The Drunken Poet

Ciaran Boyle
2024-05-04 15:00 - 23:30 (Australia/Melbourne)
Poet fave kicking off our Saturday afternoon, come down for a pint and enjoy the sweet sounds of Ciaran!

Brittany Elise
2024-05-01 21:00 - 23:30
Brittany Elise, a vibrant, powerhouse singer-songwriter, has already had many successes in 2021 with the release of new music. Find Your Music continually echoed round the summer airwaves, having remained in The Music Network Australian Country Hot 50 Chart for 3.5 months, peaking at #16. The track, debuted on the iTunes charts at #4, received full rotation on Country Music Television (CMT) and regular airplay on radio across the country.
Brittany Elise has since been chosen as a Finalist at the 2021 Gympie Music Muster and nominated in four categories at the 2022 Australian Independent Country Music Awards for Female Artist, New Female Artist, Single of the Year and Film Clip of the Year. Find Your Music and House a Home are the first deliveries since her #2 debuting album Something More featuring charting songs Another Day, Something More, Pit Stop, A Simple Plan and Dorothy May.
Brittany Elise has performed in Nashville Tennessee, as well as various festivals around Australia. Not only is she a graduate of the Junior and Senior Australian Academy of Country Music but her powerhouse voice and storytelling lyrics have seen her open shows for Lee Kernaghan, Graeme Connors, Tania Kernaghan, Lyn Bowtell and Melody Moko, as well as work with Amber Lawrence, Kevin Bennett, Fanny Lumsden, David Carter and Luke O’Shea.

The Treblettes play the songs of Motown!
2024-04-30 20:00 - 23:30
You wont’ want to miss this sassy trio’s return to The Poet! We love The Treblettes and their live performances.

Cillian Maher
2024-04-27 15:00 - 23:30
The Poet welcomes Cillian Maher!

Daniel Watkins, Justin Vilchez & James Taylor play the songs of Gordon Lightfoot
2024-04-23 20:00 - 23:30
Poet faves return to our Tribute Tuesday night with a swag of music from Gordon Lightfoot.

Tobi Kaye
2024-04-21 18:00 - 23:30
Toby Kaye, an Irish singer-songwriter traversing the globe, finds resonance in whimsical acoustic pop. With a penchant for genre exploration, he crafts melodies reflecting personal growth.
His track “Vengeance” once drew a comparison to “Conan the Barbarian” in acoustic form. Embracing a journey of uncertainty, Toby thrives on stage, sharing heartfelt compositions. Over a decade of musical prowess spans stages from London to Melbourne, enriching his social commentary.

Julian James plays the songs of Jason Isbell
2024-04-16 20:00 - 23:30
Julian James will be performing the songs of Jason Isbell at the Drunken Poet.
It promises to be an evening filled with Americana heartfelt melodies and captivating lyrics. Don’t miss this musical experience!

Jenna Campbell
2024-04-10 20:00 - 23:30
Jenna Campbell is a guitarist and live-looping artist from the Dandenong Ranges who creates an engaging and unique full-band sound.

An exciting emerging artist with attention-grabbing guitar skills, Jenna’s music will transport you to other times and places as she fuses world music elements with progressive rock.

She tells stories without words, composing acoustic guitar-driven layered instrumental music that builds with a depth of emotion and a sense of adventure.

Luau Cowboys play the songs of Merle Travis
2024-04-09 20:00 - 23:30
The Luau Cowboys are coming to The Poet for Tribute Tuesday featuring the work, guitar playing and songs of Merle Travis, recognised as tone of the most influential country, and rockabilly guitarist for the genre too.
They’ll also be playing playing of the songs of the Louvine Brothers, the most influential act in modern country and bluegrass music for harmonies, songs and style.

Lorraine Nash
2024-03-27 21:00 - 23:30
Special event at The Poet! Welcoming Lorraine Nash.
The independent release of her debut EP Wildflower in 2020 saw stunning newcomer and multi-instrumentalist, Lorraine Nash, quickly become one of the most played female artists on Irish radio regularly featuring on RTÉ Radio 1 playlists.
Lorraine’s original material brings a mix of musical styles to the table while ensuring that her own unique voice and élan comes through unmistakably.

Daniel Watkins and Justin Vilchez plays the songs of Bob Dylan
2024-03-26 20:00 - 23:30
Poet faves Daniel Watkins and Justin Vilchez plays the songs of Bob Dylan!

Unnecessary Journeys
2024-03-24 18:30 - 23:30
Hailing from West Cork, Ireland, old friends Sean and Emer have reunited in Melbourne to form their charismatic cover band, ‘Unnecessary Journeys‘
Their acoustic folk sound features a blend of energetic rhythms and enchanting harmonies with the occasional nod to their Irish roots.

