The Drunken Poet

The Danny Walsh Banned
2025-05-10 21:00 - 23:30 (Australia/Melbourne)
The Danny Walsh Banned have been playing fever-pitched shows and jumping on tables for over a dozen years, serving up country-soul and rock’n’roll flavours infused with a touch of 70s Aussie boogie that will probably have you dancing on the tables, too.

“Walsh’s lyrics depict each landscape and emotional swirl with the caress of a bona fide bush poet…looking back and yearning ahead”’ – Forte Mag

Traditional Irish Music Session
2025-05-09 18:00 - 23:30
Every Friday, our traditional Irish music session will get you going just right for your Friday night!

The Burning Bridges
2025-05-04 16:00 - 23:30
The Burning Bridges are an old-school family string band with a repertoire that reaches back to the bedrock of American country music, including old-time Appalachian fiddle tunes, country/folk harmony duets (The Carter Family, The Louvin Brothers, Ralph Stanley, The Delmore Brothers), bluegrass, alt-country, and an expanding catalogue of classic-sounding original songs and tunes written by Fran,Tom and Peter.
The band appears regularly at national folk and bluegrass festivals and at venues of distinction across Victoria and beyond, and have released three albums to date, the most recent, Whipporwill, in August 2023.
Members include Peter Somerville (banjo/ guitar/ vocals), Fran Martin (guitar/ vocals), and rising fiddle maestro Tom Somerville (fiddle/ guitar), joined by special guest Maxine Sutcliffe on bull fiddle.

Reeves & Stevens
2025-05-03 21:00 - 23:30
Kier Stevens and T.K Reeves come to The Poet for this special duo show!
Don’t miss this!

Jess Parker
2025-04-30 21:00 - 23:30
Earth-wandering, guitar-slingin’ whiskey drinker from Campbells Creek, VIC.

Yolanda Ingley plays the songs of John Lennon
2025-04-29 20:00 - 23:30

Ingrid Saker plays the songs of Hendrix
2025-04-22 20:00 - 23:30

CLOSED FOR EASTER
2025-04-20 08:00 - 2025-04-30 23:30
The Drunken Poet will be closed on Easter Sunday.
We look forward to seeing you back soon!

Freya Josephine Hollick
2025-04-19 21:00 - 23:30
Born and raised in the historic gold boom center of Ballarat in Western Victoria, Australian Cosmic Country Queen Freya Josephine Hollick has mined a rich alluvial songwriting vein across 3 full-length albums including The Unceremonious Junking Of Me (2015), 2018’s Feral Fusion and most recently 2022’s The Real World.
This show is proudly supported by the Victorian Government through the Community Support Fund and Creative Victoria delivered by Music Victoria.

Kathleen Halloran
2025-04-16 21:00 - 23:30
Electrifying guitarist/singer/songwriter Kathleen Halloran has well and truly established herself as one of the country’s most exciting rising stars. Educated on stage alongside some of Australia’s biggest names, this triple threat is widely known for her swaggering fretboard flare and irresistible spirit. The launch of her soaring debut single ‘Free with Me’ has seen her sweep through the country with headline shows and appearances on some of our favourite festival stages.

The Acrobats play the songs of The Cure
2025-04-15 20:00 - 23:30
Inspired by The Cure’s stunning new album, Chris Keogh and Tom Caley from The Acrobats bring ‘Two Re-imaginary Boys’ to The Drunken Poet. This show will delve into The Cure’s extensive and eclectic songbook in full acoustic mode. From the early post punk, through their dark and haunting moments, to the pristine pop and everything in between, expect to hear classics and deep cuts that cover the duration of The Cure’s full treasure chest.

John Fox
2025-04-10 21:00 - 23:30
Melbourne troubadour John Fox has spent the past two decades crafting a repertoire of poignant, sharply observed songs about life’s agonies and absurdities. With echoes of Shane McGowan’s ragged heartache and John Prine’s storytelling wit, Fox delivers classic songwriting with a trad folk twist and a lyrical sensibility that is uniquely his own. A songwriter’s songwriter and a true local gem

Rubita
2025-04-09 20:00 - 23:30
Rubita will be returning to The Drunken Poet with fresh songs and instruments.
She’ll be joined by Henry Smithers on bass guitar, delivering soulful bass lines and groovy solos, along with Christian Silva, a world-class percussion player showcasing an array of rhythms and beats.
Tying it all together with Rubita’s smooth guitar chords and velvety vocals, the band will perform an array of bossa nova, pop, and jazz-inspired tunes written by Rubita.

