The Drunken Poet

Peny Bohan Band
2023-10-04 20:00 - 23:30 (Australia/Melbourne)
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.

Michael Burrows and Craig Kelly with Bek Chapman play the songs of Mermaid Avenue
2023-09-26 20:00 - 23:30
Michael Burrows and Craig Kelly with Bek Chapman play the songs of Mermaid Avenue (Wilco / Billy Bragg)
It was an idea that never should have worked: British folk-rocker Billy Bragg collaborating with alt-country upstarts Wilco to put music to the unreleased lyrics of Woody Guthrie. It wouldn’t have surprised anyone if it had diminished the reputation of all involved.
Instead, the 1998 release of Mermaid Avenue was a revelation, proof that Guthrie was far more than the populist, fascist-bashing folkie that he was often perceived to be – he was also capable of startlingly personal songwriting that was far ahead of its time.

The Drunken Poet Birthday Celebrations!
2023-09-24 14:00 - 23:30
2 – 3PM

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 launching her solo career, with her debut EP coming out in 2023
3.15pm

The Treblettes are a sassy vocal trio performing iconic songs of Motown!
4.35pm
Sean O’Callaghan talks incessantly and the odd time, some of it sounds poetic.
The right amount of righteousness.
Without being pompous.
Not over confident.
Brashly unsure.

Unsure with gusto.
5pm
Van Walker

Tasmanian native, Victoria-dwelling singer-songwriter Van Walker released six albums under his own name between 2008 and 2010; Ghosting is the first since then, although he’s been involved in various bands and projects in between. Music is, it seems, inherently part of him.
6.15pm
Slatsapalooza
7.10pm
Sean O’Callaghan
7.30pm
Slatsapalooza

Paper Jane Duo
2023-09-23 21:00 - 23:30
Paper Jane, original Central Victorian Americana/Electric Folk band feature country heartache with tight grooves and uplift harmonies. Paper Jane’s eclectic range of original music reflects their journey and speak with candour about life beyond first loves and happy endings.
Paper Jane has temporarily downsized to a duo of Buck Edwards and Dom Redfern. Bucky is out front on guitar and lead vocals with Dom on acoustic fretless bass (hear thar mwah!) and backing vocals. Paper Jane leaves the sounds exposed for the listener, joyous and evocative.”

Oscar LaDell plays the sings of Muddy Waters
2023-09-19 20:00 - 23:30
Oscar LaDell plays the sings of Muddy Waters.
Muddy Waters was a dynamic American blues guitarist and singer who played a major role in creating the post-World War II electric blues.

Rodeo Nights
2023-09-16 21:00 - 23:00
Allan Fisk is an Australian Drummer, Guitarist, Singer- Songwriter who has spent the last two decades touring Oz & abroad sharing the stage with : The Re-Mains, Den Hanrahan, Matt Scullion, Wanita ‘Honky Tonk Queen’, Chucks Wagon, Glenn Rae Virus, West Texas Crude and Howlin Time.

After many years on the road touring as a professional drummer, Allan moved to a small village located in the Daguliar Ranges in Queensland Oz.

It was there that he turned his focus to playing guitar & writing songs for his new project ‘Rodeo Nights’.

Rodeo Nights is an Alternative, Indi, Country, Punk-Rock show, which details a young man’s wild journey as a musician on the road, the trials and tribulations of love & lust, and the ever predictable aftermath when it all turns to shit!

Kane Vincent
2023-09-14 20:00 - 23:30
What’s a chef to do when he’s over the smoky grills, long hours, family drama, relationships, and life in general? Some blokes buy a Harley, some chase younger women, well Kane Vincent took the advice of a Jason Isbell song to “find what makes you happy … and do it till you’re gone,” picked up his old Maton, and got stuck into it.
Keenly observant, Kane finds lyrical inspiration in both the mundane and extraordinary stories of the everyday. These songs have a folk/pop sensibility, a soulful edge, more than a hint of country and a familiar nod to the blues.

