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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260105T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260105T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T025936
CREATED:20251229T150852Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251229T151101Z
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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\nEat a healthy meal.\nDrink an extra 16 oz. of water and fluids beforehand.\nBring a photo ID\, your blood donor card\, or two other forms of identification.\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-4/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Community,Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260110T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260110T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T025936
CREATED:20251030T195332Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251201T150316Z
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SUMMARY:Mr. V Winter Show "Winter Games”
DESCRIPTION:Join Mr. V for his Winter Show “Winter Games.” \nAward-winning childrens’ educator and composer Bill Vaananen is bringing a musical celebration of the upcoming Olympic Winter Games to be held in Milan-Cortina\, Italy!  Through song and story\, our youthful Olympians will take the audience directly to the thrilling Opening Ceremonies of the 2026 Games!  Your child will learn and sing of the many events held at the Games:  figure skating\, alpine skiing\, hockey\, bobsledding\, ski jumping\, speed skating\, and more.  Don’t miss this heartwarming\, one-of-a-kind cultural event! \n\nages 4-11\nSaturdays 1/10-2/7 9-11 am\nPerformance Sat. 2/7 at 10 am\nPrice: $325\n\n\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 \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-v-winter-show-winter-games/
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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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260111T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260111T173000
DTSTAMP:20260404T025936
CREATED:20251001T193107Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260109T211302Z
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SUMMARY:Red Rose Jazz 2026
DESCRIPTION:Join us for one of the Gorton Center’s most loved annual events. The Red Rose Jazz Band is back for 2026! This talented group brings the lively sounds of ragtime\, Dixieland\, and early jazz to life. Their music is full of charm\, rhythm\, and heart. \nYou’ll hear familiar tunes that bring back memories—and maybe even a few surprises. Each performance is full of energy and joy. It’s music that makes you tap your toes and smile. \nThe concert takes place in our beautiful Stuart Room. It’s warm\, welcoming\, and easy to access. You’ll enjoy great sound\, comfortable seating\, and a relaxed setting. Light refreshments will be available. \nLooking for a fun afternoon out? This is a wonderful way to enjoy timeless music and connect with others. Bring a friend or come on your own—everyone is welcome. \nDon’t miss Red Rose Jazz. Come enjoy the music\, the memories\, and the moment! \nPurchase tickets by clicking the “purchase” link\, or call Gorton at 847-234-6060. \nEnjoy More Jazz and Save!\nJoin us for additional jazz concerts in the next few months and save 10%! Purchase tickets to at least three of the upcoming jazz concerts and save 10% off your entire purchase – give yourself the gift of jazz more often and join us! \nGorton Center is presenting six different jazz artists in the coming months – purchase a ticket to at least three of the performances and receive 10% your purchase. \nChoose from: \nSunday\, January 11\, 2026 at 4pm – Red Rose Jazz\nFriday\, January 16\, 2026 at 7pm – Latin Jazz with Rendezvous Arts\nFriday\, March 6 \, 2026 at 7:30pm – Victor Garcia Jazz Quintet\nFriday\, April 17\, 2026 at 7pm – Christian Dillingham Jazz Quartet with Rendezvous Arts
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/red-rose-2026/
LOCATION:Gorton Center – Stuart Community Room
CATEGORIES:Events,Live Music
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260112T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260112T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T025936
CREATED:20260107T142609Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T142609Z
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SUMMARY:THE RUNNING GROUND: A FATHER\, A SON\, AND THE SIMPLEST OF SPORTS
