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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250611T191500
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DTSTAMP:20260405T102933
CREATED:20250207T184853Z
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SUMMARY:Do Not Submit - Lake Forest
DESCRIPTION:Do Not Submit – Lake Forest: A Monthly Night of Storytelling \nLooking for a welcoming space to share your story—or just listen to others tell theirs? Join us for Do Not Submit – Lake Forest\, a monthly open mic storytelling night in a cozy room at the Gorton Center. \nWhether you’re a first-time speaker or a seasoned storyteller\, you’ll find a supportive\, no-pressure environment with no judges\, no scoring\, and absolutely no experience required. Come to connect. Come to listen. Come to tell your story. \nHow It Works \nWant to participate? Arrive by 7:15 PM to sign up for a spot. When your name is called\, you’ll have up to seven minutes to share a true story\, read fiction or an essay\, or even perform interpretive dance—yes\, creativity is encouraged! The only rule is simple: no hate speech. Beyond that\, anything goes. \nThere’s no cover charge\, and drinks—beer\, wine\, and non-alcoholic options—are available for purchase. Whether you come to tell\, listen\, or simply hang out\, you’ll leave feeling inspired and connected. \nAbout Your Hosts:\n \nJasmin Rodriguez: A trained actress with over ten years of experience\, Jasmin brings energy and storytelling flair to the event. She has worked in stage\, film\, and television—including commercials for BrightStar Care and Spirit Juice\, and appearances in American Greed and indie films like Faithful Disappointments and Market Value. She trained at Second City\, Sarantos Studios\, Vagabond\, and several other local institutions. As the emcee of Do Not Submit – Lake Forest\, she enjoys sharing stories\, singing in her church choir\, biking\, and traveling through Europe. \n \nSuzie Garfield: Suzie believes that everyone has stories worth telling—many of them. Her own path has included raising two sons\, working in tech and education\, and diving deeply into lifelong learning. Now retired from traditional work\, she stays busy exploring opera\, theater\, museums\, and\, of course\, storytelling. Her passion for storytelling continues to drive her to seek new experiences and share them with others. \n \nLisa Parr: Lisa taught studio art and art history before launching an international business restoring historic landmark carousels. Her expertise in original paint and early design also serves legal and insurance clients in the art world. Fascinated by ancient myths and Celtic traditions\, she conducts on-site research in Scotland. In recent years\, Lisa has added storytelling to her list of creative pursuits\, performing in Lake Forest\, Highland Park\, and beyond. For fun\, she restores antique toys and vintage sports cars—and yes\, she drives them\, too.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/do-not-submit-lake-forest-19/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Events,Performing Arts
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250616T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250616T150000
DTSTAMP:20260405T102933
CREATED:20250109T194854Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250523T141218Z
UID:20006270-1750068000-1750086000@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
DESCRIPTION:Give the Gift of Life at Gorton’s Monthly Blood Drive\nJoin us at the Gorton Center for our monthly blood drive\, proudly hosted in partnership with the American Red Cross. Your donation can help save lives – and it only takes a little of your time to make a big difference. \n🩸 How to Participate\nPre-registration is required and takes just a few minutes. Click the link below to reserve your spot – walk-ins cannot be accommodated. \nBefore You Donate\n\n\nEat a healthy meal. \n\n\nDrink an extra 16 oz. of water and fluids beforehand. \n\n\nBring a photo ID\, your blood donor card\, or two other forms of identification. \n\n\nSave Time with RapidPass\nYou can speed up your visit by completing a RapidPass on the day of your donation. This allows you to complete the pre-donation reading and health history ahead of time. \nVisit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass for details. \nWe’re so grateful for your generosity. Thank you for supporting the Gorton community and helping the American Red Cross save lives through the power of blood donation.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/red-cross-blood-drive-12/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Community
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250620T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250620T203000
DTSTAMP:20260405T102933
CREATED:20220517T222323Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250521T181512Z
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SUMMARY:Summer Solstice Yoga Celebration
DESCRIPTION:Join Us for Summer Solstice Yoga & a Sunset Social at Ragdale\nYou won’t want to miss this magical celebration on the beautiful grounds of Ragdale as we celebrate the longest day of the year with movement\, nature\, and community. Led by beloved Gorton yoga instructor Areta\, this special Solstice Yoga class invites you to flow through a joyful and energizing one-hour outdoor yoga practice. \nAfter the practice\, stay and unwind with a sunset wine and cheese social hour. Toast to the sun\, the season\, and each other as you enjoy light refreshments\, good conversation\, and the serene surroundings of one of Lake Forest’s most inspiring settings. \nBring your mat\, your open heart\, and your radiant energy. This is more than a yoga class – it’s a celebration of light\, the joy of summer and a great way to get connected to your community. \nAll levels are welcome. \nThis year’s solstice is Friday\, June 20 – a celebrated holiday in the yoga tradition. It represents the longest day of the year\, the first official day of summer\, a chance to reconnect with nature\, and an International Day of Yoga. As yogis\, many of our practices like Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskara)\, revolve around the sun. The origin of “saluting the sun” is about bowing and taking in the fiery solar energy of the sun to become more awake\, energized and grounded. 
