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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261002T190000
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SUMMARY:Line It Up Line Dancing
DESCRIPTION:Grab Your Boots and Get Ready to Line Dance!\nKick the dust off those boots. Pop on that cowboy hat. Slide into your favorite jeans. It’s time for line dancing! \nNever tried it before? Perfect. Want to brush up on your moves? Even better. This class is built for beginners – and for anyone who just wants to have fun. \nWe’ll start slow. Easy steps. Clear breakdowns. No pressure\, no partner\, no problem. Just laughs\, music\, and movement. \nThen\, the real fun begins. We’ll groove through country classics. We’ll jam to high-energy pop hits. These are the dances you’ll see at weddings\, parties\, and dance halls all over. And now\, you’ll know them too. \nCome solo. Come with friends. Either way\, you’ll walk out smiling\, sweaty\, and ready to show off your new moves. \nSo grab your boots\, grab your crew\, and let’s do some line dancing! \nLesley has been dancing her whole life. She’s been classically trained in Ballet and Jazz. She’s been teaching dance for 40 years. She currently works at Lake Forest Health and Fitness and Life Time Fitness in Vernon Hills. Her super power is making everyone feel successful. 
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/line-it-up-line-dancing-october/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Classes,Music
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261008T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261008T171500
DTSTAMP:20260821T181615Z
CREATED:20260727T192647Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260821T181615Z
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SUMMARY:Tiny Tots Ballet
DESCRIPTION:Tiny Tots Ballet introduces young dancers to the joy of ballet in a fun\, welcoming\, and nurturing environment. This engaging class gives little ones a playful first experience with dance and movement. \nEach class combines music\, movement\, and imaginative play. Children will learn basic ballet positions\, simple steps\, and beginner dance skills. They will practice moving to music while exploring rhythm\, balance\, and coordination. \nTiny Tots Ballet also encourages children to use their imaginations. Creative activities keep young dancers engaged and excited to participate. They may twirl\, stretch\, leap\, and move through playful exercises designed just for their age. \nAlong the way\, dancers will build important physical skills. They will strengthen their balance\, flexibility\, coordination\, and body awareness. At the same time\, they will practice listening\, following directions\, and taking turns. \nMost importantly\, this class helps children build confidence. Every dancer can learn and participate at their own pace. We celebrate effort\, creativity\, and the excitement of trying something new. \nNo previous dance experience is needed. Tiny Tots Ballet is a wonderful introduction for children who love music and movement. It also gives curious beginners a comfortable place to discover dance. \nCome dance\, imagine\, and have fun! We can’t wait to share the joy of ballet with your little one. \nAges 2 – 4 \nMeet the Instructor\n \nWith 10 years of experience as an early childhood educator\, I love creating fun\, engaging experiences that help young children learn\, grow\, and build confidence. My dance journey includes studying ballet at the College of Lake County\, training at the Hubbard dance program in Chicago\, and performing on a pom dance team for a semi-professional football team in Lake County. I’ve also coached youth cheerleading and youth basketball\, giving me years of experience encouraging children through movement and teamwork. On weekends\, I work part-time as a Realtor\, allowing me to continue serving families in my community.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/tiny-tots-ballet-october/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Classes,Music,Youth
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261009T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261009T170000
DTSTAMP:20260921T150937Z
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SUMMARY:Flute Lessons with Colleen Matheu Johnson
DESCRIPTION:Flute Lessons at the Gordon Center | Ages 9–99 \nDiscover the joy of playing the flute! Lessons are open to ages 9–99. All skill levels are welcome. Beginners can learn the fundamentals. Advanced students can refine their technique and prepare for auditions or competitions. Choose from 30-\, 45-\, or 60-minute weekly lessons. Students will have the opportunity to perform in an end-of-season spring studio recital. Community performance opportunities may also be available. Advanced students can prepare for local competitions. They can also audition for orchestra and band programs throughout the Chicagoland area. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player\, these lessons offer personalized instruction in a supportive environment. \nPlease contact Colleen directly to schedule at colleenmatheu@nullhotmail.com or 713-423-5073. \nFlutist and piccoloist Colleen Matheu Johnson served as Principal Piccolo/Flute with The Houston Ballet Orchestra for more than 18 seasons and has performed with ensembles including the Chicago Symphony\, Houston Symphony\, St. Louis Symphony\, and Houston Grand Opera. She holds a Bachelor of Music from Oberlin Conservatory and completed graduate studies at Northwestern University with renowned flutist Walfrid Kujala. A prizewinner in numerous national competitions\, she was a semifinalist in the 2005 Jean-Pierre Rampal Flute Competition in Paris. Ms. Johnson is a dedicated educator who has served as a masterclass clinician and professor emeritus at Lone Star College Montgomery. She currently maintains a private flute studio in Lake Forest\, Illinois\, where she teaches students of all levels\, and serves as Executive Director of the Houston Youth Chamber Orchestra.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/flute-lessons-with-colleen-matheu-johnson/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Classes,Music,Youth
