Michael Haymans Performs at Punta Gorda Tradition -- Guitar Army Thursday Night

If it’s Thursday evening in Gilchrist Park, it must be the Guitar Army.   Experienced and novice musicians come together strolling up to the Gazebo with guitars, violins, accordions, dulcimers and more.  Hundreds gather to play in pavilions or watch and listen to the sounds of  these local musicians.   It's part of the enchantment of Punta Gorda, part of what makes it feel special -- a place where locals and snowbirds gather, unfold chairs and sing along.



Michael Haymans, a local attorney, who discards his formal daytime attire, to sit around with a group of soulmates and share songs and poems set to music is one of the original members/founder of Guitar Army, featured in the short video above.

What is now a weekly Punta Gorda occurence that attracts tourists, locals and others just passing through began with two men.  Haymans, one of them,  wrote poetry in his spare time and played the harmonica often with friend,  Johnny Cole on guitar.  Creating too much noise in Haymans’ small apartment,  they decided to walk over to Gilchrist Park and play.  The weekly ritual began.   Two grew to four and grew some more and more.  The group learned from each other -- both chords and songs.   The Guitar Army was born.... and continues every Thursday at Gilchrist Park in Punta Gorda.