Moosejaw Rifle Club
2026-07-17 20:30 - 23:30 (Australia/Melbourne)
Moosejaw Rifle Club are a folk/country/bluegrass band. With layered four part harmonies and hooks galore, the sweet harmonising and rollicking rhythms have seized the attention of every band room and festival they have played.
Moosejaw Rifle Club have firmly set their reputation for fun loving, good time music. Seamlessly moving between country ballads and rollicking anthems. Their sound starts at country, but stops all stations including blues, bluegrass, folk, gospel and rock.

The Westernairs
2026-07-18 21:00 - 23:30
The Westernairs deliver authentic Country/Honky Tonk and Western Swing music in the traditional 1950s/60s style, covering songs from famous Country artists such as Hank Williams, George Jones, Faron Young, and Marty Robbins, plus other lesser known Country/Hillbilly stars of the 1950s/60s. Their repertoire also includes an ever increasing list of self penned tunes by Kieron himself. The music is guaranteed to have your feet a tappin’ and your body movin’.

Shaky Stills
2026-07-19 16:00 - 23:30
Melbourne’s own original country western, tex mex, trucker and western swing band play only the best dancing & drinking songs. They deliver the prime cuts and take no detours performing with their incredibly tight sound, three part harmonies, classic 7″ singles arrangements and big-hearted honesty.

Craig Kelly & Joyce Prescher play the songs of Mark Lanegan
2026-07-21 20:00 - 23:30
Mark Lanegan was one of the great underrated singer-songwriters of the modern era, with a deep, smoky baritone drawing comparisons to Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave. Rising to prominence with Seattle grunge band The Screaming Trees (I Nearly Lost You), he went on to collaborate with close friend Kurt Cobain, appeared as a featured voice across three Queens of the Stone Age albums, and became the brooding foil to Belle & Sebastian’s Isobel Campbell across three dark-folk records echoing Lee Hazlewood and Nancy Sinatra — alongside countless other collaborations and 11 solo albums.
Performed by Craig Kelly with Joyce Prescher.

Elly McK & The Unbelievers
2026-07-22 20:00 - 23:30
Elly McK & The Unbelievers are an Australian alt-country and Americana powerhouse, shaking up the scene with their genre-defying sound.
Frontwoman Elly McK crafts hauntingly original songs that dance along edges of folk, alt-country, and Americana. Backed by The Unbelievers, the band delivers a mix of vintage-inspired vibes and foot-stomping grooves, blending raw storytelling, rich harmonies, and a sound that marries rootsy twang with modern grit. Known for their captivating live performances and evocative songwriting, Elly McK & The Unbelievers are carving a distinct path in the Australian music scene, becoming an undeniable force to watch.

Thomas Rocky
2026-07-23 20:00 - 23:30
Thomas Rocky is a Melbourne based songwriter whose songs drift between intimate folk, piano ballads, and storytelling. Influenced from artists such as Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave, his live performances are raw and deeply personal. With a focus on lyricism, atmosphere, and emotion, Thomas aims to create a sense of intimacy only music can manifest. At The Drunken Poet, he’ll be playing a stripped back set of original songs, sharing stories and music in one of Melbournes most loved rooms for folk music.

Beth and Ted
2026-07-23 21:00 - 23:30
Introducing the dynamic duo, Bethany Graf and Ted Coutts, now based in Melbourne, Australia. Formerly of the rock band Atomica, Beth and Ted bring a unique blend of powerful vocals, rich harmonies, and engaging musicianship to every performance.
Drawing inspiration from artists such as Paramore, Oasis, Royel Otis, The Cranberries and Fleetwood Mac, their live shows feature a diverse mix of crowd-favourite classics, modern hits, and heartfelt ballads, alongside original music that showcases their distinctive sound.
Whether performing intimate acoustic sets or energetic sing-along favourites, Beth and Ted create a warm and memorable atmosphere that connects with audiences of all ages. They are thrilled to be performing at The Drunken Poet and look forward to sharing an unforgettable evening of live music with you.

Doggerel
2026-07-24 20:30 - 23:30
Doggerel burst from the kennel and onto the stage to flog their special brand of bung blues, roughhouse rock, and sundry sad tunes about drinking, dishonour, and death. Based around the steel guitar and drums of founding members Kier Stevens and John Kostaras, Doggerel always keep a tight focus on looseness, ratbaggery, and having a rollicking good time.
Throw in some bass, saxophone, and a shot or two, and things are really starting to look up for you. Every show is a cheerfully irreverent affront to blues tradition that will leave your ears in even better condition.

