The Drunken Poet

Rufous Whistler play the songs of Mandolin Orange / Watchhouse
2026-05-12 20:00 - 23:30 (Australia/Melbourne)
Rufous Whistler play the songs of Mandolin Orange / Watchhouse “10 years of Blindfaller” performing the album front to back.

Grace King
2026-05-13 20:00 - 23:30
Grace King has an eclectic love of music, homemade and raw songwriting.

Connor Moore (NZ)
2026-05-13 21:00 - 23:30
Connor Moore is a prolific singer-songwriter with a voice like honey and lime. She’s a songwriter based in Melbourne who loves people watching and writing music. Connor is intrigued by the way we operate as humans and hope that you can relate or reminisce with her music in a timeless space.

Rory Newman
2026-05-14 20:00 - 23:30
Rory Newman is a singer, songwriter and guitarist based in Naarm/Melbourne. Drawing from a wide array of influences including folk, blues and jazz, he blends intricate fingerstyle guitar and a rich baritone voice to create a vivid tapestry of sound.

Shayne Cook
2026-05-14 21:00 - 23:30
Shayne Cook returns to Drunken Poet on the back of recent releases of his upcoming album. With recent release of single I don’t recognise and Single launches along Australian East Coast. A true natural fit for the venue with influences a many adorning the walls of The Drunken Poet, shayne is known for timeless songwriting and vocal presence.

Joined by friend and collaborator Sean Frayne – an Irishman himself well known to the Poet who brings an eclectic mix of pop / folk .

Mr. Alford
2026-05-15 20:30 - 2026-05-22 23:30
Mr. Alford, a country song writer from Melbourne, covers many themes and aspects of country music from traditional to modern bluegrass. At this stage he has 5 released albums with a new one on the way. It’s going to be a hoot this one!

Kid James
2026-05-16 21:00 - 23:30
‘Kid’ James (James Schembri) is the new kid on the block in the Melbourne Rockabilly scene.
A nineteen-year-old singer/songwriter and guitarist that is performing authentic Rockabilly tunes like it was done by teenagers in the 50’s!
Be sure to catch ‘Kid’ James at The Drunken Poet.
Come on down for a night of wild and authentic rockabilly music!

The Backyard Banjo Club
2026-05-17 16:00 - 23:30
The Backyard Banjo Club is a four-piece trad-jazz/bluegrass bonanza. Think Tom Waits meets Django Reinhardt and plays a jazz cover of a Radiohead tune. High energy up-tempo jazz and the occasional sultry ballad, good times guaranteed.

The Otago Players play the songs of BB King
2026-05-19 20:00 - 23:30
The Otago Players play the songs of BB King!

Candice Alisha
2026-05-20 21:00 - 23:30
Candice Alisha is a blues and folk singer songwriter originally hailing from Wodonga, Victoria but now local to Melbourne after making the move to the big city to pursue her career at the beginning of 2019. After working as a full-time musician in various bands for the better part of a decade, Candice has struck out on her own with her strong, deep and powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence.

The Northwest Grifters
2026-05-22 20:30 - 23:30
Come down for a great Friday night of entertainment as the Northwest Grifters make their debut at the Drunken Poet. The NWG hurl their heart & soul in your face and get you rocking on the dancefloor before you can say ‘Americana’. A 5-piece band featuring twanging & acoustic guitars, harmonica, accordion, keyboards and a sweet rhythm section. Fronted by a displaced Canadian (#Canadiana) ably supported by his Australian brothers. Songwriting at its heartfelt and honest best. The sets are complimented with some choice covers to get you dancing or at least tapping your toes! Currently recording their debut album for release in early 2026.

Adam Waldron Trio
2026-05-23 21:00 - 23:30
Swampy, twangy, rockin’ and sometimes psychedelic blues trio led by guitarist/singer Adam Waldron

El Rollo
2026-05-24 16:00 - 23:30
Ride the sonic wave with El Rollo at The Drunken Poet on Sunday May 24. This Bass Coast outfit throws surf music into the blender and cranks the heat, serving up a scorching, guitar-drenched mix with a twist of swamp and psychedelia. Drawing inspiration from surf bands across the globe—from Sweden to Venezuela to Italy—El Rollo’s original tunes fuse Balkan, Middle Eastern, Latin and Californian rhythms into a reverb-soaked brew that’s impossible to sit still to. Toss in some swinging ’60s psychedelic pop from Nancy Sinatra and Sonny & Cher, and you’ve got the perfect soundtrack for a hip Sunday session. Catch the wave early—this one’s guaranteed to move your head and feet.

