About Us

Started in 2011 in the west of Ireland by founding member, Derrick Buckley, The Broken Pokers has gone through many changes since its first incarnation, settling into the current duo of Derrick and Ben Christiansen since September 2015. We are now based in Perth, Western Australia and, along with a jam-packed schedule of local gigs in the Perth Irish scene (approx 250 per year), we enjoy touring in W.A. and interstate and the odd overseas tour, when the opportunity arises.

The Broken Pokers are a one-way ticket to Partytown… We play a rollicking mixture of Irish drinking songs, ballads and traditional tune sets as well as fun Irish takes on pop and folk tunes from around the world… and of course we tip the cap to some of Australia’s best known artists such as Slim Dusty, John Williamson and Paul Kelly. Derrick switches between guitar and Irish bouzouki and adds some stomp action while Ben fires up either banjo, mandolin or tin whistle. Throw in a healthy dose of luscious harmony and the whole 3 hour show smacks you in the face like a strange but pleasant soup du jour of trad.


Recent Highlights

International

Ireland Aug 2019

Ireland Dec 2018

Singapore St Patrick's week 2018

Singapore St Patrick's week 2017

Singapore/Malaysia July 2016: Winners of the 13th Sabah International Folklore Festival


Regional

Kalgoorlie Cup week Oct 2018

Geraldton Aug 2018

Southwest WA Mar 2018

Southwest WA Dec 2017

Geraldton Nov 2017

Kalgoorlie Cup week Sept 2017

Geraldton July 2017

Community

Mid-west Irish Club fundraiser Aug 2018

Dogs Behind Bars Rescue fundraiser June 2018

Darkness Into Light charity promotion May 2018

Sponsorship of The Shamrock Rovers Junior Football team     March 2018

Donation to the WA Irish Famine Commemoration March 2018

Northcliffe Workers Club fundraiser December 2017

UN Assc. Australia Environment Committee fundraiser Nov 2017

Claddagh Community Day fundraiser Jan 2017

Private Functions

Weddings

Parties and celebrations

Commemorations



Dog Behind Bars fundraiser

Darkness Into Light promotion

Mid-west Irish Club fundraiser

Shamrock Rovers junior team sponsorship

Using Format