The Drunken Poet

Jessey Jackson
2026-05-27 21:00 - 23:30 (Australia/Melbourne)
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.

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)

The Twa Corbies
2026-06-20 15:00 - 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.

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!

The Galway Rovers
2026-06-21 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!

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.