The Pheasantry
2026-07-25 21:00 - 23:30
Yes. Alt country, urban folk, country rock, rock n roll, bluegrass and blues from the city or the swamp … call it what you will, but these guys mix all this together, and more. If all band members give the go, it’s in. This mix is their sound, and they love creating it, and performing it.
With a huge original song list, that started back in the early nineties, this band has many influences. Carefully chosen covers rotated through the live set keeps them thinking, and writing. From Tom Petty to Tom Wates, Johnny Cash to Paul Kelly, The Band, Little Feat, Tony Joe White …. The Pheasantry Band’s sound is catchy.
If you like real vocals in harmony, real guitars with exiting electric twang, fat upright bass and drums ready to explode, make sure you see this five-piece band of cheeky Melbourne gentlemen.
Over 30 years since these guys started writing and recording songs and grooves, and they’re not about to stop.
Their style is infectious, always tells a story and great to watch. They have fun!

Roz Girvan
2026-07-26 16:00 - 23:30
A country-soul songwriter with a talent for finding the extraordinary in the everyday, Roz Girvan has been part of Melbourne’s roots music community for many years.

The Twa Corbies
2026-07-26 18:30 - 23:30
The Twa Corbies are a Victorian based two-piece that love to share the fun, exciting, and occasionally lamenting sounds and stories of Celtic folk music.
Enjoyable to all who love tunes about rebellion, romance and of course a night on the good stuff.

Victor Stranges plays the songs of Stiff Little Fingers
2026-07-28 20:00 - 23:30
Victor Stranges returns to the songs that shaped him with Get Stiffed – a rare, one-night-only dive into the catalogue of Stiff Little Fingers, the Irish punk band whose songs defined a generation. As a teenage drummer in Melbourne’s underground ’80s band Drunk ’n’ Disorderly, Stranges cut his teeth on this material across the pub circuit. Now, 37 years on, he brings them back reinterpreted solo, with weight and perspective. Expect material from the band’s early run through their first split in 1983, spanning Inflammable Material (1979), Nobody’s Heroes (1980), Go For It (1981) and Now Then… (1982). Tuesday 28 July, 8:00pm at The Drunken Poet.

Georgia Rodgers
2026-07-29 20:00 - 23:30
Bringing to the stage a combination of Blues and Jazz marrying an array of ambient guitar riffs and skilful use of a loop pedal; Georgia Rodgers is an artist you won’t want to miss.

Georgia is not only well known for her incredible guitar skills but also her voice and the journey she takes listeners on within her own compositions. This young musician takes the spotlight and captivates audiences through her ability to sing with raw emotion, joined with her iconic Telecaster Georgia’s voice and her musicality act as partners in crime, inviting all listeners to be a part of the beautiful love affair.

As a whole, Georgia creates an experience to share, not just an outstanding performance.

Traditional Irish Music Session
2026-07-31 18:00 - 23:30
Every Friday night, to start your weekend right!
With live music 6 nights a week at The Poet, our Traditional Irish Music sessions are a part of our weekly line up.

The Blow Out
2026-07-31 20:30 - 23:30
Authentic and original blues & roots from the bohemia of the South.
Salty Trevarthen (Vox & Harmonica, Guitar) leads the band with Morgan Klose (Guitar), Peter Beulke (Bass) and Peter Hodges (Drums) – some of the finest players in the blues/roots genre. Acid blues guitar, jazz influenced drumming, rock solid bass. Butterfield inspired electric harp – Great blues, style and attitude to burn.

Rhythm Kitchen
2026-08-01 15:00 - 23:30
Rhythm Kitchen are bringing their infectious tunes, foot stomping energy and good times to The Poet!

The Get Down Gang
2026-08-01 21:00 - 23:30
The Get Down Gang are back, and they’re bringing the good vibes to The Drunken Poet!
Serving up a spicy stew of funk, soul, and reggae, these groove merchants can turn any frown upside down. After time spent on other projects, the original crew have reunited with fresh energy, new tunes, and a passion for playing that’s impossible to resist.
Come on down, sink a pint, and let your troubles fade out of sight.

Dave Steel
2026-08-02 16:00 - 23:30
The legendary Dave Steel (ex WPA, Archie Roach Band, etc etc) returns to the Drunken Poet after a long absence….on Sunday August 2nd come along and hear Dave play some old tunes, a few from his latest release ‘Wooden Music’ and a couple of new ones, mixed up with a little blues and slide guitar….stories and songs from a lifetime at the coalface!
See you around 4pm for a couple of poetic sets!

The Maggie Carty Band
2026-08-02 18:30 - 23:30
The Maggie Carty Band play brilliant Irish music, amazing vocals, try not to tap your feet!
Rounding off your Sunday evening afternoon just right with Poet favorites!