Juke Joint playing the songs of Slim Harpo
2023-09-12 20:00 - 23:30
SLIM HARPO

Known as one of the masters of the blues harmonica; the name “Slim Harpo” was a humorous takeoff on “harp,” the popular nickname for the harmonica in blues circles, as suggested by his wife, after discovering that someone else performed under the name Harmonica Slim.

THE JUKE JOINT:
“Continental” Robert Susz is best known as the lead singer, harmonica player and songwriter for the 1980s Soul Band “The Dynamic Hepnotics” who had a national SMASH HIT with his composition “Soul Kind Of Feeling”.

In the 90s he was the front man of funky Blues combo “The Mighty Reapers” who released a half a dozen award winning albums in Australia and the USA.

Robert has put together “The JukeJoint Three”, with HOTSHOTS Andy Baylor guitar and vocals & Ronny Ferella drums to play their tribute to Louisiana Blues Legend, Slim Harpo, who’s tunes have been covered by artists like, The Rolling Stones, The Animals, The Fabulous Thunderbirds & Charlie Rich to name a few.

Stephanie Brett
2023-09-06 20:00 - 23:30
Stephanie Brett plays Wine Whiskey Women with her nylon string guitar and accompanied on double bass, vocal harmonies and shaker by long timer David Bramble. Singing songs of love, life, time and whiskey, written while on the road or thinking of it.

Katankin plays the songs of Paul Simon
2023-09-05 20:00 - 23:30

No Sleep Till Texas
2023-09-03 16:00 - 23:30
Hailing from Melbourne, Australia and fuelled by a love of classic country music, NO SLEEP TILL TEXAS will be stripping things back to bring their honky tonk wagon to the Drunken Poet.
Paying homage to their own heroes, the likes of Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Doug Sahm, Dwight Yoakam and Willie Nelson, this Melbourne outfit are throwbacks to when country music was exactly that. Delivering their honest and bare bones take on country classics.

Josh Maynard & Malia Stirling
2023-09-01 20:30 - 23:30
Self-taught singer/songwriter, Josh Maynard has been pursuing his love for Australian music from the very start. Starting his journey behind a drum kit at only 3 years old, Josh’s advanced sense of rhythm has become one of the identifying features of his playing.
Based on the Sunshine Coast, Malia Stirling is an up and coming Australian folk singer/songwriter. With her distinct, angelic voice and poetic lyrics, Malia has captured hearts across Queensland and New South Whales over the past 6years. Shedding light on losing yourself, finding yourself and falling involve with the journey; Malia aims to create a safe, supportive space for like-minded people to gather and feel all the feels.

Celtic Connections Event – Battle of the Bands
2023-08-31 19:00 - 23:30
The Celtic Club in partnership with the Drunken Poet are proud to announce our next Celtic Connections event on Thursday 31st August kick-off at 7.00pm until late. This event is aimed at supporting upcoming bands in our Irish Community.
Six bands have been selected from the applications and the qualifying bands will play a short set each on the evening. The bands will be judged by our panel of judges based on select criteria and the winners will be announced on the evening.
Come along to support and enjoy some of our amazing local talent at this cosy authentic Irish pub, the Drunken Poet.
Ticket price includes finger food and entertainment on the evening and all drinks are at bar prices.

