Long before writing the infamous “Poems for Beer” sign, Brunswick St identity Grant McKracken started a little poetry reading in the front bar of a sticky carpet, old man Irish pub. More than a decade later, the readings at the Dan O’Connell Hotel in Carlton are a Melbourne poet’s equivalent to Mass. Throughout its 17 years, the Dan has been a welcoming spot for all, and thanks to the free-flowing libations available at the bar, has encouraged many a poet to write their names on the open mic blackboard, thus signing their life away to this craft we call performance poetry.

For the first week of the festival Dan Poets hosts a special Overload guest from Adelaide, Steve Brock along with deliciously talented Melbourne poets Ian McBryde and Kristin Henry.

It’s also the last weekend of our beloved bar manager, Toby, so come down and give the boy a hug.