The Drunken Poet is one of Melbourne's best live music venues, providing a unique community atmosphere between musicians and punters. If you are an artist looking to perform at The Drunken Poet, get in contact with us here.
All gigs are FREE ENTRY
Nick Charles is known internationally as “Australia’s virtuoso of acoustic roots and blues”. His 35+ year career has seen him accumulate every conceivable accolade including Port Fairy Artist of the Year and The AGE Blues album of the year.
He’s toured with artists including John Hammond, Guy Clarke, Ralph McTell, Robyn Ford and BB King touring the US 13 times in recent years and releasing over 20 albums worldwide.
This is dazzling fingerpicking roots magic and a lifetime’s stories and songs from the world’s musical highways. In the words of Bruce Elder from the Sydney Morning Herald “he plays guitar like an angel!”
Ciaran Boyle and Declan Simpson have joined together as THE GALWAY ROVERS!
Spend your Sunday evening at The Poet with these legends!
Brittle Sun & Peter O'Shea play the songs of Velvet Underground
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!
Mason, Shane and Joe are a newly formed trio - from The Poet's Open Mic, to our legendary Thursday nights!
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.
Ashton is on the top of the list of the new wave of modern blues rock artists, spearheaded by The Black Keys, Jack White, Seasick Steve etc. Live, his dynamic performances also include haunting and mesmerising bottleneck and lap steel moments.
Laying down a dirty backbeat on a foot drum kit, bass lines with his thumb, he attacks his guitar with a bottleneck slide, sings and blows blues harp into a lofi radio microphone, creating the illusion of a full band. From a scream to a whisper in a split second, his dynamic sensitivity on all these instruments defines his musicality and flexibility.
With a new single Get Outta Town feat Guns N' Roses guitarist Richard Fortus and members of Australian bands Cold Chisel and Superjesus, the Welsh-Australian recently appeared across Europe with prog rockers Wishbone Ash, co-headlined the Adelaide Guitar Festival in Australia and blazed his way across the UK, Germany, Balkans, Czechia, Slovakia and Poland. He's played dozens of festivals across Europe, UK, Mexico, Brazil, Australia and Russia and tours with some of the biggest names in rock and blues.
Inspired by the likes of Hendrix, Ry Cooder and David Lindley, his "guitarsenal" includes a rack of electric and acoustic instruments including lap slide, resonator, 12-string and old pawn shop guitars. He plays venues, festivals, guitar shows and conducts masterclasses worldwide.
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 Lonesome Wranglers bring their infectious blend of vintage country and rockabilly to the Drunken Poet. Expect originals, obscure covers and re-imaginings of some unexpected favourites. Come git some grit!
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!
Poet fave Stephen Kennedy returns!
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world, and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."
Steve Earle.
"I've met Bob Dylan's bodyguards, and if Steve thinks he's going to stand on Bob's coffee table in his cowboy boots, he's sorely mistaken."
Townes Van Zandt.
“A Song For “ The life of Townes Van Zandt. The telling of the life of the legendary Texan songwriter through his songs from beyond the grave to the beginning and back again.
Known for her haunting vocals, hypnotic tenor guitar and emotionally raw songwriting, Suzie So Blue brings a rich mix of originals and carefully chosen covers to one of Melbourne’s favourite listening rooms.
Every Friday night, to start your weekend right!
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.
Moonee Valley Drifters are back at The Poet!
Melbourne's favourite Old Time Country Swing, Honky Tonk, Tex-Mex, Cajun, & Bluegrass band.
Fables are an Irish acoustic duo who cover a wide range of sounds, from Rock, Pop, Folk, and Country to Irish heartfelt Ballads. Comprising lead singer Tara Raftery and singer-guitarist Kevin McGinley, the duo brings an intimate and dynamic sound that resonates with their audiences.
Peter Baylor & Nick Hayward play the songs of Willie Nelson
Elly McK & The Unbelievers are an Australian alt-country and Americana powerhouse, shaking up the scene with their genre-defying sound.
Frontwoman Elly McK crafts hauntingly original songs that dance along edges of folk, alt-country, and Americana. Backed by The Unbelievers, the band delivers a mix of vintage-inspired vibes and foot-stomping grooves, blending raw storytelling, rich harmonies, and a sound that marries rootsy twang with modern grit. Known for their captivating live performances and evocative songwriting, Elly McK & The Unbelievers are carving a distinct path in the Australian music scene, becoming an undeniable force to watch.
