LONG BEACH, CA - On July 18, RAIL and MIM sponsored a benefit show in Long Beach for the Free Books for Prisoners Program. Two RAIL comrades took the lead in organizing the show on short notice. Without their initiative, enthusiasm, and self-reliance, the event would not have taken place. RAIL and MIM also send a shout out to all the bands who played at the gig for their generosity and their willingness to support this important "Serve the People" program. So thanks to Pseudostar, Bad Chili, The Waywards, and Half Happy, who all donated their share of the door to the Free Books Program.

Between sets, comrades told the crowd about the great need for political education in prisons, and the constant demand for books that the Program struggles to keep up with. The lead singer for Bad Chili talked a little bit about his experiences with the prison system and expressed his support for Free Books for Prisoners. Pseudostar announced that this benefit was but the first of many. and has already began to work with RAIL to plan more benefits in the future.

In order to organize the show, the two RAIL comrades had to recruit the bands, co-ordinate logistics (such as a sound system), find a venue willing to donate its space (thanks Que Sera), and publicize the show. The most effective advertisement turned out to be word-of-mouth among the bands' fans, but the RAIL comrades also did a lot of pavement-pounding, going to other shows and handing out flyers. Because of the short notice and the fact that the show was on Sunday night, turn out was small (less than 30). The show was a also bit unorganized. But the local RAIL and MIM comrades consider the event a success, and look at its shortcomings as lessons for the future.