Oh Gibson with Duncan Stephen play the songs of Doc Watson
2025-04-08 20:00 - 23:30

John Flanagan
2025-04-06 16:00 - 23:30
John Flanagan is known for his authentic stage presence, heart-gripping storytelling and uplifting performances. He has been described as “one of Australia’s finest lyricists” (Timber & Steel). Performing with a new 7-piece line up featuring rhythm section and horns, Flanagan channels the raw and soulful folk-rock of the 70s taking inspiration from the likes of Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt and Van Morrison. His 2016 release ‘There’s Another Way To Where You’re Going’ was nominated for best Folk/Roots Album in the Age Music Victoria Awards and was an ‘Album of the week’ and ABC radio favourite.

Front Porch
2025-04-05 21:00 - 23:30
Melbourne based 5-piece Americana outfit Front Porch are a stand out in Melbourne’s Live music scene, performing all over the city’s many live music venues as well as Victoria’s Bluegrass festivals and club nights.
The band tastefully incorporates the styles of bluegrass, Western swing, dixie-land, ragtime, jazz, Tex-Mex Latin, and even 60s folk.
Formed in 2017, Front Porch has steadily crafted a unique live music experience, a fresh, authentic and vibrant sound with nostalgic undertones underpinned by humour and humility.

Taylor Project and Greg Steps play the songs of Blink 182
2025-04-01 20:00 - 23:30
“What’s my age again?”
Taylor Project and Greg Steps pay tribute to Blink 182 in Country & Folk style! Experience this iconic band in a whole different genre!
What’s my age again? And what the hell is Call ID?
Join Taylor Project and Greg Steps for a Tribute Tuesday presenting Blink 182 songs in country and folk style.
Revel in the “I don’t know whether to kill myself or go bowling” country humour hidden in Blink 182 lyrics, and have the excuse to enjoy these wonderful 1990s and 2000s songs again, from a band that dominated punk-pop and absorbed the Jackass aesthetic of the era, but also valued effective songwriting and could have stepped sideways into other genres. At least, that’s our theory.
The Taylor Project have written and recorded music since 2008, and have performed at many bars, pubs, festivals and community events, with an idiosyncratic and entertaining folk music style featuring mandolin, violin, harmonies and much thought-through lyrics. The band is built around twin sisters Liz Taylor and Sarah Taylor, both of whom also enjoy chatting through song backgrounds on stage.
Greg Steps is an indie-folk singer songwriter with a distinctive, homespun voice, an inherently watchful eye and a vivid imagination. He is a friend of Taylor Project, an excellent performer, but not, as yet, a fan of Blink 182. Join us as we win him over. Or just join us for watching, waiting, and commiserating!

Karakas
2025-03-27 21:00 - 23:30
KARAKAS is the music project of Jimmie Linville, singer-songwriter and front-man of the bands Canyon Spells (formerly Daniel and the Lion) and Big Chance. Linville toured nationally throughout the US since 2010, playing over 200 shows a year. In 2014, Canyon Spells opened for Counting Crows on a massive tour and followed up the season with a signing to Megaforce Records and their most recent release: Now That We’re Gone.

Vardos pay tribute for Greek Independence Day
2025-03-25 20:00 - 23:30
Vardos pay tribute for Greek Independence Day!
Driven by Alana’s wild violin, chased by accordion and double bass, Vardos play folk and Romany music learnt from Rroma (Gypsy) musicians during their travels in Eastern Europe. Based in Melbourne, Australia, the band has toured to Hungary, France, Berlin, Switzerland, Amsterdam, New Caledonia, New Zealand, London and Scotland.

aeriqah
2025-03-19 20:00 - 23:30
Join us at The Drunken Poet for a night of heartfelt storytelling indie-folk with Melbourne and Singapore-based singer-songwriter, aeriqah. With a sound deeply influenced by the likes of Leith Ross, Lizzy McAlpine, and Christian Lee Hutson, aeriqah’s music weaves together stories of love, loss, and self-discovery. A year into living in Melbourne, aeriqah brings fresh writing, adding to the growing discography of intimate tunes that document her 20s. Bring tissues and an arm to cling to, just in case.

Suzette Herft plays the songs of Joan Baez
2025-03-18 20:00 - 23:30
With a voice as rich and timeless as the songs she sings, Suzette Herft pays tribute to the legendary Joan Baez in a night of soaring melodies and heartfelt storytelling. From protest anthems to ballads of love and loss, Suzette brings warmth, grace, and a deep connection to the music that defined a generation.