The Celtic Club supports and celebrates pride in Irish heritage and culture and that of the broader Celtic community.
We provide opportunities for the benefit, education and enjoyment of members and guests that promote and encourage Gaelic language, Irish music, art and culture, and more.
We curate a collection of Celtic literature, cultural artefacts and related material for the benefit of our Members and Celtic heritage groups from all over Victoria.
Our role is at the heart of our community, where we act as a hub which supports the endeavours of the Club and our partner organisations.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Rebecca Barnard plays the songs of Joni Mitchell
2023-08-29 20:00 - 23:30
Rebecca grew up listening to Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong spending a lot of time in the pubs of Melbourne and Sydney listening to her Dad’s band and eventually getting up and singing with them at the age of 13. At the age of 14 she heard Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan and became obsessed.
Meanwhile Rebecca started seriously focusing on songwriting and Rebecca’s Empire was born. They became one of Australia’s best loved bands releasing 3 Eps and 2 Albums, touring extensively and appearing on Triple J’s Hottest 100 albums 3 years in a row.
Playing the songs of Joni Mitchell, one of the first women in modern rock to achieve enviable longevity and critical recognition, Mitchell was a major inspiration to everyone from Bob Dylan and Prince to a later generation of female artists such as Suzanne Vega and Alanis Morissette.

The Canyon Callers
2023-08-23 20:00 - 23:30
Melbourne’s brand new Western Swing super group starring Brooke Russell, Ben Franz and Jacob McGuffie.
The Canyon Callers play the hits of Western Swing from the likes of Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys, Faron Young, Asleep At The Wheel and more!

David Cosma plays the songs of Elvis
2023-08-22 20:00 - 23:30
Drunken Poet regular and self confessed Elvis tragic David Cosma returns to the Drunken Poet for Tribute Tuesday in August, paying tribute to the undisputed King of Rock n Roll, ELVIS!

This isn’t the first time Dave has paid tribute to the King here at the Poet, so we’re gonna do it all again on August 16 when he rips through a set of Elvis’s biggest hits, the odd rarity and a few surprises along the way….

Redfish Bluegrass
2023-08-11 20:00 - 23:30
Melbourne based band concentrating of bluegrass, acoustic and Americana. Formed in the mid 2000’s the band has also played in the home of Australian country music, Tamworth. Join them for their special reunion show at The Poet!
Featuring: Fergus McAlpin (guitar, vocals), Darren Maxfield (banjo, mandolin, vocals), Seamus O’Sullivan (dobro), Jim Taylor (double bass, vocals), John Dickson (harmonica, vocals), Greg Field (violin, mandolin).

If you haven’t heard of Redfish Bluegrass you may not have been of legal drinking age 10 years ago. The band started in 2003, recorded an album in 2006 and played over 300 gigs and festivals around Melbourne over the first 10 years.

Every gig was different incorporating an autonomous collective operating style prone to extemporaneous song selections, ad hoc arrangements, vocal harmonies on the run with amazing violin, mandolin and harmonica solos. They haven’t played as a group in 10 years and are keen to see if the old magic remains.

Help them celebrate the Redfish 20 year birthday reunion at the Poet.

Malcolm Beveridge
2023-08-10 20:00 - 23:30
From an Army baby in Germany, back to his home town in sunny Inverkeithing, then on to the cultural mecca that is Victorias Sth Eastern suburbs. Mal has done some travelling and living in his time. As a sideman he has played bass for many Blues and Roots acts in the Melbourne scene. However, the last few years have been focused on his blend of Folk/Blues/Country songwriting.

Stu Thomas plays the songs of Iggy Pop
2023-08-08 20:00 - 23:30
By popular demand the paradoxical Stu Thomas, will revisit the songs of the great Iggy Pop. The savage and hair-raising ruckus Iggy Pop made with the Stooges in the late 1960s and early ’70s was some of the greatest and most influential rock ‘n’ roll ever.

Doing solo acoustic renditions but no less rockin’, and in full respect to the Igster. With at least 54 years of music to choose from, Stu has a few major Stooges and Pop classics on offer.

Last Orders
2023-08-05 15:00 - 23:30
Clodagh Doohan and Pamela Queally moved to Australia in November 2022 a captivating blend of traditional Irish, folk and pop music. The musical collaboration have been making waves in the music scene for years. Hailing from County Clare in Ireland, their unique backgrounds show off their versatility and passion for music. Drawing inspiration from the likes of The Corrs, Christy Moore and Martin Hayes creating infectious melodies that resonate with audiences of all ages, bridging the gap between generations.

