Matt Dwyer
2025-09-20 21:00 - 23:30 (Australia/Melbourne)
Multi – award winning guitarist/singer/songwriter Matt Dwyer has been wowing audiences across Australia and overseas for close to two decades.

By the time he was in his mid twenties he’d already become a respected veteran of the blues and roots scene as a member of seminal band The Bondi Cigars as well as a solo artist.

Since then he’s released two albums – the 2007 release “Who Loves Ya” was critically acclaimed, scoring Album Of the Year at the Vic/ Tas Blues Awards as well as securing the Artist Of the Year Award.

Ken Williams of Melbourne’s The Age called it “Certainly my album of the year.” High praise indeed.

19th Birthday Celebrations!
2025-09-21 12:00 - 23:30
Wobbly Boots!

Yolanda Ingley II!

Van Walker!

The Tipplers!

The Strays play the songs of The Stray Cats
2025-09-23 20:00 - 23:30
The songs and music of the Stray Cats and Brian Setzer.

An intimate gig with Dizzy Davidson Frontman singer and guitarist of The melbourne rockabilly trio The Strays performing STRAY TRAX (THE MUSIC of The STRAY CATS and Brian Setzer, Slim Jim Phantom and Lee Rocker

With his 59 Orange jumbo Gretsch 6120 , tube amplification , analogue delay and a touch of cat class and cat style come along to the Drunken Poet Tuesday 23rd September to hear Dizzy and standup sidekick play some of the stray cats biggest hits , family favourites and rarities.

Now get your cat clothes on
Let’s rock this town”
Cat Class , Cat Style
Dizzy Davidson

Alice Isabella
2025-09-24 20:00 - 23:30
Join local singer-songwriter Alice Isabella for an intimate night of heartfelt pop and indie tunes at The Drunken Poet on Wednesday the 24th of September. Blending acoustic elements with honest storytelling, Alice delivers original songs that will be remembered long after the last chord. With a sound that takes you on a musical journey of love, identity, nostalgia, and adventure, she will certainly captivate you and leave you with wanting more. This solo set promises a cosy midweek escape into story-driven music. Whether you have known her for a while or are just discovering new local talent, come down early, grab a drink, and settle in for a soulful evening. Music starts at 8pm, don’t miss it!

Jack Raymond
2025-09-26 20:30 - 23:30

Kier Stevens plays Tex, Don & Charlie
2025-09-30 20:00 - 23:30
Kier Stevens plays Tex, Don & Charlie!

Cousin Maya
2025-10-01 20:00 - 23:30
Cousin Maya blends folk traditions from Ireland, England, Appalachia and the Deep South with just a hint of the blues. Inspired by many, from Aoife O’Donovan to Susana Baca to Ola Belle Reed, Maya has played banjo, guitar and sung solo and with others across Melbourne for the past five years or so, in a range of genres from country, to contemporary R&B to cumbia. Cousin Maya proves any song works on the banjo, as long as you’ve got faith and fast fingers.

Rubita
2025-10-01 21:00 - 23:30
Local guitarist and singer-songwriter Rubita brings her soulful, electric sound to The Drunken Poet on October 1st. Known for her captivating vocals and infectious melodies, Rubita was the first female electric guitarist to graduate out of Otago University in 2015, and since then, she’s played her songs ‘Geraldine’ and ‘Strange Company’ at music festivals and venues across her home country of Aotearoa and more recently, Naarm/ Melbourne.

Sunshine Tip
2025-10-05 16:00 - 23:30
Sunshine Tip hits the Drunken Poet for a free Springtime Sunday arvo show, bringing their sweet and sour, original alt-country tunes on guitar, mandolin, cello and brushes, all warmed up from recent sessions in the recording studio.

Gypsy King Jones
2025-10-05 18:30 - 23:30
Gypsy King Jones delivers groove-heavy, growling blues steeped in tradition and swagger. Influenced by Texas country blues, the Mississippi Delta, Hill Country grooves, and the New Orleans street sound, GKJ blends these roots with a distinctly Australian edge, forging a sound that’s his own. A fixture on Melbourne’s live scene and a regional favourite, his shows pulse with raw energy, dynamic guitar work, and vivid storytelling, echoing the soul of Lightnin’ Hopkins and Snooks Eaglin. His new EP I Came Here to Groove (June 2025) debuted at #17 on the Australian Blues and Roots Charts, with the single Struck Like Lightnin’ hitting #2 on the AMRAP Metro Singles Chart.