Paddy's Day!
2025-03-17 11:00 - 23:30
We’re open from 11am on Paddy’s Day!
We are an authentic Irish Pub, celebrate with us – we know how it’s done!

Night Owls
2025-03-14 20:00 - 23:30
The Night Owls are taking flight this March to share music from their debut album ‘Hand in Glove!’
Featuring singer-guitar player Oscar LaDell, drummer Mickey Garcia, keys player Jesse Deane-Freeman and bassist Jason Mannix, The Night Owls have built a loyal following by sharing their fiery, deep blues with packed rooms across SA, including support slots for Charlie Musselwhite and The Bondi Cigars.

Wild Dog Mountains
2025-03-13 20:00 - 23:30
Stripped back and up close, Wild Dog Mountains bring their rustic, lo-fi alt-country to The Drunken Poet for an intimate duo set. Jangly power pop meets indie-alt country, in the spirit of Silver Jews, Wilco, Magnolia Electric Co, and maybe even a touch of Paul Kelly. Songs about love, loneliness, real estate dreams, disastrous camping trips, supermarket lines, and other suburban tragedies. Come down, grab a pint, and settle in!

Rory Newman plays the songs of Van Morrison
2025-03-11 20:00 - 23:30
Rory Newman brings the songs of Van Morrison to life with soul, passion, and a voice that’ll take you straight to Cypress Avenue. From the deep grooves of Moondance to the raw beauty of Astral Weeks, expect a night filled with timeless classics and hidden gems.

Bonafide Travellers
2025-03-09 18:30 - 23:30
These Poet faves return to give your weekend a dose of the best! Come down for a Sunday arvo session!

Slatts
2025-03-07 20:00 - 23:30
Once described by Beat Magazine as “one of the greatest voices you could hope to hear live”, Paul Slattery has been a fixture of the Melbourne music scene for over 25 years.

Originally hailing from Adelaide, Paul has spent countless hours on stages all over Melbourne with Pornland, the Moreland City Soul Revue and Cisco Caesar.

With a rich musical vocabulary he is equally at home singing blues, soul, rock and funk; and lives by the credo “Have a good time all the time”.

This show is proudly supported by the Victorian Government through the Community Support Fund and Creative Victoria delivered by Music Victoria.

Rhian Elin
2025-03-05 20:00 - 23:30
Rhian Elin grabs attention with her enchanting energy and soulful guitar playing.
Drawing inspiration from legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan to modern stars like Taylor Swift, she blends blues, rock and pop into a sound that’s uniquely hers.
With her talented band and an electric stage presence, Rhian’s shows are packed with energy and groove – an experience you won’t want to miss.
Catch Rhian Elin for a band show on Wednesday 5 March from 8pm at the Drunken Poet!

Katankin plays the songs of Paul Simon
2025-03-04 20:00 - 23:30
Katankin brings her exquisite voice and artistry to the timeless songs of Paul Simon.
With intricate arrangements and a deep connection to the craft of songwriting, Katankin will breathe new life into classics from Graceland, Still Crazy After All These Years, Bridge Over Troubled Water, and beyond. Expect a night of stunning vocals, heartfelt storytelling, and a fresh take on one of the greatest songwriters of our time.

The Distant South
2025-03-02 16:00 - 23:30
The Distant South weave tales from life’s rich tapestry, into melody and harmony-soaked songs, brought to life through a rich blend of guitar, banjo, double bass, lap steel, mandolin, and drums.
Led by Singer, songwriter and storyteller Nick Howells, The Distant South’ songs lean heavily on experiences from Nick’s unconventional upbringing – and his struggles as an adult dealing with the contrasting worlds of a career in the corporate world and being a musician at heart. From being born to an engineer and folk singer parents, to living in a series of share farms and communities, going to school in Nimbin in the late 70’s – moving to colonial Hong Kong complete with high rise living and a formal British education – Nick’s childhood was anything but traditional.
The seemingly constant juxtaposition in Nick’s childhood and adult life have provided fertile grounds for song writing content – and his lifelong love of acoustic singer/songwriters with a leaning to the alternative side of Country – led to the formation of The Distant South with long-time musical collaborator, Brad Partridge. The band incorporates some of Melbourne’s finest musicians including Renee Bufton, Pete Reno, John Otis and Tim Cav.
