The Bonafide Travellers
2026-06-07 18:30 - 23:30 (Australia/Melbourne)
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.

Kelly Auty, Roland Kretschmer, Barry Hills and Nick Carrafa
2026-06-14 16:00 - 23:30

Jade Lawford plays the songs of Amy Winehouse
2026-06-16 20:00 - 23:30
Jade Lawford is a blues, soul and jazz singer from South East Melbourne. Much of her vocal styling and musical inspiration derives from artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Janis Joplin, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert King and most notably Amy Winehouse herself!
She is thrilled to dedicate a beautifully curated one hour tribute in honour of Miss Winehouse at The Drunken Poet with her band. With Kat on keys, Dylan Hind on guitar, Theo on drums and Bailey Roe on bass, come celebrate one of the most phenomenally unique, raw and intimate female artists in music history on a fantastic evening!

Rubita
2026-06-17 20:00 - 23:30
Rubita is the project of Aotearoa songstress and guitarist Rachel Kibblewhite. Rubita‘s indie-pop-latino tunes have received support from local radio station PBS FM, along with the Student Radio Network in New Zealand, with their track ‘Geraldine’ labeled as a favourite single from Flying Nun records in 2022. Joining Rubita in the current line up is Latino percussionist Christian Silva aka ‘la tortuga’, and funky bass player Flynn Osborne-McNeilly aka ‘la vallena blanca’.

Baker & Bunn
2026-06-19 20:30 - 23:30
Baker & Bunn play Old Time/ Bluegrass duets- Banjo and Fiddle.

A new project from Chris Baker– Banjo (Amarillo, Anthony Atkinson)
& Jason Bunn– Fiddle (Orchestra Victoria, Amarillo, Jemma and the Clifton Hillbillies, Silver City Highway)

Hey Gringo!
2026-06-20 21:00 - 23:30
Daryl Roberts is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter who has performed across Oz and internationally for over 30 years with his fun tongue in cheek, catchy blues, funky soul and roots music.

With his band Hey Gringo he has released 8 albums of original songs which have charted up to #1 on The Oz Blues & Roots Airplay Charts and a solo album with titled Wall of Stone in 2011.

Daryl also plays keyboard with Oz legends Spectrum, performed and written songs with renown Oz legends Ross Wilson (Daddy Cool/Modo Rock), played piano in American Blues Legend Jimmy Witherspoon band and performed internationally from Amsterdam to New Orleans and Tokyo to Clarkesdale Mississippi.

The Outlaws
2026-06-21 16:00 - 23:30
The Outlaws are a brand new band, bringing authentic outlaw tunes to our Sunday arvo session!

Maggie Carty pays tribute to Dolores Keane
2026-06-23 20:00 - 23:30

Cécile Gardens (and band)
2026-06-24 20:00 - 23:30
Cécile Gardens is a 24-year-old country singer-songwriter originally from The Netherlands, now making her mark on Melbourne’s music scene. Her unique blend of traditional country sounds and contemporary themes creates an experience reminiscent of Nashville’s finest yet entirely her own. Drawing from her journey across continents, Cécile’s songwriting offers an intimate and honest window into her world. Backed by her tight-knit Melbourne band, she brings her stories to life on stage with energy that is both authentic and captivating. Don’t miss your chance to witness a rising star in the making.

Savanah Solomon
2026-06-25 20:00 - 23:30
Crowned 2024 Emerging Artist of the Year at the Western Australian Country Music Awards, Savanah Solomon is cementing her status as one of Australia’s most compelling voices in the country and folk music. Born in Derby and raised among the wide red plains and abundant oceans of Western Australia’s Kimberley region, Savanah’s songwriting is deeply shaped by place — evocative, grounded, and rich with emotional honesty.

Thom Johnston
2026-06-25 21:00 - 23:30
Imagine if Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen raised a child in Geelong.

With an eye for contemporary style but roots in the classics, singer-songwriter Thom Johnston is just that, a voice for young people figuring themselves out, with the skill of making the ordinary worth documenting.

