We may be broke in Richmond, but we're still having fun. Following is your star studded free weekend of arts and music plus a couple of worthy pay per views:

 ·          July 11. Start your weekend with free music under the trees in Baltic Square, Railroad Avenue, Point Richmond. Food, refreshments and dancing! That's right behind the Baltic Restaurant <http://www.thebaltic.org> and Starbucks. Friday, July 11 from 5 to 7:30 p.m., The Stars of Glory (Female Gospel) and Gaucho (Gypsy Jazz). Don't miss this one! The Stars of Glory were voted the top gospel act in Northern California this year. For more information, see http://www.pointrichmond.com/prmusic/index.htm.

·          The Richmond Main Street “Music on the Main” Summer Concert Series continues with World Music Night on Thursday, July 10th, 5:00 - 7:00pm, at the Enterprise Center Lawn, Macdonald Avenue and 12th Street, Downtown Richmond. This second concert as part of the free summer series will feature Caribbean steel drum artists Harry Best & Shabang, and Mexican folk song and dance ensemble Son de la Tierra. A visit from the KISS 98.1 FM Groove Crew is also scheduled. These concerts are one of many tools to increase downtown Richmond’s sense of place and pride. For more information, please contact Renee Hill,Main Street Executive Director at (510) 236-4050.

·          On Thursday, July 10, 2003, 7:00pm, the Latino Film Festival of the San Francisco Bay Area is once again coming to the Richmond Public Library, featuring a free screening of the film “Too Much Love/Demasiado Amor” directed by Ernesto Rimoch (Mexico/Spain 2001, 97 minutes.) The film challenges, entertains and charms with its magical beauty. Suitable for ages 10 and up. Monthly film shows featuring award-winning Latino films are being hosted at the Richmond Public Library as part of the Latino Film Festival of the San Francisco Bay Area. Each month on the second Thursday, a film from the archive of the Latino Film Festival will be presented free-of-charge. The film series will be held in the Main Library’s Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond. All programs will begin at 7:00p.m., and will be shown using a large screen video projector. Seating is limited to 100 and will be allotted on a fist come, first served basis. The films will be in Spanish with English subtitles and will vary in length and content. This dynamic community outreach program presented by the Latino Film Festival and the Richmond Public Library is truly ground-breaking; it will be the first time that films from the Festival have come to a public setting in the East Bay. This significant cultural event which is being offered to the people of Richmond is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Richmond Public Library and is made possible by a grant from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. For information about membership or volunteering for the Latino Film Festival, please call (415) 454-4039 or visit the Festival’s website at www.latinofilmfestival.org.

·          July 12 -- Artist Reception at The Richmond Art Center, Sat. 6:00 p.m. Exhibit runs from June 25 -Aug 16, Main Gallery: SQUARES: Painters as Relics or Rebels - Kent Alexander, Heidi Brueckner, Elizabeth Ennis, Jennifer Maria Harris, Biganess Livingstone, Barbara Morris, Molly Springfield, and M. Louise Stanley. West Gallery: BECKY SCHAEFER incubus! South Gallery ART PARTNERS: Artists in Our Schools. Community Gallery FROM OUR STUDIOS: Artwork by adult students participating in the On-Site Education Program. ART WITH ELDERS: Artwork created by elders who reside in Bay Area convalescent hospitals, nursing homes and care facilities. OVER TIME: Artwork by Richmond Art Center staff members. 2540 Barrett Ave. at 25th Street, (510) 620-6772. For more information, see http://www.therichmondartcenter.org/html/new_exhibitions.html.

·          July 13 -- Pancake Breakfast aboard Red Oak Victory Ship, 9:00 a.m. to noon. Terminal 1, 1500 Dornan Dr. $6 donation for persons 6 years old and up. 510/237-2933. See http://www.redoakvictory.org/.

·          July 17 -- Open Mic Brown Bag Poetry, Thurs., 12noon-1p.m. Richmond Public Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. Bring brown bag lunch and poetry to read (original or favorites) 510/620-6561.

·          The Richmond Public Library presents a free program, the 4th Annual “Harry Potter Night—All Things Harry Potter,” on Thursday, July 31, 2003, 6:00-7:30pm, at the Main Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond. As in past years, the library’s community room will be transformed into the famous Diagon Alley and Hogwart’s School, but the highlight of the evening this year will be an appearance by the Amazing Myzard (a.k.a, magician Rick Allen) who will present a show entitled “Magic for Muggles.” There will also be prize drawings, games, and contests. Children are encouraged to wear their favorite Harry Potter themed costume and participate in the costume contest. Refreshments will be served. The Library buildings are wheelchair accessible. For additional information, telephone the Children’s Library at (510) 620-6557. Se habla espanol, (510) 620-6559.

·          July 28 - August 15 -- Summer Theatre Program for Youth at Masquers Playhouse, 105 Park Place, Pt. Richmond. This 3-week program teaches the basics of theatre appreciation with a hands-on approach that culminates in a full-scale theatre production. Many different aspects will be explored including character work, improvisation, to learn creative dramatics, theatre skills and a basic understanding of theatre in a safe, nurturing and FUN environment. The program is for young people ages 8 to 16. Tuition is $350. Classes meet Mon. to Fri. from 9a.m. to 4p.m. 510/ 232-3888. See http://www.masquers.org/.