Kane Vincent plays the songs of John Denver
2023-08-01 20:00 - 23:30
Everyone knows a John Denver song.
Echuca based; alt country singer-songwriter Kane Vincent remembers; “Mum used to sing John Denver songs when we were little.” To him the mere thought of performing a full set of his songs is triggering.
With an engaging, soulful voice and influences from Jason Isbell to Alice in Chains, he’s not listened to John Denver since childhood; a Freudian would have a field day with this. Kane has lugged his old Maton from pub to pub for the last five years and released several Ep’s, building an audience for his music.

The Ironbark Brothers
2023-07-30 16:00 - 23:30
Twin singing’ hillbilly wonders; the Ironbark Brothers retell the stories of yesteryear.

Dylan Cosgriff
2023-07-27 21:00 - 23:30
Dylan Cosgriff is a high-energy stage show entailing rock, punk, blues rock and blues punk!
Dylan is now working on forming a band to tour his upcoming sophomore album, which was almost two years in the making, doing shows in Albury, Wodonga, Bendigo, Benalla, Melbourne and Canberra, and of course finishing in Mount Beauty.

Grace King plays the songs of Eva Cassidy
2023-07-25 20:00 - 23:30
Grace King brings to life the songs and story of late American singer Eva Cassidy. Having grown up listening to Eva Cassidy, Grace King was inspired by her smooth vocals and powerful dynamics and is looking forward to performing her renditions of jazz and blues classics.

Lewis and the Rose play the songs of Carole King
2023-07-18 20:00 - 23:30
Lewis and the Rose play the songs of Carole King!

The Coastalaires
2023-07-02 16:00 - 23:30
The Coastalaires play country soul music from the 60’s.
They will be playing two sets of songs from the likes of Dan Penn & Eddie Hinton (Muscle Shoals); Charlie Rich (Memphis); Bobby Charles & Allen Toussaint (Louisiana); Doug Sahm & Delbert McClinton (Texas); George Jones, Merle Haggard & Bob Dylan (Nashville) & other stuff too. The band comprises Jeremy Hanley (vocals, electric guitar), Leigh McDowell (electric bass) and Clifford Booth (drums).

Anne Simmons
2023-06-28 20:00 - 23:30
Folk-rock musician Anne Simmons grew up on Beatles harmonies and indie rock and today her music aligns to no particular genre, with influences ranging from jazz to country. Now living near the mountains in an old timber town, a quieter life has given her music a more country-folk feel.

The Kreep 500 plays the songs of Big Star
2023-06-27 20:00 - 23:30
Big Star was an American power pop band formed in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1971 by Alex Chilton (1950 – 2010), Chris Bell (1951 – 1978), Jody Stephens and Andy Hummel (1951 – 2010). Despite the checkered history of the band, Big Star left an indelible mark on the musical world, acquiring a cult following amongst fans as well as the respect of other musicians such as Peter Buck from R.E.M. The group broke up in 1974. By the 1980s, they were recognised as one of rock music’s classic groups.

Peter Read
2023-06-25 18:30 - 23:30
Peter Read plays The Poet!

Szara Fox and Andrew Darling
2023-06-25 16:00 - 23:30
Dutch singer-songwriter Szara Fox is an exotic songstress with up-tempo tales of travel, love, and freedom. Delivering an evocative concoction influenced by Flamenco and Balkan Gypsy music, Szara‘s captivating performances are interwoven with Andrew Darling‘s fire-thrown trumpet.
Unique singer-songwriter-storyteller Andrew Darling‘s voice both weeps and soars. His songs are spellbinding, emotive and inspired by the greats; Dylan, Nick Cave, Tom Waits. Andrew’s performances are poetic examples of how captivating original music can be.
After relentless regional touring and performances in Europe last winter, the unmissable Szara Fox & Andrew Darling perform at West Melbourne’s Drunken Poet on Sunday, June 25, 4–6pm.