Last year, the release of his debut single ‘Shiver’ led to thousands of streams across multiple platforms, radio interviews/features, government funding and a shortlisting in the American Songwriter Lyric Contest.
Additionally Thom sold out multiple headline gigs within only the last 4 months of the year (including Bar Open, Brunswick Green and more).

In mid-late 2026, Johnston plans to follow up this success with his much anticipated debut self-titled album “Thom Johnston”.
Working alongside good friend Ali Harman, the project has become not only a deeply personal image of Thom but also provides a specific yet universal encapsulation of being a young adult in this time.

John Stokes
2026-06-26 20:30 - 23:30
Australian alt country singer songwriter John Stokes is heading south in June to perform at one of Melbournes iconic venues – The Drunken Poet.
Fresh off the release of his single ‘Crumbling Down’ John is set to perform songs off his forthcoming album. Produced by renowned artist Shane Nicholson ‘The Catch’ gives listeners an insight into the life growing up on a small farm. Australia’s country landscape is the driver for his music. The experiences gained along the journey are the stories in the songs. The sound is earthy, has roots and comes with heartfelt emotion.

Tim Scanlan & Mana
2026-06-27 15:00 - 23:30
Mixing old world melodies with modern beats and sounds, this world traveling man brings harmonica, guitar and foot percussion into a new dimension. Joined by special guest – Mana!
Music that explores Celtic, Reggae, Balkan, Quebecois and other styles, all surrounded by improvised shenanigans sure to make any dancer happy.

Roy Darby & The Dial-Ups
2026-06-27 21:00 - 23:30
From the markets and festivals in Western Victoria to the heart of Melbourne Town where he has moved to pursue musical endeavours, Roy Darby and his newly formed band ‘The Dial Ups’ are here to encapsulate and reinvigorate the spirit of Rock And Roll as it was meant to be.
With a vivacious repertoire, potent stage presence and unbridled honesty that ricochets from wall to wall, door to door and in between your eyes to ears, catch Roy Darby at The Drunken Poet, where you’ll find the spirit flowing, up and away.
Come along, you won’t regret a single moment.

Baby Salma & Lucie Mallinson play the songs of the Cranberries
2026-06-30 20:00 - 23:30
All the way from Bali, Baby Salma brings a mix of youthful spirit, acoustic grit, and alternative rock influence, delivering intimate live performances filled with emotion and nostalgia, blending her sultry, soulful vocals with that alternative edginess. Accompanying her, Melbourne bassist Lucie Malinson fills the low end with warm, steady grooves and tasteful bassline. Together, they combine expressive vocals with rich bass accompaniment. Together, they bring a fresh yet nostalgic approach to acoustic alternative music.

Elke Louie
2026-07-01 20:00 - 23:30
Young Gympie indie folk singer-songwriter Elke Louie is set to release her debut EP ‘Lavender’ on 24 April 2026,
marking the occasion with tour dates across South East Queensland and her first performances in Victoria.
This engaging 5-track EP includes the dreamy new single and title track ‘Lavender,’ as well as earlier releases
‘Sandman’ and ‘Killing Time,’ both of which have garnered international acclaim. The tracks have been receiving
airplay on radio stations around Australia and overseas, with new single “Lavender” having it’s ‘First Play’ on
national youth radio Triple J.

Bill Barber
2026-07-03 20:30 - 23:30
Hailing from central Victoria, guitarist/singer songwriter Bill Barber is at the forefront of a new generation of Australian Blues.
“Bill Barber is the next in line to become one of Australia’s Blues greats” – Lloyd Spiegel
A favourite here, we love it when Bill plays The Poet!

Alex Burns
2026-07-05 16:00 - 23:30
Alex’s discography is impressive, three albums with Nick Charles, a critically acclaimed solo Hawaiian album “Twilight blues” and after many requests Alex recorded and released, in 2004, his first solo blues album “The blues is here to stay.”
The following year Alex followed up with his second Hawaiian album “Alex Burns’ Adventures in Paradise”, again critically acclaimed.