Joshua Batten plays the songs of Bowie
2025-10-07 20:00 - 23:30
Joshua Batten plays the songs of Bowie!
Ground control to Major Tom! Joshua Batten makes his triumphant return to Tuesday Tribute night at the Drunken Poet with a one-hour set of David Bowie’s greatest hits, covering the ‘Golden Years’ of 1969-1983! Put on your red shoes and dance the blues with JB as he plays DB at the DP!

Beth Chia
2025-10-08 20:00 - 23:30
Beth Chia blends ethereal and edgy in a unique mix of guitar, vocals and exotic roots rhythms.
Hailing from remote Western Australia, Beth is strongly influenced by her connection to the land, forests, and remote community culture. Her thought provoking songwriting ties in experiences of motherhood, and womanhood, the environment and mental health.
Beth brings her unique sound to you through loops, pedals, percussion, guitar and vocals to a blend of blues, roots, folk and dub. Ethereal vocals that can whisper and growl balance chunky guitar riffs and pulsating beats. Join her for a very special show at Drunken Poet.

Katankin
2025-10-09 21:00 - 23:30
Katankin is the solo moniker of Melbourne singer-songwriter, instrumentalist, and producer Helen Catanchin.Helen’s uniquely warm tone – simultaneously earthy and incredibly pure – and a true bard’s ability to deftly expose the beating heart of every song, along with her poetic and poignant, cuts-to-the-bone songwriting, all put their unmistakable stamp on Katankin’s songs.

Picture This - POP UP EVENT!
2025-10-09 23:00 - 23:30
A rare treat tonight at The Drunken Poet – Irish pop-rock sensations Picture This perform an intimate acoustic pop-up set from 11pm. Hailing from Athy, County Kildare, the band—Ryan Hennessy, Jimmy Rainsford, Owen Cardiff, and Cliff Deane—shot to fame with their chart-topping debut in 2017 and have since released four acclaimed albums, including their latest, Parked Car Conversations (2024). Don’t miss this special one-off show.

Dan Dinnen
2025-10-10 20:30 - 23:30
Dan Dinnen performs stripped back ballads, haunting minor key confessionals, upbeat country blues ditties, swinging shuffles, and swampy juke-joint grooves. He also does a pretty fine job of interpreting classic blues songs and standards.
Dan Dinnen has steadily built his profile within the Australian blues music scene since winning the MBAS Blues Performer of the year in 2009 and going on to release three albums of predominantly original music. Fronting Greg Dodd & The Hoodoo Men from 2013-2017 further established Dan’s reputation, showcasing his abilities as a vocalist and harmonica player, with the band making a string of successful Australian blues and roots festival appearances and recording two award winning albums.

The Heavy Kicks
2025-10-11 21:00 - 23:30
Experience the psychedelic blues rock sounds of The Heavy Kicks at The Drunken Poet on Saturday, 7th of September! Fronted by guitarist Shaun Klinger and anchored by bassist Chris Rourke and drummer Mark Degiorgio, this power trio delivers an eclectic mix of original material and classic covers. Influenced by the blues rock legends of the past, their performance promises soulful guitar riffs, groovy bass lines, and dynamic drum beats that will captivate you from the first chord. The music starts at 9pm—don’t miss this unforgettable night of live music!

Curious Maggie
2025-10-12 18:30 - 23:30
Curious Maggie are Martin Marnell and John Freyne. Martin, a native of Kilkenny Ireland, met John at The Port Fairy Folk Festival in 1990 and through a shared love of folk music, started a long friendship as they played together for many years at the festival. Martin, based in Sydney, has been a mainstay of the pub music scene there, most notably as the front man of Molly Rasher, who toured Australia and overseas. John was the lead singer of Say Nothing, performing often at The Poet over the last 10 years. Through their playing, vocals, song choice and connection with their audience, Curious Maggie will have you sing, sway and even rock through the gig.

David Cosma plays the songs of Oasis
2025-10-14 20:00 - 23:30
David Cosma plays the songs of Oasis!
Back for another legendary Tribute Tuesday at The Drunken Poet on October 14th for a tribute to the legends of britpop, Oasis!
It’s time to whack on your parkah, adidas trainers & bucket hat, cause we’re heading back to the mid 90s, know’what’I’mean…?
Love them or hate them, Oasis were at one point up there with the biggest bands on earth. They provided a soundtrack for their generation and injected the music scene with some long overdue rock n roll.
It was all about stadium filled anthems, heartfelt ballads & meat and potatoes rock n roll but at times, their music played second fiddle to off-stage antics and dysfunction. However Noel & Liam have kissed and made up and ahead of their return to Australia, the Drunken Poet has invited David Cosma and Nick Carrafa back to whet your appetite with some classic tunes from the Manchurian legends!

Bec Bastoli
2025-10-15 20:00 - 23:30
Bec Bastoli is an Australian-Palestinian artist whose songwriting explores threads of identity, connection and longing. Accompanying herself on guitar and mandolin, her richly melodic music invites listeners into a space of thoughtful reflection.

Emmy Ryan
2025-10-15 21:00 - 23:30
Guided by tenderness, curiosity, and a fierce devotion to truth, Emmy Ryan’s music lives between lullaby and reckoning. She brings her command of melody and emotional nuance to the Drunken Poet to draw listeners into musical landscapes shaped by a life lived between skyscrapers, red earth, and weatherboard towns. Emmy holds tight the conviction that we’re not meant to go it alone, and that songs can build bridges, soften edges, and remind us what it means to stand together.

James Shortland Trio plays the songs of Herbie Hancock
2025-10-21 20:00 - 23:30
James Shortland Trio plays the songs of Herbie Hancock – Tribute Tuesday at The Poet!

Claire Cowley plays the songs of Fleetwood Mac!
2025-10-21 20:00 - 23:30

Emily Daye
2025-10-22 21:00 - 23:30
Emily Daye is a Melbourne-based acoustic folk-pop, singer-songwriter. Known for her captivating voice, uplifting guitar, solid bass lines and beautiful piano, she lets music be the voice of her thoughts in life. Her debut album, Daybreak is out now!

Men In Hats
2025-10-23 20:00 - 23:30
Two seasoned singer-songwriters who first crossed paths at the iconic Drunken Poet Open Mic have joined forces to create something truly special. Peter Read and Jono Chambers, both known for their heartfelt lyrics and captivating acoustic performances, now perform together as Men in Hats — a dynamic folk-rock duo blending storytelling, harmony, and raw musical energy.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their music, this is a gig not to be missed. Come for the hats, stay for the harmony.

Thom Johnston
2025-10-23 21:00 - 23:30
Fresh off releasing his debut single Shiver, Thom Johnston is bringing a combination of folk, country, and rock to the Drunken Poet. With inspirations ranging from Bob Dylan, to Zach Bryan, to the very music he grew up listening to in Geelong pubs, Thom will play a collection of his originals along with some covers to complete the show.

Homesick Ray’s Road Scholars Feat: Heather J
2025-10-26 16:00 - 23:30
Homesick Ray’s Road Scholars featuring Heather J are another Poet fave, we love having their tunes and swagger here!

Lockie Bennett
2025-10-26 18:30 - 23:30
Lockie Bennett Duo is Wellington’s premier chamber jazz duo, playing everywhere from bars to exclusive clubs and private concerts. Appearing for the first time in Melbourne, the duo will present an eclectic set of music from the swing and bebop eras. Saxophonist Alex Trask is known for exciting original music gigs and plays lead alto in the fabled Rodger Fox Big Band. Guitarist Lockie Bennett is one of the most in demand musicians in Wellington, holding down multiple residencies and leading bands regularly. Expect to hear exhilarating tunes from the finest jazz composers, heart wrenching Broadway ballads, and danceable delights.

Andy Baylor plays the ballads of The Band
2025-10-28 20:00 - 23:30
Andy Baylor plays the ballads of The Band!

Topaz Lyon
2025-10-29 20:00 - 23:30
On acoustic guitar with warm & captivating vocals, Topaz Lyon writes music to intrigue your mind and entice your soul. Having grown up in the mountains behind Mullumbimby, the singer-songwriter is sharing new work from a very creative past 6 months.
With the story-telling style of Joni Mitchell, the alt-country notes of Gillian Welch and a hint of the strength and edge of PJ Harvey, she’ll take you on a journey from the everyday to the ethereal.

Ingrid Saker
2025-10-29 20:00 - 23:30
Ingrid achieves a rare balance of vigorous raw emotion and humble greatness, piloting the band down pathways of expansive creative energy with her songwriting, guitar and singing. A craftful songwriter, her potent and melodic vocals are a vehicle for lyrical brilliance.
