Rory Newman plays the songs of James Taylor. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering his iconic melodies, Rory’s heartfelt renditions will transport you straight to the soul-soothing sounds of JT.
The Stragglers are a 3 piece all female, bastard-bluegrass band. Traditional instrumentation with non-traditional themes. The Stragglers have mastered the art of shit talking to 3 chords. Not for the feint-hearted, but maybe for the broken and definitely for the hungover. .
Maggie Carty has joined forces with Máirtín Staunton, Rhys Crimmin, Gerry McKeagueand Thomas Botting to form the Maggie Carty band. The group performs a mix of traditional Irish tunes and folk songs with three-part harmonies and jazz undertones alongside didgeridoo and percussion. On stage the group have a natural ease with each other, and their […]
The Strayaways Duo Alex (fiddle) & Holly (guitar) are a Celtic folk duo based in Melbourne playing your favourite Irish jigs, reels & ballads. The music ranges from joyously fast and crazy to slow and heartrendingly melancholic, with calm and sober melodies played at a reasonable pace also.
Flatt and Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys did much to popularize bluegrass music. Their sound became widely recognized in the 1960s through their recording of “The Ballad of Jed Clampett,” the theme for the network television show The Beverly Hillbillies. Both Flatt and Scruggs grew up in rural farm homes immersed in rich musical […]
Born out of love for the Blues and a need to escape the ennui of COVID lockdowns, The Maskell-Love Band is a fresh project brought forth by a seasoned collective of musicians, each with a considerable local music pedigree. Fronting the band is Pete Maskell, a man with a rare gift for lyrical interpretation. His […]
UK festival favourites Dan and Emily bring to the stage a unique blend of English folk music fused with country/Americana. An energising combination of distinctive warm and powerful vocals and guitar interlaced with a dexterous meld of celtic- and country- style fiddling and beautiful harmonies mesmerises a multi-genre audience.
Les Thomas is a country-folk singer-songwriter and storyteller. With guitar, voice and emotional authenticity, he connects with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Les draws on inspiring histories of song, grassroots resistance and the poetry of everyday life, listeners are left with fresh ideas and uplifted spirits.
Sam Curtis is an up and coming guitarist and singer songwriter with rock and folk influences from Naarm/Melbourne. Sam has been playing live venues since he was 17 after discovering his passion for music and performing. Heavily inspired by Australian artists such as Xavier Rudd, Tash Sultana and John Butler, Sam creates his own unique sound and songwriting style by drawing on his […]
The Backyard Banjo Club is a four-piece trad-jazz/bluegrass bonanza. Think Tom Waits meets Django Reinhardt and plays a jazz cover of a Radiohead tune. High energy up-tempo jazz and the occasional sultry ballad, good times guaranteed.
Jean-Claud Sam-Dan are back at The Poet! Jean-Claude Sam-Dan is a duo comprising Sam Young and Dan Banks.Guitars, Banjos, Hand Drums and eclectic song choices are backed by soaring harmonies and a hilarious name.
This pair is part of Melbourne’s Musical Furniture. Both have decades-long histories in this town. Champs fronted The Fabulaires in the 80s, & still in the 80s, played in Young Homebuyers & Maniac Rockers From Hell. In the noughties Greg formed Useful Members of Society, with Daddy Cool’s Wayne Duncan & Ross Hannaford. Maybe best-known for 41 years with […]
Poet faves The Moonee Valley Drifters play the songs of Lefty Frizzell
There’s a defining old world charm to Melbourne songstress Yolanda Ingley II – equally wielding smoky vocals and impassioned heart, Yolanda’s songs dip into soul, blues and jazz with inherent sophistication that draw to mind the greats of eras passed. Yolanda is playing two sets at The Poet from 8-10pm. Proudly supported by the Victorian […]
Oh Gibson return to the Drunken poet for two sets of high energy good old fashioned bluegrass just the way you like it! Featuring Elwood Sze on banjo, Tom Kendall on guitar, James Taylor on bass, we intend to kick into high gear for your aural pleasure. In the front bar of one the best little […]
The Mighty Ghosts of Erin bring a feast of Irish folk and ballads, sprinkled with a touch of trad and plenty of craic. Tony and Carmel have been performing together for over 20 years, touring beautiful spots around the globe and gracing major festivals with their heartfelt music. For them, it’s all about the love […]
Mast Gully Fellers, renowned for their unique, but familiar ‘Australiana Bar-Room Folk’ sound which meanders through alt-country, celtic, and folk, telling stories with heartfelt ballads, bush life, and travelling adventures.
Join us at 8 PM for a special tribute to the storytelling brilliance of Robbie Fulks! James Taylor, Darren Maxfield, and Greg Field take the stage to deliver an unforgettable night of folk, alt-country, and Americana classics, celebrating one of the genre's sharpest songwriters. Grab a tasty pint, soak in the tunes, and let these […]
Based in Melbourne, Australia, Elly McK & The Unbelievers are passionate about creating evocative music. Their journey began in 2023, with all four members united in their exploration of the Country, Americana, and Roots sounds they love. Their first single, ‘Down On Your Luck,” garnered significant radio airplay nationwide and found a global audience on […]
Olivia Lay is a singer/songwriter known for her compelling guitar playing and story telling inspired by the likes of John Butler, Newton Faulkner and John Mayer. Some of her career highlights include supporting Thirsty Merc, Ruby Fields, Baker Boy and Nathan Cavaleri, as well as performing at NYE on the Hill festival, Queenscliff Music Festival and winning […]
Melbourne born and bred, Ben Antoniadis has been writing songs most of his life. Mining the heavens for that one golden rhyme, for that one melody line to keep a soul company on the long, lonesome road. With family roots in the Greek island of Icaria and the North of England, Antoniadis sings of life lived, souls lost and found, […]
Daniel Watkins and Justin Vilchez are back, bringing their signature style and fresh energy for another stellar night of tunes. Known for their dynamic chemistry and masterful musicianship, these two always deliver the goods! This time, they’ll be joined by the talented Jim Taylor on double bass, adding an extra layer of depth to the […]
Paper Jane, original Central Victorian Americana/Electric Folk band feature country heartache with tight grooves and uplift harmonies. Paper Jane’s eclectic range of original music reflects their journey and speak with candour about life beyond first loves and happy endings. Paper Jane has temporarily downsized to a duo of Buck Edwards and Dom Redfern. Bucky is […]
The Distant South weave tales from life’s rich tapestry, into melody and harmony-soaked songs, brought to life through a rich blend of guitar, banjo, double bass, lap steel, mandolin, and drums. Led by Singer, songwriter and storyteller Nick Howells, The Distant South’ songs lean heavily on experiences from Nick’s unconventional upbringing - and his struggles […]
