The Drunken Poet

Baker & Bunn
2026-06-19 20:30 - 23:30 (Australia/Melbourne)
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.

The Tipplers
2026-06-28 18:30 - 23:30
The mighty Tipplers hit the Poet to bring about your Sunday eve in style!

Baby Salma & Lucie Mallinson play the songs of the Cranberries
2026-06-30 20:00 - 23:30
All the way from Bali, Baby Salma brings a mix of youthful spirit, acoustic grit, and alternative rock influence, delivering intimate live performances filled with emotion and nostalgia, blending her sultry, soulful vocals with that alternative edginess. Accompanying her, Melbourne bassist Lucie Malinson fills the low end with warm, steady grooves and tasteful bassline. Together, they combine expressive vocals with rich bass accompaniment. Together, they bring a fresh yet nostalgic approach to acoustic alternative music.

Elke Louie
2026-07-01 20:00 - 23:30
Young Gympie indie folk singer-songwriter Elke Louie is set to release her debut EP ‘Lavender’ on 24 April 2026,
marking the occasion with tour dates across South East Queensland and her first performances in Victoria.
This engaging 5-track EP includes the dreamy new single and title track ‘Lavender,’ as well as earlier releases
‘Sandman’ and ‘Killing Time,’ both of which have garnered international acclaim. The tracks have been receiving
airplay on radio stations around Australia and overseas, with new single “Lavender” having it’s ‘First Play’ on
national youth radio Triple J.

Open Mic Night!
2026-07-02 17:00 - 23:30

Traditional Irish Music Session
2026-07-03 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.

Bill Barber
2026-07-03 20:30 - 23:30
Hailing from central Victoria, guitarist/singer songwriter Bill Barber is at the forefront of a new generation of Australian Blues.
“Bill Barber is the next in line to become one of Australia’s Blues greats” – Lloyd Spiegel
A favourite here, we love it when Bill plays The Poet!

Pat McKernan
2026-07-04 15:00 - 23:30
Pat is a favourite at The Poet and brings his legendary tunes to our Saturday afternoon. Pat has toured extensively as guitarist for Irish folk legend Finbar Furey and has had his song “Geraldine’s thinking of Galway” recorded by the Furey brothers.

The Pheasantry
2026-07-04 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!

Alex Burns
2026-07-05 16:00 - 23:30
Alex’s discography is impressive, three albums with Nick Charles, a critically acclaimed solo Hawaiian album “Twilight blues” and after many requests Alex recorded and released, in 2004, his first solo blues album “The blues is here to stay.”
The following year Alex followed up with his second Hawaiian album “Alex Burns’ Adventures in Paradise”, again critically acclaimed.

Stephen Kennedy
2026-07-05 18:30 - 23:30
Poet Fave Stephen Kennedy returns to The Poet for a great Sunday evening of music!

Thomas Kendall plays the songs of Doc Watson
2026-07-07 20:00 - 23:30
Arthel Lane “Doc” Watson was an American guitarist, songwriter, and singer whose revolutionary flatpicking and fingerpicking techniques reshaped Appalachian folk, bluegrass, country, and blues music. Blind from infancy, Watson went from a street performer in North Carolina to a multi-Grammy Award-winning national treasure.

Safari Motel
2026-07-08 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!

Oscar LaDell
2026-07-09 20:00 - 23:30
Oscar LaDell was born in the US and raised in Purakaunui, Dunedin. A second-generation musician, Oscar started out playing standards in bars around Dunedin, featuring songs by Muddy Waters, BB King and Guitar Slim. Over the years, funk, rock, soul, R&B and more have found their way into Oscar’s music.
In the space of one of LaDell’s original songs, the sound can range from a gentle slow dance to explosive and hypnotic guitar solos. Oscar’s powerful and expressive guitar playing and soulful singing act as one to create a sound that is both reminiscent of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s and fresh.

Traditional Irish Music Session
2026-07-10 18:00 - 23:30
Every Friday night, to start your weekend right!

Jump the Shark
2026-07-10 20:30 - 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.

Rhythm Kitchen
2026-07-11 15:00 - 23:30
Rhythm Kitchen are bringing their infectious tunes, foot stomping energy and good times to The Poet!

Frankie & The Bad Cats
2026-07-11 21:00 - 23:30
Frankie & The Bad Cats is a blues band whose original material ranges from traditional and modern blues to funk and even elements of rockabilly.
The band has recently had a name change and was originally known as Mojo Mafia.
Under the Mojo Mafia label the band released three albums, their latest titled
“Judgement Day” which many independent blues/roots music critics believe is their finest work to date.
“The band Frankie & The Bad Cats is an example of the fact that energy, passion and soul is what separates the good from the great.”
(Barry Maxwell – President of Blues Music Victoria).

Ezra Lee's Boogie Men
2026-07-12 16:00 - 23:30
Join us for a Sunday afternoon with the one and only Ezra Lee’s Boogie Men!
Ezra Lee is Australia’s undisputed king of boogie-woogie and rock ‘n’ roll piano. Channeling the spirit of legends like Jerry Lee Lewis, Ezra’s performances are a whirlwind of explosive energy, pounding rhythms, and fiery licks. A natural-born showman, Ezra has toured internationally and shared stages with rockabilly royalty, earning him a reputation as one of the most exciting live acts in the world. With his unmistakable style and larger-than-life personality, Ezra continues to set stages ablaze and redefine the genre for a new generation.
