The "Spirit of Punta Gorda" celebration planned for Saturday in Gilchrist Park, not only relates to residents of Punta Gorda, it relates to everyone who survived Hurricane Charley, whether living in Port Charlotte, Gasparilla Island, Arcadia, Deep Creek, Harbour Heights, and all other areas in Charley's long path.

The event is probably going to get national media attention. NBC Today and the Weather Channel plan to attend the event, according to the press release put out by the Charlotte County Visitor's Bureau.

I plan to attend because I want to grieve a little, with others who understand my stubborn grief It overcomes me every time I cross the bridge to Punta Gorda and see that blank space where the Memorial Auditorium once stood. I'm flooded with memories and a sense of sadness.

That acoustically challenged building was where I once interviewed Kris Kristofferson and opera singer Roberta Peters; listened to Mel Torme and Jerry Vale, and a host of other performers. It is where I performed as well - "Ahmal and the Night Visitors" with the Liberty Singers and an opening act for Phyllis Diller with the Charlotte Chorale.

Then there was the night Metropolitan Opera singer, Gregg Baker performed a scene from "Carmen" with the Liberty Singers and a few added tavern wenches of which I was one. There were so many galas and dances and parties there; so many stories.

And there is just such a celebration: