The wrapup for the LA IPO '04 was a benefit show in Orange County to raise 
funds for VH1 Save the Music.  A good cause to be sure, and a pretty fair-sized 
crowd for a Sunday evening, too.  Fitzgerald's in Huntington Beach was the 
club that hosted the show, and they generously donated 100% of the door to the 
cause.  Very cool!

Even though one band didn't show---bastards---there was still plenty of swell 
pop to go around.  I was particularly fond of local faves sparkle*jets uk 
(cool covers of The Masticators' "He's Coming Out" and ELO's "Above the 
Clouds"---Mike Simmons is a rawk god), John Hoskinson (smooth 'n' easy pop 'n' roll), 
The Irises (cool cover of "Roxy Roller") and the hugely talented Eugene 
Edwards. If you haven't bought Gene's debut record yet, what the hell are you waiting 
for? 

Funniest---and somehow the coolest---cover tune performed this evening was 
Led Zeppelin's "Communication Breakdown" by Scarlet Crush.

French Toast at Norm's Rules!
John B.

np: "Bitch" - The Rolling Stones