THE PRAIRIE OYSTERS playing the songs of THE SMITHEREENS!
2026-08-04 20:00 - 23:30
DAVE MILES and MICK EVANS (from THE PRAIRIE OYSTERS) present the songs of the best
band you’ve never heard of: THE SMITHEREENS.
It took some hard decisions to trim the set down when you have 7 albums of masterful power pop to choose from. But they have curated a 1 hour goldmine of great and memorable songs, from the achingly beautiful “CIGARETTE” to the stomping “TOP OF THE POPS”.
In an intimate “unplugged” setting, these songs will be stripped back to their essence to get a long- delayed hearing by Mick (drums, percussion and vocals) and Dave (guitar, harmonica and vocals).

Yolanda Ingley II Trio
2026-08-05 20:00 - 23:30
There’s a defining old world charm to Melbourne songstress Yolanda Ingley II – equally wielding smoky vocals and impassioned heart, Yolanda’s songs dip into soul, blues and jazz with inherent sophistication that draw to mind the greats of eras passed.
Yolanda is playing two sets at The Poet from 8-10pm.

Open Mic Night!
2026-08-06 17:00 - 23:30
Chop, chop.. sign up from 5pm at the bar! Performances kick off at 7pm.
Legends are made at The Drunken Poet Open Mic Night!

Traditional Irish Music Session
2026-08-07 18:00 - 23:30
Every Friday Night at The Poet!

Ash King
2026-08-07 20:30 - 23:30
Ash King is a blues & roots singer-songwriter from Healesville in Victoria.
With his deep powerful voice and funky guitar work, he balances soulful feel and raw energy. Think John Butler meets Johnny Cash at a BBQ and you’re not far off. As a solo acoustic artist and frontman of blues-rock band Smoke Stack Rhino, Ash has taken his high-energy live show around Australia, often having too much fun dancing across the stage with his guitar that he forgets to sing the next verse.
Over the past year Ash has been recording his debut album. His songs have been described as uplifting, honest, thoughtful and fun. ‘I like the saying that “you don’t write the song, the song writes you”’. Ash is an original storyteller, an electrifying performer, and a fresh voice in Australian blues & roots.

Ruairí Flynn
2026-08-08 15:00 - 23:30
Ruairí Flynn from the small village of Graiguenamanagh, Co.Kilkenny has been gigging in pubs and bars since the age of 18 with a mix of Irish traditional and folk songs.
This has led to Ruairí playing all across Ireland and opening for some legendary acts such as Paddy Casey and The 4 of Us.
Not to be missed!!

Billy Cart Crash
2026-08-08 21:00 - 23:30
Billy Cart Crash are a spirited three-piece band from Melbourne’s northern suburbs, now coming to the big smoke at The Drunken Poet!
They blend rockabilly, jump blues, swing, and swamp into a sound that’s uniquely their own.
With a hard-hitting slap double bass and high-octane guitar solos, their original music invites listeners to dance, unwind, or rock out. Their songs pay homage to traditional rockabilly themes of “fast cars, girls n bars”, using these concepts as playful metaphors for the modern world.
At The Drunken Poet in June, Billy Cart Crash will mix rockabilly roots and greaser flair with a contemporary feel and sound for a two set show!

Nick Charles
2026-08-09 16:00 - 23:00
Nick Charles is known internationally as “Australia’s virtuoso of acoustic roots and blues”. His 35+ year career has seen him accumulate every conceivable accolade including Port Fairy Artist of the Year and The AGE Blues album of the year.
He’s toured with artists including John Hammond, Guy Clarke, Ralph McTell, Robyn Ford and BB King touring the US 13 times in recent years and releasing over 20 albums worldwide.
This is dazzling fingerpicking roots magic and a lifetime’s stories and songs from the world’s musical highways. In the words of Bruce Elder from the Sydney Morning Herald “he plays guitar like an angel!”

The Galway Rovers
2026-08-09 18:30 - 23:30
Ciaran Boyle and Declan Simpson have joined together as THE GALWAY ROVERS!
Spend your Sunday evening at The Poet with these legends!

Brittle Sun & Peter O'Shea play the songs of Velvet Underground
2026-08-11 20:00 - 23:30
Brittle Sun & Peter O’Shea play the songs of Velvet Underground

Safari Motel
2026-08-12 20:00 - 23:30
Safari Motel is back with fresh energy and new grooves! Join Nicole, Jason, Simon, and Damo at The Drunken Poet in West Melbourne for a night of electric tunes and infectious rhythms. With fresh faces on guitar and drums, we’re bringing a whole new level of passion to the stage—ready to do what we were born to do. Don’t miss the revival of the Safari Motel experience!