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261014T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261014T200000
DTSTAMP:20260904T203740Z
CREATED:20260825T163852Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260904T203740Z
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SUMMARY:Collaborative Songwriting
DESCRIPTION:Collaborative Songwriting\nBring your creativity and make music together in this three-part songwriting session with musician Nigel Haye. All musicians and music lovers are welcome. Bring an instrument if you play one. You can also join without one. \nPart 1: Share & Listen (October 14)\nBring a song or demo you’ve written. Share it with the group and get feedback. You can also simply share your work and enjoy hearing what others create. This part will grow as more participants bring songs and demos to share. \nPart 2: Create Together (October 21)\nThis session forms the heart of the workshop. Gather in a circle and create a brand-new song together. Start by choosing a vibe or theme. Then build a melody and develop the song’s structure and instrumentation. \nUse the instruments you bring or try something new. We’ll also have extra instruments for anyone who needs one. You can contribute lyrics\, melodies\, rhythms\, or ideas. Everyone can play a part in the creative process. \nPart 3: Perform & Record (October 28)\nBring the finished song to life with a group performance. Share it with other attendees\, parents\, or the group itself. We’ll also record the final song. Anyone who wants a copy can receive the audio file. \nCome ready to listen\, experiment\, share ideas\, and make something new with others. No one needs to arrive with a finished song. Just bring your creativity and a willingness to collaborate! \nAges 13+ \nMeet the Instructor\n \nMy music journey began at the beginning of the COVID pandemic in February 2020. I started learning nursery rhymes like Mary Had a Little Lamb\, scales\, chords\, and different techniques. This eventually led to exploring dynamic fingerpicking techniques within the next two years\, modeling artists like Elliott Smith and Hozier. I have since written many songs\, some of which have been released under my name Nigel Haye on all streaming platforms. I have been fortunate to start teaching classical guitar at a music shop in Mchenry for the past two years\, having a total of 10+ students throughout my time teaching/performing there.\nDuring the past three years\, I have also become competent in piano\, drums\, bass\, and singing. This helps being able to push/sway a potential song idea that comes up\, in multiple different ways. I graduated with a B.M. in Music Production from Elmhurst University in 2026. During my senior year\, I was fortunate to serve as president of the songwriting club\, SEMFA (Student Entertainment: Music & Fine Arts). During this time\, I created some new opportunities that the club had never seen before\, such as creating a tangible\, mixed audio recording of every song created\, club merchandise\, and establishing  an executive board to protect the club’s longevity for years to come. We hosted bi-weekly meetings that would have  anywhere from 10-30 students at every meeting to make/share music together.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/collaborative-songwriting/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Classes,Music,Youth
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261027T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261027T200000
DTSTAMP:20260901T144145Z
CREATED:20260812T204600Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T144145Z
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SUMMARY:Sing at Gorton - Music from Wicked and Wizard of Oz
DESCRIPTION:Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Gorton!\nCome sing at Gorton! This October\, we’re holding a Wicked/Wizard of Oz–themed community sing led by Jackie Jasperson! Join us for an evening down the Yellow Brick Road\, celebrating the songs and stories of Oz. Feel free to don any sparkles\, colors or costumes you like – whether you’re channeling Elphaba\, Dorothy\, a Munchkin or just love a bit of emerald sparkle\, come as you are (or as you wish to be)! \nFirst\, we’ll warm up! Next\, we will sing a selection of favorites\, including: \n\nSomewhere Over the Rainbow\nDefying Gravity\nDing-Dong! The Witch Is Dead\nWe’re Off to See the Wizard\n\nNo experience is necessary\, and there’s no future commitment – just a chance to share music in a welcoming\, low-pressure setting. \nThe evening lasts about 45–60 minutes\, followed by time to connect. \nGood to know\nOpen to all ages – bring the whole family \nNo experience or vocal knowledge necessary \nCostumes\, sparkles and colorful attire encouraged (but never required!) \nOne-off event with no future commitment \n  \nMeet Your Leader \n \nFor over 20 years\, Jackie has been teaching\, conducting\, directing and performing in a variety of musical and theatre genres\, including classical\, choral\, jazz\, musical theatre and pop. She now enthusiastically teaches private and group voice lessons all over Chicagoland\, including at the Old Town School of Music\, in addition to performing jazz standards and pop classics with her band. Jackie has a passion for helping people find their voice and confidence through lessons in breath support\, vocal tone\, intonation\, range expansion\, dynamics\, music theory and phrasing. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and Theatre from the University of Wisconsin. \nSing 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. \n 
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/sing-at-gorton-music-from-wicked-and-wizard-of-oz/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Age,Classes,Community,Events,Live Music,Music,Youth
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