The Sam Price Trio are a dazzling jazz ensemble, playing standard repertoire with all the energy and feels. Joined by his virtuoso guitarist son Monty and their amazing bassist, Tom Lee.
Start your weekend off right, every Friday night we have Trad Irish Music at The Poet!
Swampy, twangy, rockin' and sometimes psychedelic blues trio led by guitarist/singer Adam Waldron
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. Come and be merry!
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!
It was a band formed for the sheer love of playing. A chance to regularly work their way through a fascinating set of covers without the pressure of their more serious career ventures.
Formed by Mick Thomas, Anna Burley (Killjoys) and Liz Stringer, Shackleton3 was a holiday band - and a damn good one. Something to keep their hand in when not touring in their own respective right.
They played the pubs of the inner north of Melbourne and were the perfect soundtrack for dreamy winter Sunday evenings. Open fires, red wine and dark beer were their companions as a dedicated following shared the intimate spaces. Football would be finished for the round and thoughts of the working week were expertly held at bay as the glorious harmonies swirled around the commanding vocals of Anna Burley.
When Liz Stringer departed to live in the northern hemisphere the band played on a for another year with a revolving lineup but ultimately other projects took precedence and the band stopped playing - leaving behind one single album Just Turning Pages as testament to some nonchalantly magical performances.
But a good idea and a good concept will only remain dormant for so long and an impromptu two song reunion at the wake for an inner Melbourne punter stalwart got Mick and Anna thinking it’s time to revive the very idea if the band. Enter Olivia Bolmat from indi folk new-troubadours Norwood to complete the lineup and Shackleton3 2026 is set to go.
The only question now is what are you doing Sunday?
The mighty Tipplers hit the Poet to bring about your Sunday eve in style!
Garry Allen plays Robert Johnson!
Grace Forster is a singer-songwriter whose music blends vulnerability and strength in equal measure. With stripped-back, heartfelt lyrics and raw, intimate performances, she creates a space where audiences feel seen and connected.
Drawing inspiration from lived experiences and honest storytelling, Grace’s songs invite listeners to step into her world of emotion, resilience, and self-discovery. Performing both originals and carefully chosen covers, Grace brings her artistry to life on stage, whether in small, soulful shows or lively local busking sessions.
Her warm tone and magnetic presence capture attention instantly, leaving audiences with melodies that linger long after the final note. Currently building a growing fanbase across Australia and beyond, Grace is committed to making music her life, sharing songs that connect people and moments in unforgettable ways. With new releases on the horizon and a passion for creating music that speaks to the heart, Grace Forster is a voice to watch.
Rachel Clark returns to The Poet for Wine, Whiskey, Women!
Self-taught Singer-Songwriter, Rachel Clark, has crafted a musical journey that blends heartfelt storytelling with a sultry and soulful acoustic folk vibe. With raw honesty, she delves into the depths of the human experience, heartache to humour, offering introspective narratives on loss, love, and the battles we all face.
Register from 5pm, performances from 7pm!
Every Friday night, welcoming you into the weekend with the warmth of real Irish music!
Knox D’Arcy Concession are a Melbourne northern‑suburbs folk/country‑punk drinking band built for crowded pubs, late nights and Guinness-stained shirts. Delivering high‑energy party songs with a distinctly Australian grit, the band blends Celtic‑leaning folk, punk urgency, and classic pub‑rock swagger into sets designed to keep the bar heaving and the chorus shouted back at the stage.
Featuring members from acts including The Living End, Raised by Eagles, The Drunken Poachers and Streams of Whisky — Knox D’Arcy Concession bring seasoned musicianship to unapologetically fun, hook‑driven songs. Equal parts rowdy and tight, they’re at home in sticky‑floored band rooms, late‑night festival tents, and anywhere a good party needs a soundtrack.
Duncan Schmoll is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Melbourne, Australia
Still brandishing the same uptempo energetic and often frenetic Jumpin' Blues and Jazz, Lindsay Davies (Double Bass and Vocals), Adrian Sims (Tenor Saxophone) and Alexander W Sims (4-string Guitar) combine with Gerry Nelson (Piano) to create a vibe that the punters can't help but get involved with.This quartet will certainly immerse you in the Groovetones spirit.
Brendan Lloyd plays the songs of John Williamson!
Candice Alisha is a blues and folk singer songwriter originally hailing from Wodonga, Victoria but now local to Melbourne after making the move to the big city to pursue her career at the beginning of 2019. After working as a full-time musician in various bands for the better part of a decade, Candice has struck out on her own with her strong, deep and powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence.
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.
