It’s aptly described as “a night of crowd-fuelled chaos, singalongs & show-stopping piano chops…” if you haven’t heard about Duelling Pianos at Felon’s yet – you will!
Growing up on the Beaches (yes, way back in the ’90s) it was always a highlight of any night to head off from the Arms, the Rock Lily, or the Jetty and make your way ‘over the bridge’ to Cremorne for Minsky’s famous piano man. Many will remember hazy, happy nights around the piano, friends and strangers alike, singing the classics as loudly and wildly as you could.
Recently there’s been a resurgence of popularity with events offering the joy of crowd singalongs – from Pub Choir to Duelling Pianos. And if you haven’t experienced the latter you’re in luck because Felon’s at Manly has their own version and it has been bringing the house down!
“Two pianos. One stage. A wild setlist of classic anthems, guilty pleasures, and unexpected bangers – all belted out by powerhouse performers with serious chops. Get close to the action and sing your heart out in the city’s biggest live piano party.”
In the wake of one of the recent Felon’s Piano shows, which almost lifted the roof of their awesome new live music space the Barrel Hall, we chatted with one of the stars of the show, pianist and singer Kylie Fisher, about the incredible success of the event…
It takes some serious talent to carry a show like that. Tell us about your musical background and how you came to be starring in Duelling Piano’s and Felon’s Pianos.
“It’s been a journey thats for sure. I actually grew up in the Hills District in Sydney, and had my first piano bar shows in hotel lobbys and venues like Castle Hill RSL back in 2005. I was just 18. I then started performing at Piano Room which was in Kings Cross under the big Coca Cola sign. I’ve performed on cruise ships as a piano bar entertainer and I’ve performed as the headliner on main stages. I have had a wonderful career traveling the world and I am so thankful to be leading the way here in Australia for the new and improved Piano Bar Experience.”
For those yet to experience it, what is Duelling Piano’s?
“Duelling Pianos began in the US and came to Australia in the early 2000’s. It was called ‘Howl at the Moon’ but it’s been dormant for many years – until Byron Bay’s Duelling Pianos show began after Covid and has been pulling crowds for years. Since then, Duelling Pianos has exploded all over the east coast of Australia.”
How did you become involved and when did you first perform as part of Duelling Piano’s?
“I started with Byron Bay’s Duelling Pianos in 2023, and became a regular performer four nights a week. I then created a Duelling Piano Bar in Brisbane in 2024. Late 2025 was the launch of the once-a-month Felon’s Pianos show. The biggest difference between my shows and the other ones is that I don’t do song requests, and we also do our best to sing songs that aren’t your typical Piano Bar style, like Sweet Caroline or The Piano Man. Not because I dislike these songs, but because I want to keep the new songs coming through that people know and love.”
What was Felon’s Manly’s first Felon’s Piano’s experience like?
“The First show was December 19th, and at first when people were walking in, they didn’t know what to except. We had a full house and the place rocked. The following shows have been the same – so much energy and so much fun.”
Are all shows the same or do you mix up the songs?
“I have songs that are my ‘go-to songs’ – the ones that I know the crowd will sing at the top of their lungs. And then I do my best to push different songs every single show due to so many people coming back time and time again. I’ve had people fly to different cities just to see another of my shows, which I think is so amazing.”
What’s your hands-down favourite song to perform?
“I have so many songs that the crowd just sing so loud. Some of these would be Simply The Best by Tina Turner, Hot and Cold by Katy Perry, and You’re The Voice by John Farnham.
Which song is currently the crowd favourite?
It would have to be You Belong to Me by Taylor Swift.
When is the next Piano show at Felon’s Manly?
“March is a solo show, so ‘Felons Pianos feat. Kylie Fisher’, and then April 17th, I am really excited to announce that I will be “PERFORMING with not Duelling against” the incredible Natalie Carboni, who has taken the Sydney piano bar scene by storm. We have known each other for over a decade and I cannot wait to share the stage with her.”
What can people who haven’t experienced it expect?
“Expect to sing like no one’s listening and dance like no one’s watching, to laugh and share moments with people that you might only meet on that night. Expect to feel joy and freedom and that you’ll leave feeling different than when you arrived 🙂
I love my shows because I look out into the crowd and see three generations of people singing and loving life for that moment. I had a 20-year-old guy say he was at my show with his mum and grandmother. I welled up at the thought of my shows bringing families together. I LOVE THAT.”
You can purchase tickets to the next Felon’s Piano’s feat. Kylie Fisher here.
And follow Kylie here: @iamkyliefisher
Felon’s Manly
📍 E Esplanade, Manly Wharf
F: https://www.facebook.com/felonsmanly
📱https://www.instagram.com/felonsbrewingco/