Stephen Kennedy
2026-07-05 18:30 - 23:30
Poet Fave Stephen Kennedy returns to The Poet for a great Sunday evening of music!

Thomas Kendall plays the songs of Doc Watson
2026-07-07 20:00 - 23:30
Arthel Lane “Doc” Watson was an American guitarist, songwriter, and singer whose revolutionary flatpicking and fingerpicking techniques reshaped Appalachian folk, bluegrass, country, and blues music. Blind from infancy, Watson went from a street performer in North Carolina to a multi-Grammy Award-winning national treasure.

Oscar LaDell
2026-07-09 20:00 - 23:30
Oscar LaDell was born in the US and raised in Purakaunui, Dunedin. A second-generation musician, Oscar started out playing standards in bars around Dunedin, featuring songs by Muddy Waters, BB King and Guitar Slim. Over the years, funk, rock, soul, R&B and more have found their way into Oscar’s music.
In the space of one of LaDell’s original songs, the sound can range from a gentle slow dance to explosive and hypnotic guitar solos. Oscar’s powerful and expressive guitar playing and soulful singing act as one to create a sound that is both reminiscent of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s and fresh.

Frankie & The Bad Cats
2026-07-11 21:00 - 23:30
Frankie & The Bad Cats is a blues band whose original material ranges from traditional and modern blues to funk and even elements of rockabilly.
The band has recently had a name change and was originally known as Mojo Mafia.
Under the Mojo Mafia label the band released three albums, their latest titled
“Judgement Day” which many independent blues/roots music critics believe is their finest work to date.
“The band Frankie & The Bad Cats is an example of the fact that energy, passion and soul is what separates the good from the great.”
(Barry Maxwell – President of Blues Music Victoria).

Ezra Lee's Boogie Men
2026-07-12 16:00 - 23:30
Join us for a Sunday afternoon with the one and only Ezra Lee’s Boogie Men!
Ezra Lee is Australia’s undisputed king of boogie-woogie and rock ‘n’ roll piano. Channeling the spirit of legends like Jerry Lee Lewis, Ezra’s performances are a whirlwind of explosive energy, pounding rhythms, and fiery licks. A natural-born showman, Ezra has toured internationally and shared stages with rockabilly royalty, earning him a reputation as one of the most exciting live acts in the world. With his unmistakable style and larger-than-life personality, Ezra continues to set stages ablaze and redefine the genre for a new generation.

Moonee Valley Drifters play the songs of Hank Williams
2026-07-14 20:00 - 23:30
Moonee Valley Drifters play the songs of Hank Williams!

Hank Williams was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist who arguably became country music’s first superstar. In a brief but explosive seven-year career, he wrote a catalog of emotional, honky-tonk classics before dying tragically of a heart attack at just 29 years old.

Sherri Parry
2026-07-15 20:00 - 23:30
Sherri Parry has never sat comfortably in one box. This is especially true when it comes to her music. With a sound completely unique Parry blends genres unhesitatingly. Taking influence from solo artists such as Amy Winehouse, Hayley Williams and Mitski Parry has birthed her own commanding sound in songwriting. Think jazz chords, pop vocals, folk storytelling, soul emotion, and whatever else is nearby. The only thing retaining a constant is the catchiness of her song writing and power of her lyricism.
Born and bred in regional Victoria, Parry has been writing, releasing and performing in Central VIC since 2013. She opened for Australian music royalty John Butler in 2019 at the Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival at Ulumburra theatre, three months before releasing her full-length album ‘Leave The Flowers’ in February 2020. With COVID 19 dismissing any chance of a tour, spent the isolation writing new music. Since January 2021, Parry joined forces with Bendigo guitarist, engineer and producer, Tom Hadlow to start building the next project. Working through the heat of the summer, the pair are independently recording and producing Parry’s new songs for her upcoming new album. The songs embody the feeling of melancholy, desperation, and anger shifting Parry’s music in a very new direction.
