Many have been involved in the creation of this story. I am indebted to all the wonderful musicians who attended the legendary open mic at Kelly’s Bar and Grill, a log cabin nestling in a mountaintop forest east of Melbourne.
I hasten to add that no character in my story bears any resemblance to all those patrons and artists.
This book would not have been written without the early involvement of the open mic’s host, songsmith and Scottish troubadour Alex Legg, a passionate man with an enormous heart who furnished me with an insider’s view of running an open mic.
From those early drafts emerged a story that took years to evolve into its current form. For that, I am indebted to the sharp and creative mind of my daughter, musician and composer Elizabeth Blackthorn. I extend my gratitude to Suzanne and Dave Diprose, who gave their thoughts and suggestions generously, as did Annie Dixon and Max Lees.
My heartfelt thanks to Jasmina Brankovich for her engagement and valuable feedback.
Aksara