Rubita plays the songs of Rodriguez
2024-03-19 20:00 - 23:30
Rubita plays the songs of Rodriguez!
Sixto Rodriguez lived in obscurity as his music career flamed out early in the U.S. only to find success in South Africa and a stardom he was unaware of. This incredible story was the subject of the music documentary ‘Searching for Sugarman’.
‘Experience the electrifying melodies of Rubita, Melbourne’s very own guitar virtuoso and enchanting vocalist, as she ignites the stage with the soul-stirring tunes of her beloved artist, Sixto Rodriguez, this March 19th at the iconic Drunken Poet!
Get ready for an evening filled with unforgettable music that will have you swaying and singing along to the mesmerizing sounds of Rodriguez’s timeless classics!’

PADDYS DAY AT THE POET
2024-03-17 12:00 - 23:30

Wolf Arrow Rain (support from Richard Ross)
2024-03-14 20:00 - 23:30
At 9pm, Wolf Arrow Rain will be having a break from her usual band to play a rare solo show of unreleased original country folk tunes in order to give the world a glimpse of a secret 2nd band project in the works titled Savage River. Prepare for an extra special treat that may not be repeated again in the near future.

Wolf will be supported by Richard Ross that will kick off the show at 8pm.

Richard Ross is a Melbourne based singer/ songwriter appearing at the Drunken Poet after a musical hiatus of many years with his blend of Gypsy/Jazz, Folk and Americana.
His vocals will make you swoon and his guitar will make you cry. Get your best threads on to match his vibe.

Scott Mickelson
2024-03-10 16:00 - 23:30
MICKELSON (US) launch of New Zealand and Australian Tour with special guests
San Francisco artist/producer MICKELSON is excited to be playing the wonderful Drunken Poet in West Melbourne as part of his first tour of Australia and New Zealand.
Scott Mickelson is an artist/producer from San Francisco. His debut release Flickering was on the Grammy ballot for Best Folk Album and Best Roots Music Performance. His follow up full-length A Wondrous Life received great reviews in the US and abroad which led to his first European tour in 2019. He then produced the critically acclaimed Blanket The Homeless benefit compilation which included Grammy winner Fantastic Negrito. In 2020, Mickelson released Drowning In An Inflatable Pool to rave reviews in the U.S. and Europe. The first single, “Jagged Tooth” was accompanied by the fantastic animated video. In 2022, his single/video “UNarmed American” premiered on Americana U.K. and he was invited to play three nights at The Mavericks Festival in England.

LJ Parks
2024-03-06 20:00 - 23:30
With a powerful voice, dynamic guitar riffs and playfully wry lyrics, LJ Parks has captured the attention of audiences from Hobart to Cairns and beyond. Hailing from Victoria’s surf coast and based in southern Tasmania, she received the Cygnet Folk Festival Emerging Artist Award in 2024 with her duo, LJ and Lucy, and was a finalist for Youth Artist of the Year in the 2023 AFMAs.
LJ is looking forward to popping back into the Poet to share captivating, relatable tunes from her new EP (and some classics) on her way to perform at this year’s Port Fairy Folk Festival as a featured Future Folk Artist.

Ezra Lee plays the songs of Merrill Moore
2024-03-05 20:00 - 23:30
Ezra Lee plays the songs of Merrill Moore!
Merrill Everett Moore was an American swing and boogie woogie pianst and bandleader whose style influenced rockabilly music during the 1950s.

Rob Black
2024-03-03 18:30 - 23:30
Come welcome Irish troubadour, Rob Black to The Drunken Poet. Known for his renditions of classics like ‘Whiskey in the Jar’ and ‘Wild Rover,’ Rob also brings a touch of the unexpected with niche Irish pub songs such as ‘King of the Road’ and ‘The Limerick Bricklayer.’
Expect an evening steeped in Irish culture, where pints of Guinness flow, and the captivating tunes of Rob will have you singing along. Sláinte!

Burning Bridges
2024-03-03 16:00 - 23:30
The Burning Bridges are a family band that play Old School Country and includes bluegrass and old time, as well as an expanding catalogue of original songs. Performing since 2012, The Burning Bridges appear regularly at national festivals and at venues of distinction across Melbourne and statewide, and have released two albums to date with another on the way.
The band features Peter Somerville on banjo, dobro, guitar, and fiddle, partner Fran Martin on guitar, and son Tom Somerville on mandolin, guitar and fiddle. Justin Vilchez on mandolin and guitar, and Maxine Sutcliffe on double bass.

The Tommy's
2024-03-02 21:00 - 23:30
Since forming in 1996 surf slackabilly trio The Tommys have been entertaining audiences with their own blend of groove-based surf rock.
The Tommys are:
Jonathan ‘Ike‘ Lickliter – Bass and Vocals – After performing in Brisbane post punk trio The End, Jonathan played in the first line up of Died Pretty.
Ollie Laurie – Guitar and Vocals – A member of seminal Melbourne surf band the Beach Nuts, Oliver has also played in the Exotics.
Rob ‘Viva’ Lastdrager – Drums and Vocals – Rob has toured the USA and Europe with The Stiff Kittens as well as playing with Melbourne country rockers the T-Bones.
The Tommys look forward to introducing their warm surf sounds to the Drunken Poet.

