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 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