DESCRIPTION:For Nicholas Thompson\, author of the new book The Running Ground: A Father\, a Son\, and the Simplest of Sports\, running has always been about something more than putting one foot in front of another. He ran his first mile at age five\, using it to connect with his father as his family fell apart. As a young man\, it was a sport that transformed\, and then shook\, his sense of self-worth. In his 30s\, it was a way of coping with a profound medical scare. \nBy his early 40s\, Thompson had many accomplishments. He was the editor in chief of a major magazine; a devoted husband and father; and a passionate runner. But he was haunted by the recent death of his brilliant\, complicated father and the crack-up that derailed his father’s life. Had the intensity and ambition he’d inherited made a personal crisis inevitable for him as well? \nThen a chance offer gave him the opportunity to train for the Chicago Marathon with elite coaches. Giving himself over to the sport more fully than ever before\, he discovered that aging didn’t necessarily put you on an unbroken trajectory of decline. For seven years after his father died\, Thompson transforms his body to perform at its highest capacity\, and the profound discipline and awareness he builds along the way changes every aspect of his life. Throughout the narrative\, he weaves in stories of remarkable men and women who have used the sport to transcend some of the hardest moments in life. \nThe Running Ground is a story about fathers\, sons\, and the most basic and most beautiful of sports. \nThompson is the CEO of The Atlantic\, a position he has held since 2021. He was previously the editor-in-chief of WIRED and the editor of NewYorker.com. He films a daily video on tech policy for LinkedIn and has roughly two million followers across social media platforms. He writes a monthly newsletter\, The Most Interesting Reads\, which currently has about 500\,000 readers\, about the best things he has read recently. \nThompson has long been a competitive runner; in 2021\, he set the American record for men 45+ in the 50K race. \nThompson will be in conversation with David Epstein (FAN ’16\, ’20)\, a science writer and author of the New York Times bestsellers Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World\, and The Sports Gene. His forthcoming book\, Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better\, will be published in May 2026. \nBONUS BOOK GIVEAWAY! FAN is giving away copies of The Running Ground to randomly selected Zoom attendees. Details on the webinar registration page. \nThis event suitable for youth 12+. It will be recorded and available on FAN’s website and YouTube channel.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/the-running-ground-a-father-a-son-and-the-simplest-of-sports/
LOCATION:On Zoom
CATEGORIES:Events,Family Action Network
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260114T191500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260114T211500
DTSTAMP:20260404T025936
CREATED:20251212T202811Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251218T192202Z
UID:20006848-1768418100-1768425300@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Do Not Submit-Lake Forest
DESCRIPTION:Storytelling Open Mic-WALK-INS WELCOME\n  \nDNS takes place the second Wednesday of every month. No Cover Charge!\n  \nDo Not Submit Lake Forest takes place in a cozy room at Gorton Center in Lake Forest. Each month\, it opens the door to a welcoming storytelling open mic. From the start\, the atmosphere is enthusiastic\, supportive\, and free from pressure\, judgment\, or scoring. \nBecause of that\, no experience is required. Instead\, everyone is encouraged to join in or simply listen. \nTo participate\, arrive at 7:15 pm to sign up. Then\, when your name is called\, you’ll have up to seven minutes to share. You can tell\, read\, tap dance\, or perform in any way you like. The story can be personal\, fictional\, essay-style\, or even about proper flossing. Throughout the evening\, all language and content are welcome\, with the exception of hate speech. \nFinally\, there’s no cover charge. Plus\, beer\, wine\, and nonalcoholic beverages will be available for purchase\, making it easy to relax and enjoy the night. \nHosted by Jasmin Rodriguez\, Suzie Garfield & Lisa Parr \nAbout Your Hosts:\n  \nJasmin Rodriguez is a trained actress with over a decade of experience spanning stage\, commercial\, film\, and storytelling work. Most recently\, she appeared in commercials for the Illinois Lottery and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Her film credits include several independent projects\, such as Market Value and Faithful Disappointments. She also served as a stand-in and double for the dynamic Miranda Mayo—known for her role as Stella Kidd on Chicago Fire—during Seasons 5 and 6\, where she gained extensive on-set training and professional production experience. Jasmin completed her acting training at Second City\, Vagabond\, Wheaton Drama\, and Gorton Drama Studio. Known for her dedication\, strong work ethic\, and commitment to continual growth\, she is always seeking opportunities to sharpen her craft. Currently\, Jasmin works as an MC for DO NOT SUBMIT – Lake Forest Open Mic\, where she shares heartfelt—and often quirky—stories that energize and engage audiences. Outside of her creative work\, she enjoys power walks by the lake\, bike riding\, active involvement with St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Evanston\, and traveling throughout Europe. \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. \n\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.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/do-not-submit-lake-forest-26/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Performing Arts
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260116T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260116T203000
DTSTAMP:20260404T025936
CREATED:20250904T164905Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T144548Z
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SUMMARY:Rendezvous Arts: Latin Jazz
DESCRIPTION:James Sanders & Conjunto\nJanuary doesn’t stand a chance against this heat. James Sanders & Conjunto are bringing the rhythms of Latin America straight to you\, and the result is pure electricity. \nSanders’ violin leads the charge\, weaving his classical roots into the pulse of jazz improvisation\, all carried by the irresistible grooves of the Caribbean. Think rumba\, son\, danzón\, bolero—music that keeps you swaying in your seat one moment and pulling you to the dance floor the next. Conjunto’s lineup is stacked: Kevin O’Connell on piano\, Jean-Christophe Leroy on drums and timbales\, Joe Rendon on congas\, José Porcayo on bass\, and Steve Eisen on reeds. Together\, they create a sound that moves between hushed intimacy and explosive joy. It’s Afro-roots\, salsa\, and jazz colliding in the best possible way. \n \nAnna Lentz – Printmaker\nAnd if the music brings the fire\, painter Anna Lentz brings the color. Her canvases burst with bold\, saturated hues that grab your attention from across the room\, then invite you closer to soak up the detail. Her work vibrates with energy\, making it an ideal pairing with Conjunto’s music and the perfect antidote to a gray winter. \nLatin rhythms\, fearless art\, and a night of joy you’ll feel long after it ends. January just got a whole lot hotter. \nAbout Rendezvous Arts\nWith unwavering passion and boundless creativity\, the devoted Board of Directors and staff at Rendezvous Arts lead the charge in fostering a harmonious community\, nurturing emerging talent\, and inspiring artistic excellence. Together\, we strive to be an organization that redefines the boundaries of artistic expression and brings the gift of music and art to all corners of the Chicago area. \nWe value diversity and inclusion. We do not and will not discriminate on the basis of race\, color\, religion\, gender identity\, age\, national origin\, disability\, marital status\, sexual orientation\, or military status. \nEnjoy More Jazz and Save!\nJoin us for additional jazz concerts in the next few months and save 10%! Purchase tickets to at least three of the upcoming jazz concerts and save 10% off your entire purchase – give yourself the gift of jazz more often and join us! \nGorton Center is presenting six different jazz artists in the coming months – purchase a ticket to at least three of the performances and receive 10% your purchase. \nChoose from: \nFriday\, January 16\, 2026 at 7pm – Latin Jazz with Rendezvous Arts\nFriday\, March 6 \, 2026 at 7:30pm – Victor Garcia Jazz Quintet\nFriday\, April 17\, 2026 at 7pm – Christian Dillingham Jazz Quartet with Rendezvous Arts
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/rendezvous-arts-latin-jazz/
LOCATION:Gorton Center – Stuart Community Room
CATEGORIES:Events,Live Music
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260117T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260117T201500
DTSTAMP:20260404T025936
CREATED:20250711T191733Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T153347Z
UID:20006437-1768676400-1768680900@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:The Magic of Jeki Yoo
DESCRIPTION:Remaining Tickets are Single Seats Only\nExperience the Magic of Jeki Yoo  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrepare to be amazed by Jeki Yoo\, often called the “cutest magician of all time.” With his infectious energy\, dazzling smile\, and mind-blowing talent\, Jeki brings an unforgettable mix of sleight of hand\, visual illusions\, and quick-change magic that will leave you both laughing and gasping in wonder. \nA global sensation\, Jeki has wowed audiences around the world as a featured performer in Korea’s hit magic show SNAP. His talents have also been showcased on major television programs like Fool Us\, Masters of Illusion\, and The Steve Harvey Show. Each appearance has earned him praise for his originality\, precision\, and charm. \nJeki’s journey into magic began in high school\, where he quickly rose to fame by winning top honors at Asia’s premier Busan International Magic Festival. He also received the esteemed Close-Up Magic Award from the International Brotherhood of Magicians—one of the highest recognitions in the field. \nJeki’s Got Talent\nIn 2017\, Jeki captured the hearts of more than 13 million viewers on America’s Got Talent. His performance was so impressive\, even Simon Cowell was stunned. Fans flooded social media with comments like “Freaking awesome!” and “Jeki is so cool!” \nJeki and his wife\, Ellie K. Park\, also specialize in the astonishing art of Quick-Change. Their rapid-fire costume transformations are so spectacular they earned a Guinness World Record. \nDon’t miss this rare chance to see Jeki live. His show combines humor\, heart\, and jaw-dropping magic that connects with audiences of all ages. Visually spectacular and emotionally uplifting\, it’s a magical experience you’ll never forget! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Magic of Jeki Yoo is part of the Family Fun Package! \nMake a plan for family fun! Programming perfect for all ages\, take time for quality entertainment close to home and save! Purchase three or more family-friendly shows and receive 10% off your purchase: \nMagic of Jeki Yoo – Saturday\, January 17 at 7 pm \nThe Zaniac – Sunday\, January 25 at 2 pm \nBilly Goats Gruff and Other Tales – Saturday\, February 7 at 10 am \nPete the Cat – Saturday\, April 25 at 11 am \nBuckets N Boards – Saturday\, September 19 at 2 pm \nView more Gorton Events here.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/the-magic-of-jeki-yoo/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Events,Family & Kids,Performing Arts
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260122T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260122T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T025936
CREATED:20260114T154813Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260114T154813Z
UID:20006939-1769108400-1769112000@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:PARENTING ANXIETY: BREAKING THE CYCLE OF WORRY AND RAISING RESILIENT KIDS
DESCRIPTION:Parenting is hard—especially for families navigating anxiety. Today’s parents face an overwhelming volume of advice shaped by rigid cultural ideals of what “good” parenting looks like\, particularly when it comes to managing children’s fears and worries. How do you raise resilient children in an age of uncertainty? How do you parent effectively when you yourself are anxious? \nMuch of the advice parents encounter\, unfortunately\, encourages responses that can increase the long-term risk of anxiety in children. In trying to protect kids from discomfort\, well-intentioned parents may block experiences children need to build courage\, confidence\, and resilience. \nIn her new book Parenting Anxiety: Breaking the Cycle of Worry and Raising Resilient Kids\, Meredith Elkins\, Ph.D.\, a clinical psychologist and faculty member at Harvard Medical School\, brings clarity to this increasingly urgent conversation. Drawing on her clinical work with children and families—and her own experience as a parent—Dr. Elkins helps parents rethink so-called “negative” emotions such as fear\, sadness\, and guilt\, and understand how modern parenting pressures contribute to anxiety in both children and adults. She encourages families to clarify their values and adopt a “love and limits” approach—balancing compassion with healthy boundaries while resisting the urge to shield children from every discomfort. \nDr. Elkins offers concrete\, evidence-based guidance for families experiencing everyday anxiety as well as those coping with anxiety disorders. This indispensable resource provides a clear roadmap for helping both children and parents build adaptability\, emotional flexibility\, and resilience across all stages of development. \nDr. Elkins will be in conversation with Rebecca Jenkins\, superintendent of Libertyville D70 in Libertyville\, IL. Jenkins has presented about leadership at the National Conference on Education by the American Association of School Administrators\, the award-winning PowerTrip conference for women in education; at the Illinois Association for Superintendents; and with Google at the ASU+GSV summit\, a global meeting for leaders in education\, technology\, and workforce development. \nBonus After-Hours Event: FAN donors are invited to attend a private After-Hours event hosted by Elkins that will start immediately after the webinar. Details on the webinar registration page. \nThis event is suitable for youth ages 12 and up. It will be recorded and available on FAN’s website and YouTube channel.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/parenting-anxiety-breaking-the-cycle-of-worry-and-raising-resilient-kids/
LOCATION:On Zoom
CATEGORIES:Events,Family Action Network
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260124T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260124T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T025936
CREATED:20250303T172316Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T233239Z
UID:20006332-1769283000-1769288400@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:American English 2026
DESCRIPTION:Join Us for an Unforgettable Beatles Tribute Concert with American English\nExperience the magic of The Beatles with American English\, Chicago’s top Beatles tribute band. This show covers their greatest hits in the most authentic way! \nThe concert starts with early classics from the Ed Sullivan Show\, like Twist and Shout. Next\, the band transports you to the psychedelic 1960s\, with songs from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The band then performs songs from The White Album and Abbey Road\, showcasing their remarkable attention to detail. \nAmerican English recreates The Beatles’ look with full costumes and impressive vocals. Their energy and artistry bring each song to life. \nThis is more than a concert it’s an experience. The band’s passion and accuracy make every song feel fresh and exciting. \nDon’t miss this amazing tribute to The Beatles! \n \n“The best Beatle’s band on the planet!” – Newsweek \n“These guys are more than a band\, they’re a Broadway show!” – Eric Burdon of  “The Animals” \n“American English is the best Beatles act since The Beatles!” – Dick Biondi\, legendary rock n’ roll DJ who introduced the Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl and Comiskey Park \n“They are without doubt the world’s premier Beatles Tribute band\, and a great bunch of lads…just like the Beatles were.  It amazes me how each individual member of American English is so like his counterpart in The Beatles. In looks\, performance\, and personality.”\n– Sam Leach\, the original promoter of the Beatles\, and author of “Birth of the Beatles” \nAmerican English is part of the Tribute Band Package\nRelive all your favorites with the best tribute bands on the planet close to home at Gorton and save! Choose at least two of the following concerts and receive 10% off your ticket purchases: \nAmerican English – Music of The Beatles – Saturday January 24\, 2026 at 7:30pm \nFrontiers – The World’s Number One Tribute to Journey – Saturday\, February 28\, 2026 at 7:30pm \nThe Brit Pack – Highlights of British Music including The Stones\, Queen\, The Beatles\, David Bowie\, Elton John\, The Who\, Oasis\, Tears for Fears\, Radiohead\, The Police\, Amy Winehouse and many more – Saturday April 11\, 2026 at 7:30pm \nMichael Cavanaugh – Music of Elton John and Billy Joel – Thursday April 30\, 2026 at 7:30pm \nAnts Marching – The Ultimate Dave Matthews Band Tribute – Friday June 19\, 2026 at 7:00pm \nThe Brothers Doobie – Music of the Doobie Brothers – Saturday September 12\, 2026 at 7:30pm
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/american-english-2025/
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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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260125T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260125T151500
DTSTAMP:20260404T025936
CREATED:20250319T104617Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T175935Z
UID:20006349-1769349600-1769354100@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:The Zaniac
DESCRIPTION:The Professional Zaniac is the cure for winter blues!\nAlex Zerbe\, aka The Professional Zaniac\, bursts onto the stage with the energy of 1\,000 suns. He moves like a human rubber band\, stretching the limits of comedy\, skill\, and pure fun. From the moment he appears\, Alex launches into a fast-paced mix of beatboxing\, juggling\, dancing\, music\, and magic. His show keeps audiences of all ages laughing\, gasping\, and cheering for more. \nAlex is a master of visual comedy and controlled chaos. He jumps between wild stunts and quick one-liners with ease. One minute he’s slicing vegetables in mid-air with playing cards. The next\, he’s juggling flaming torches and bowling balls—while cracking jokes the whole time. Whether bounding across the stage or chatting with the crowd\, he keeps the energy high and the laughs steady. \nWith nearly 15 years of stage experience\, Alex knows how to wow a crowd. He’s a two-time Guinness World Record holder and a former Hacky Sack World Champion. He’s also won the title of Pacific Northwest’s Funniest Prop Comic. Before performing solo\, he was half of the award-winning comedy duo Brothers from Different Mothers. \nYou may have seen him on America’s Got Talent or Last Comic Standing. He’s performed on cruise ships\, at schools\, corporate events\, and festivals around the world. His show blends skill\, silliness\, and surprise—and often includes fun\, teachable moments that sneak in science and movement. \nWhether you’re a kid or a grown-up\, Alex Zerbe will leave you amazed and laughing. Visit TheZaniac.com to learn more—and get ready for a show you won’t forget. \nThe Zaniac is part of the Family Fun Package!\nMake a plan for family fun! Programming perfect for all ages\, take time for quality entertainment close to home and save! Purchase three or more family-friendly shows and receive 10% off your purchase: \nThe Zaniac – Sunday\, January 25 at 2 pm \nBilly Goats Gruff and Other Tales – Saturday\, February 7 at 10 am \nPete the Cat – Saturday\, April 25 at 11 am \nBuckets N Boards – Saturday\, September 19 at 2 pm \nView more Gorton Events here.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/the-zaniac/
LOCATION:Gorton Center – John & Nancy Hughes Theater\, 400 E. Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events,Family & Kids,Performing Arts
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Zaniac.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260129T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260129T130000
DTSTAMP:20260404T025936
CREATED:20260114T155401Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T183848Z