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/yoga-summer-solstice-celebration-2/
LOCATION:Ragdale
CATEGORIES:Adults,Age,Classes,Events,Music,Specialty,Wellness
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250620T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250620T213000
DTSTAMP:20260405T102933
CREATED:20250214T161230Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250618T193822Z
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SUMMARY:Dueling Pianos
DESCRIPTION:Dueling Pianos with Michael and Robert: A Night of Music\, Laughter & Wild Requests!\nGet ready for a musical experience that’s anything but ordinary! Join us for an unforgettable evening of Dueling Pianos featuring the wildly entertaining duo\, Michael and Robert. With high-energy performances\, sharp comedic timing\, and a seemingly endless playlist\, this show promises nonstop fun from start to finish. \nAs masters of the Dueling Pianos format\, Michael and Robert turn audience participation into an art form. They’ll take your song requests – no matter how obscure or hilarious – and turn them into full-blown musical moments. Whether it’s a beloved classic\, a guilty pleasure from your past\, or a totally unexpected deep cut\, they’ve got the skills (and the sense of humor) to bring it to life. \nBut it’s not just the music that makes this night special. The duo’s sibling-like banter\, on-stage antics\, and comic timing keep the laughs coming. They’ll trade playful jabs\, go head-to-head in piano battles\, and keep you engaged with every note. \nPerfect for a night out with friends\, a fun date night\, or just a reason to sing your heart out\, this Dueling Pianos show has something for everyone. Expect toe-tapping rhythms\, belly laughs\, and maybe even a few surprises along the way! \nPrepare to be part of the show – because when it’s Dueling Pianos with Michael and Robert\, the audience is always in on the action. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the musical madness!
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/dueling-pianos-2/
LOCATION:Gorton Center – John & Nancy Hughes Theater\, 400 E. Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events,Live Music,Performing Arts
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250626T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250626T210000
DTSTAMP:20260405T102933
CREATED:20250618T205912Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250623T192624Z
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SUMMARY:Democracy Tour 2025
DESCRIPTION:The public is invited to attend a free presentation on democracy facilitated by attorney Jack Bentley\, Executive Director of the Citizen Advocacy Center. The Center’s mission is twofold:\n\n\nto empower community members to be active participants in their community’s governance\nto promote greater accountability\, transparency and accessibility in state and local institutions.\n\nAt this meeting\, Mr. Bentley will lead an open dialogue on issues/concerns residents may have regarding the state of democracy and the government of the City of Lake Forest. \nThe meeting will take place at Gorton Center\, in the Stuart Room\, from 7-9 pm on June 26.\nRegistration is appreciated but not required. \n 
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/democracy-tour-2025/
LOCATION:Gorton Center – Stuart Room\, 400 E Illinois Rd\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community,Events,Rental Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250627T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250627T140000
DTSTAMP:20260405T102933
CREATED:20250623T163204Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260326T163108Z
UID:20006452-1751029200-1751032800@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Mr. V's "Summer Camp" Performance
DESCRIPTION:“Mr. V’s Summer Camp”   \nPerformance on Fri. June 27  1:00 p.m. \nAdults: $10\, Kids: $5 \nCheck out footage from Mr. V’s class this spring. \nCostumes are provided by Gorton Drama Studio. \n \nBill 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. \n  \n\nInstructor Madison Kisst is an actor\, director\, and theatre teacher. She has taught for professional theater companies across the country and for the undergraduate acting program at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Madison has extensive training in physical and classical theatre\, voice and movement\, and devising. As an actor\, some of her credits include: American Repertory Theater\, Lyric Repertory Company\, The Great American Melodrama and Vaudeville\, Utah Shakespeare Festival\, Idaho Shakespeare Festival\, Nevada Conservatory Theater\, and Santa Cruz Shakespeare. She has her BA in Theatre Arts and Master of Fine Arts in Performance. \n  \n \nAbout Our Artistic Director: Jeremy Kruse\, Artistic Director of Gorton Drama Studio is the author of “The Young Actor’s Handbook” (Applause Acting Series\, 2017).The book was published in Korean and Chinese in 2022. Jeremy is a professional actor\, published playwright\, award-winning screenwriter\, and award-winning filmmaker. Some of the classes he taught at The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York include Method Acting\, Comedic Improvisation\, Sketch Comedy Writing\, and Acting for Film and TV. He graduated from The Strasberg Institute at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts where he majored in drama. Jeremy also teaches privately\, one on one  www.jeremykruse.com and www.jeremykruseactingtraining.com 
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/mr-vs-summer-camp-performance/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Age,Classes,Events,Gorton Drama Studio,Performing Arts,Youth
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250629T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250629T180000
DTSTAMP:20260405T102933
CREATED:20250402T205033Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T191844Z
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SUMMARY:Tennessee Whiskey: Chris Stapleton Tribute
DESCRIPTION:This show has been cancelled due to low ticket sales.\nA Celebration of the Music of Chris Stapleton\nGet ready for an unforgettable night of music under the summer sky with Tennessee Whiskey Chicago\, the ultimate Chris Stapleton tribute band! Join us for this high-energy outdoor concert that pays tribute to one of country music’s most soulful and dynamic voices. \nLed by a powerhouse lineup of Chicago’s top musicians\, Tennessee Whiskey Chicago delivers a heart-pounding performance that captures the raw emotion\, grit\, and soul of Stapleton’s biggest hits. From the first chord to the final encore\, their passionate renditions will have you singing along to favorites like “Tennessee Whiskey\,” “Fire Away\,” “Broken Halos\,” and many more. \nMore than just a sound-alike group\, Tennessee Whiskey Chicago brings the full concert experience to life. With a seamless blend of country\, blues\, and rock\, and a stage presence that channels “The Man” himself\, this show will have you believing you’re front row at a Chris Stapleton concert. \nCome early and enjoy our evening opener\, Dave Hiltebrand\, a talented singer-songwriter known for his heartfelt melodies and acoustic charm. \nWhether you’re a lifelong Stapleton fan or just discovering his music\, this concert promises an electric night of incredible vocals\, top-tier musicianship\, and community vibes in a beautiful outdoor setting. \nThis show will take place outside in Gorton’s parking lot. Bring your lawn chairs\, blankets\, and friends\, and settle in for a summer evening filled with unforgettable tunes and toe-tapping rhythm. \nDetails:\n\nParking will be available in the Upper Lot and across the streey at the Lake Forest METRA train station\nCheck in for wristband when you arrive\nFood and beverages will be available for purchase to complete your perfect night out\nRain or Shine – if rain\, concert moves inside to The John & Nancy Hughes Theater\n\nFood for Sale:\nMamma Mia Wood Fired Pizza\, LaPlancha Loca Taco Truck\, The Peanut Gallery \nDon’t miss this one-of-a-kind summer concert event! Bring the family! Come sing\, sway\, and celebrate the music of Chris Stapleton with Tennessee Whiskey Chicago.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/tennessee-whiskey-chris-stapleton-tribute/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Community,Events,Live Music
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