Paul Quinn - A Bad Penguin!
2024-03-02 15:00 - 23:30
Paul Quinn – A Bad Penguin!
Let’s all huddle together as Paul Quinn entertains us with an afternoon of Irish songs.

Georgia Ray Band
2024-02-28 20:00 - 23:30
Georgia Ray is a singer-songwriter based in Melbourne’s inner north. Influenced by the likes of Taylor Swift, Avril Lavigne and Tegan and Sara, she has been playing and writing music ever since she can remember.
After playing keys and bass guitar in her first band as a teenager, her passion for music soared and she began exploring her own sound. Since then, Georgia’s songs have become a unique concoction of pop, alternative and country genres, exposing her raw stories of love, loss and hope. She has been diving right back into the live music scene over the last few months and is excited to be sharing her music through her intimate acoustic performances.
Georgia has recently been recognised as ‘One to Watch’ with the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), and she is currently in the studio recording her next EP due out in mid 2023.

Cillian Maher
2024-02-25 18:30 - 23:30
Cillian is a musician hailing from the Isle of Ireland, we welcome him back to The Poet – a favourite here!
Raised on trad and folklore he was inspired to keep the culture alive.
With his warm vocal tones and emotive guitar playing you’ll be in for treat to hear Cillian performing traditional tunes and ballads at The Poet!

Bear Brewer
2024-02-23 20:30 - 23:30
“Built in the Canadian Rockies (Banff, Alberta), Bear Brewer is a man trapped inside a metaphorical beast of the Human Condition. His songs hit hard. Bear’s music is the honesty that we don’t want but we all need to hear.
Bear brings his live show to the Drunken Poet to finish off an Australian tour to remember. His live show is always equipped with your favourite classics and better still, heart pumping, foot stompin’, sing-a-long Originals, every track is a bullseye. It is heartfelt, blunt force trauma for the earholes.
…It is NO JOKE HEARTLAND FOLK.
“You’re in or you’re in the way”

JC and the Tree
2024-02-22 20:00 - 23:30
JC and the Tree create brilliant soundscapes that elevate you into timeless visions of all things connected to nature and the world beyond. Inspired by their hometown of Sunshine Coast, this indie-folk duo writes melodies about all things from the mountains to the sea and life between.

The heartfelt violin playing from JC soars as the warm rich tones of the Tree set a benchmark that transcends the ordinary music lover’s ear. Their voices blend beautifully in harmony as they play their range of original indie/folk tunes. Pushing boundaries they take their audiences on a journey through genres including gypsy/spanish violin pieces, folk/metal rock songs, funky wah-wah violin grooves and soulful piano ballads.

Music is a language beyond words and JC and the Tree are inspired to use it as a tool to bring all walks of life together.

Motivated by their love of nature they offer native seeds with each CD or vinyl along with plastic free packaging. The duo have gone to great lengths to offer ethical and sustainable merchandise.

Brittle Sun
2024-02-21 20:00 - 23:30
Brittle Sun are a bluesy, psychedelic garage folk band from Melbourne. With soulful vocals that are as fragile as they are powerful, they weave lyrical narrative with stripped back grooves and evocative melodies. In 2017 the released their EP ‘Elemental Skin’ which was followed up by ‘Space Dogs and Orphans’ in 2018. They released ‘Little Blue Heart’ in 2020. In 2022 they released the single ’This Lovesick Heart’.

Bob Hutchison plays the songs of Damien Rice
2024-02-20 20:00 - 23:30
Bob Hutchison plays the songs of Damien Rice, accompanied by Craig Kelly on double bass and mandolin, with Joyce Prescher singing as Lisa Hannigan.
Damien Rice’s seminal album “o” captured the hearts of millions throughout the 2000s with the hits Cannonball, Volcano and The Blower’s Daughter finding worldwide success. His follow up albums “9” and “My Faded Fantasy” cemented his reputation for intimate storytelling and sweeping melodies, while co-singer Lisa Hannigan matched his every strength.
Bob Hutchison’s singular tenor voice, dynamic finger-style guitar and lively bluegrass inspired rhythms blend seamlessly into Rice’s catalogue. This show will include live arrangements of songs from all three albums.

Paddy Murphy
2024-02-18 18:30 - 23:30

Boogie Brothers
2024-02-17 21:00 - 23:30
The Boogie Brother have played in and around Melbourne with virtually the same line up since the early 90’s.
The line up includes graduates from the Homesick Ray Band, John, Mike, Ken and drummer Neville and features guest appearances from the number of well known Melbourne celebrities.
Notable the band includes popular British blues from the 60’s such as Eric Clapton, The Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Chicken Shack, Free, Eric Burden etc…
Join us for a great Saturday night of live music at The Poet!
