Come sing with us at this all-ages Americana community sing led by Bill Vaananen. Part of the Lake Forest 250th Celebration, this special Sing at Gorton gathering brings people together through songs we know and love.

First, we’ll warm up! Next, we will sing a selection of familiar favorites, including “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “This Land Is Your Land,” “The City of New Orleans” and “If I Had a Hammer.” No experience is necessary, and there’s no future commitment — just a chance to share music in a welcoming, low-pressure setting.

The event runs about 45–60 minutes, followed by refreshments and time to connect.

Good to know:

• Open to all ages – bring the whole family
• No experience or vocal knowledge necessary
• One-off event with no future commitment
• Part of the Lake Forest 250th Celebration
• Led by Bill Vaananen
• Refreshments afterward

Bill Vaananen is an award-winning music educator and composer who has taught and directed elementary-aged students for over 45 years. Originally from Oklahoma, “Mr. V.” was general music teacher at Wescott School in Northbrook for 37 years. He has written hundreds of songs and dozens of original theater works that have been performed across Chicago’s northern suburbs. Recipient of the Golden Apple Award, IEA Human Rights Award, National-Louis Distinguished Alumni Award for Social Justice, and Star of Teaching Award for the State of Illinois, Vaananen continues to perform classes and presentations for children, weaving his original music into inspiring lessons on Nature, history, culture, and adventure.

Sing at Gorton is a welcoming community sing series designed to bring people together in a fun, informal way. Each event is themed around a different style of music, led by local hosts and open to everyone — no experience or vocal knowledge necessary. These one-off gatherings last about 45–60 minutes and end with refreshments, making it easy to join in, connect and sing.