Stu Thomas and Tanya-Lee Davies doing Lee and Nancy
2026-05-26 20:00 - 23:30
Stu Thomas and Tanya-Lee Davies doing Lee and Nancy!

Ingrid Saker
2026-05-27 20:00 - 23:30
Ingrid Saker is the lead guitarist and singer of swampy punk-blues outfit Ingrid and the Ministers. Her solo set delves into her folk, old school blues, and psychedelic influences, creating an atmosphere full of warmth, soul, and mysticism.

Jessey Jackson
2026-05-27 21:00 - 23:30
A rare gem indeed; Jessey Jackson is quite simply a force to be reckoned with! Far from your average ‘run of the mill’ female performer; this self taught singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist is often likened to celebrated artists such as the immortal Janis Joplin, Melissa Etheridge, Tracy Chapman and Stevie Nicks.
Now having completed her recent Ireland and Northern Territory Tours Jessey has returned to Victoria and is bringing the very best of her raw, emotive, and highly relatable original tunes to the Drunken Poet on Wednesday Oct 11th. If you long for the return to a time of truly unique and soulful original music… this is a show not to be missed!

Foggy Josh
2026-05-28 20:00 - 23:30
Foggy Josh returns to the Drunken Poet on Thursday the 28th May following the release of his debut album “Live & Low”.
Josh plays and sings folk/blues originals in a smokey baritone voice accompanied by his exceptional acoustic guitar fingerpicking.
His songs tell the stories of travel, love lost and found and the joys and fears of the crazy world we live in.
Come and celebrate music that’s 100% real and authentic at Melbourne’s number one home of great local music.
Foggy Josh‘s debut album “Live & Low” available now on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.

Michael GT Blair
2026-05-28 21:00 - 23:30
Get ready for a night of groove, soul, and energy as Michael GT Blair takes the stage.
Blending iconic influences with original music, Michael delivers a seamless mix of familiar classics and fresh, expressive sounds. Expect a dynamic fusion of rock, jazz, funk, and acoustic vibes—driven by rich, emotive vocals and a deep rhythmic feel that keeps you locked in from start to finish.

Dan Dinnen & Shorty
2026-05-30 21:00 - 23:30
Dan Dinnen & Shorty dish up a bluesy gumbo of rootsy goodness. Original tunes and cherry-picked standards laid down with hypnotic fingerpicking guitar, peppered with tasty blues harp, wrapped up and driven along by lush drums ‘n’ percussion.
With a pulsing, swinging juke-joint groove, it’s a little bit delta swamp, a little bit hill country, a lot its own flavour.
“Dan Dinnen is one of the most authentic blues voices on the scene, but with an individual sound.” – Helen Jennings, PBSFM
Anthony “Shorty” Shortte – well regarded for his past work with ARIA award winning blues act Collard Greens and Gravy – is an astoundingly original drummer/percussionist with a feel grounded in deep South grooves.

Steamboat Whistlers
2026-05-31 16:00 - 23:30
The Steamboat Whistlers are a Melbourne based acoustic band dedicated to early jazz and blues that emanated from New Orleans before travelling up the Mississippi and all around the globe. The band’s repertoire draws on a wide range of musical influences which include traditional jazz, depression era blues, ragtime and spirituals.
The Steamboat Whistlers have gained a loyal following through their energetic dedication to reliving these tunes of old, their unique vintage sound can be heard at many venues and festivals in Melbourne and Regional Victoria.
The Steamboat Whistlers are guaranteed to get you tapping your toes!

The Tipplers (duo)
2026-05-31 18:30 - 23:30
Gaudy, bawdy and borderline boozy, the Tipplers are a Melbourne-based Irish band consisting of guitar, mandolin, fiddle and double bass. Performing a mix of old Irish traditional folk tunes and some newer favourites they are sure to get tongues tippling and toes tapping. The band provides a platform to present a musical culture spanning centuries.
Since forming in mid 2013 the Tipplers have been playing consistently around Melbourne. They’ve played numerous gigs locally, played festivals around Australia and have been featured in an advertising campaign for Black Swan dips.
The music is shrouded in sorrow, sentiment and hilarity, with a reproachful gaze at melancholy and a watchful eye on optimism, much like Mother Ireland herself. Upbeat and down and dirty this is one Irish outfit that won’t leave you feeling green.
This show will be The Tipplers in duo form!

Fox & Darling
2026-06-05 20:30 - 23:30
Szara Fox is an flamboyant Dutch songstress, whose unique songwriting style is infused with Flamenco and Balkan Gypsy music. With a powerful, compelling voice and driving guitar style, Szara weaves an elemental sensuality through up-tempo tales of travel, love, and freedom. A trained actress, Szara brings a theatrical and flamboyant sensibility to her dynamic performance style. Szara Fox has honed her craft over 20 years, performing throughout Australia and Europe, captivating audiences with her mix of original compositions and traditional Gypsy folk songs.
Accompanying Szara is her musical soulmate, trumpet player Andrew Darling, whose evocative playing weaves rich melodic lines and fiery improvisations throughout the music. Andrew is a seasoned musician of 35 years’ experience, having performed with Australian music icons such as Things of Stone and Wood, Dan Kelly and Gareth Liddiard (The Drones).
Over recent years the duo has become a festival favourite, wowing audiences at Newstead Live, Steampunk Festival, FRL and Renaissance Festival, amongst others. They have opened for Things of Stone and Wood at Melbourne’s illustrious Bird’s Basement and have performed at venues and festivals throughout Europe and Australia.

Steve Boyd and Chris Surgey
2026-06-06 21:00 - 23:30
Don’t miss acclaimed singer-songwriters Steve Boyd and Chris Surgey as they join forces for a special live performance backed by an outstanding band featuring John Tesoriero on drums, Paul Slattery on bass, and Garrett Costigan on pedal steel.
Two unique artists. One exceptional backing band. An evening of outstanding original music and powerful live performances from some of Australia’s finest musicians.

Jump the Shark
2026-06-07 16:00 - 23:30
Jump The Shark play Jump Blues and Blues dance music. They feature songs by The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Duke Robillard, Robben Ford, Big Joe and the Dynaflows, Albert Collins, Colin James, Hollywood Fats and many others.

The Bonafide Travellers
2026-06-07 18:30 - 23:30
These Poet faves return to give your weekend a dose of the best! Come down for a Sunday arvo session!

Adam Hattaway and Nick Armstrong play Bruce Springsteen
2026-06-09 20:00 - 23:30

Miss Lou's Blues!
2026-06-10 20:00 - 23:30
Charismatic and unmistakably talented, Miss Lou is a force to be reckoned with in the world of blues music.
As a solo blues singer, she has captivated audiences with her rich, soulful voice and dynamic stage presence.
Miss Lou is far from a one-note performer—her musical repertoire gracefully spans the realms of jazz, country, folk and gospel, creating a sound that is as diverse as it is powerful.
With her captivating presence, timeless style and some well-loved musicians by her side, Miss Lou leaves an unforgettable mark wherever she performs.

Justin Bernasconi
2026-06-11 20:00 - 23:30
Melbourne-based musician Justin Bernasconi is one of Australia’s finest guitarists. The consummate instrumentalist delivers mesmerising performances. His acclaimed solo albums Winter Pick and Barefoot Wonderland showcased the singer-songwriter’s range of influences from classical to Americana. Latest release Sleeping Like A Maniac revisits his UK roots, in a collection he calls ‘Folk Impressionism’

Craig Woodward
2026-06-11 21:00 - 23:30
Craig Woodward is one of Melbourne’s premier old-time musicians, he has been playing fiddle, guitar, banjo and mandolin for over twenty years.
A Poet favourite!

Liam Kealy Trio
2026-06-12 20:30 - 23:30
Liam Kealy Trio pay homage to the organ and guitar greats of the Blue Note era, such as Jimmy Smith-Jimmy McGriff- Groove Holmes-Jack McDuff-Wild Bill Davis and guitarists Kenny Burrell- Grant Green and Wes Montgomery.
The Trio features the Hammond B3 organ in its traditional combination of the period, {Organ, Drums, Guitar O.D.G.}
The trio comprises three session musicians: Liam Kealy on Hammond B3 organ-Keats Beats on guitar/vocals, Joel Williams-drums/vocals.
. The trio has a regular dedicated Hammond night at a popular Melb venue, Blues In The Basement- Beneath Driver Lane.
The Liam Kealy trio has an authentic choice of blues/soul and vocal standards and some focused instrumental grooves from the 60s and 70s, such as Booker T and the MGs – Brian Auger and some funky Contemporary jams in between.
