This Weekend in and about Punta Gorda

Looking for something to do this weekend in Punta Gorda or nearby?  

Saturday, May 30 a “Freedom Isn’t Free” Poker Run is being held to benefit the Military Heritage Museum. The runs starts off at 9 a.m. at Black Widow Harley-Davidson/Buell, 2224 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte, and ends up at 2 p.m. at Harpoon Harry’s in Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda.   Entry fee is $10, extra cards $2 each. Sponsored by Taylor Contractors of Florida, Inc., and Black Widow Harley-Davidson/Buell. 

Friday, May 29, at Sunart Gallery, there will be a reception featuring art works by Sallie Jones Elementary School students, 4-6 p.m, 307 Taylor St., Punta Gorda.  Exhibit open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. 639-3956. 

At Fishermen’s Village Center Stage, Friday, May 29,  Gary Gray, Singer/Songwriter from 5-9 PM will perform.  According to his website Gary “mixes rhythm and blues with some fancy bare finger pickin' and some hot Delta blues.” On Saturday, May 30, Blue Byou performs island and dance music from 5-9 PM.  (Free Events) 

At the Captain’s Table, check out Bob Hanson Trio from 7-10 PM Friday and Saturday. 

At Visani Comedy Club, Friday, May 29, and Saturday, May 30, Steve Hofstetter, one of the tops booked acts on the college circuit, with a weekly humor columnist for both SportsIllustrated.com and NHL.com. will take stage, along with Phil Mazo whose writing has appeared in Sports Illustrated and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Jokes, and whose standup is in regular rotation on Sirius Satellite Radio’s Raw Dog Comedy channel and AOL Radio's Comedy Attack!  ($10 cover) 

At Biehl’s Slip Not, Friday, May 29, Cheeky Monkey, on Saturday, May 30, Jam Band are featured. 

At Harpoon Harry’s in Fishermen’s Village, Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30, Slick Willy performs.  

At the Cultural Center, The Charlotte Players perform  “Catch Me If You Can,” 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30 at the Charlotte County Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte. Tickets, $15 each for adults; $8 each for students. 625-4175, ext. 220. 

Darkwood Center will hold a family open mic night, 7-10 p.m.  Friday, May 29 at the Center, 502 King St., Punta Gorda. Artists, musicians, poets and songwriters of all ages invited to perform. Freewill offerings appreciated. 575-1384. 

At Café Ruelle, Stephen Foster, 7-10 p.m., 117 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda .575-3553.