy King Jones delivers groove-heavy, growling blues steeped in tradition and swagger. Influenced by Texas country blues, the Mississippi Delta, Hill Country grooves, and the New Orleans street sound, GKJ blends these roots with a distinctly Australian edge, forging a sound that’s his own. A fixture on Melbourne’s live scene and a regional favourite, his shows pulse with raw energy, dynamic guitar work, and vivid storytelling, echoing the soul of Lightnin’ Hopkins and Snooks Eaglin. His new EP I Came Here to Groove (June 2025) debuted at #17 on the Australian Blues and Roots Charts, with the single Struck Like Lightnin’ hitting #2 on the AMRAP Metro Singles Chart.

Joshua Batten plays the songs of Bowie
2025-10-07 20:00 - 23:30
Joshua Batten plays the songs of Bowie!
Ground control to Major Tom! Joshua Batten makes his triumphant return to Tuesday Tribute night at the Drunken Poet with a one-hour set of David Bowie’s greatest hits, covering the ‘Golden Years’ of 1969-1983! Put on your red shoes and dance the blues with JB as he plays DB at the DP!

Beth Chia
2025-10-08 20:00 - 23:30
Beth Chia blends ethereal and edgy in a unique mix of guitar, vocals and exotic roots rhythms.
Hailing from remote Western Australia, Beth is strongly influenced by her connection to the land, forests, and remote community culture. Her thought provoking songwriting ties in experiences of motherhood, and womanhood, the environment and mental health.
Beth brings her unique sound to you through loops, pedals, percussion, guitar and vocals to a blend of blues, roots, folk and dub. Ethereal vocals that can whisper and growl balance chunky guitar riffs and pulsating beats. Join her for a very special show at Drunken Poet.

Katankin
2025-10-09 21:00 - 23:30
Katankin is the solo moniker of Melbourne singer-songwriter, instrumentalist, and producer Helen Catanchin.Helen’s uniquely warm tone – simultaneously earthy and incredibly pure – and a true bard’s ability to deftly expose the beating heart of every song, along with her poetic and poignant, cuts-to-the-bone songwriting, all put their unmistakable stamp on Katankin’s songs.

Picture This - POP UP EVENT!
2025-10-09 23:00 - 23:30
A rare treat tonight at The Drunken Poet – Irish pop-rock sensations Picture This perform an intimate acoustic pop-up set from 11pm. Hailing from Athy, County Kildare, the band—Ryan Hennessy, Jimmy Rainsford, Owen Cardiff, and Cliff Deane—shot to fame with their chart-topping debut in 2017 and have since released four acclaimed albums, including their latest, Parked Car Conversations (2024). Don’t miss this special one-off show.

Dan Dinnen
2025-10-10 20:30 - 23:30
Dan Dinnen performs stripped back ballads, haunting minor key confessionals, upbeat country blues ditties, swinging shuffles, and swampy juke-joint grooves. He also does a pretty fine job of interpreting classic blues songs and standards.
Dan Dinnen has steadily built his profile within the Australian blues music scene since winning the MBAS Blues Performer of the year in 2009 and going on to release three albums of predominantly original music. Fronting Greg Dodd & The Hoodoo Men from 2013-2017 further established Dan’s reputation, showcasing his abilities as a vocalist and harmonica player, with the band making a string of successful Australian blues and roots festival appearances and recording two award winning albums.