UID:20006940-1769688000-1769691600@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:MATTERING: THE SECRET TO A LIFE OF DEEP CONNECTION AND PURPOSE (EVENT 1 OF 2)
DESCRIPTION:In her groundbreaking new book Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose\, award-winning journalist and bestselling author Jennifer Breheny Wallace (FAN ’23) argues that mattering—the feeling that we are valued and have the chance to add value—is a core human need\, as essential to our well-being as food and water. Yet in today’s world\, that need is increasingly unmet\, with serious consequences. As mental and social health crises surge\, we often point to social media\, the pace of modern life\, or polarizing politics. Wallace reveals a deeper\, more fundamental problem: what she calls “an erosion of mattering.” \nDrawing on rigorous research and deeply moving stories\, Wallace explores what happens when people lose—and regain—the sense that they matter. From burned-out employees and overwhelmed caregivers to those navigating grief or major life transitions\, Mattering shows how lives are transformed when we are reminded\, in small but intentional ways\, that we are seen\, valued\, and needed. Wallace identifies the essential components of what she calls a “mattering core”: recognizing your impact\, being relied on (but not too much)\, feeling prioritized\, and being truly known and invested in. \nBoth a diagnosis and a remedy\, Mattering offers a clear call to action along with a practical blueprint for change. With accessible insights and actionable takeaways\, Wallace shows how to strengthen our own sense of mattering—and how to build cultures of mattering in our homes\, workplaces\, and communities—at a moment when it has never been more urgent. \nWallace will be in conversation with Robert Waldinger\, MD (FAN ’23)\, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School\, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development at Massachusetts General Hospital\, and cofounder of the Lifespan Research Foundation. He is the bestselling author of The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness. \nBonus Book Giveaway: FAN is giving away copies of Mattering to randomly selected Zoom attendees. Details on the webinar registration page. \nThis event is suitable for youth ages 12 and up. It will be recorded and available on FAN’s website and YouTube channel.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/mattering-the-secret-to-a-life-of-deep-connection-and-purpose-event-1-of-2/
LOCATION:On Zoom
CATEGORIES:Events,Family Action Network
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Copy-of-FAN-800-x-600-website-image-65.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260129T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260129T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T025936
CREATED:20260114T160120Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260114T160120Z
UID:20006941-1769713200-1769716800@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:MATTERING: THE SECRET TO A LIFE OF DEEP CONNECTION AND PURPOSE (EVENT 2 OF 2)
DESCRIPTION:In her groundbreaking new book Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose\, award-winning journalist and bestselling author Jennifer Breheny Wallace (FAN ’23) argues that mattering—the feeling that we are valued and have the chance to add value—is a core human need\, as essential to our well-being as food and water. Yet in today’s world\, that need is increasingly unmet\, with serious consequences. As mental and social health crises surge\, we often point to social media\, the pace of modern life\, or polarizing politics. Wallace reveals a deeper\, more fundamental problem: what she calls “an erosion of mattering.” \nDrawing on rigorous research and deeply moving stories\, Wallace explores what happens when people lose—and regain—the sense that they matter. From burned-out employees and overwhelmed caregivers to those navigating grief or major life transitions\, Mattering shows how lives are transformed when we are reminded\, in small but intentional ways\, that we are seen\, valued\, and needed. Wallace identifies the essential components of what she calls a “mattering core”: recognizing your impact\, being relied on (but not too much)\, feeling prioritized\, and being truly known and invested in. \nBoth a diagnosis and a remedy\, Mattering offers a clear call to action along with a practical blueprint for change. With accessible insights and actionable takeaways\, Wallace shows how to strengthen our own sense of mattering—and how to build cultures of mattering in our homes\, workplaces\, and communities—at a moment when it has never been more urgent. \nWallace will be in conversation with Kelly Corrigan\, author of four New York Times bestselling memoirs about family life: The Middle Place\, Glitter and Glue\, Lift and Tell Me More. She is the host of PBS’ Tell Me More and the top 1% podcast Kelly Corrigan Wonders. \nBonus Book Giveaway: FAN is giving away copies of Mattering to randomly selected Zoom attendees. Details on the webinar registration page. \nThis event is suitable for youth ages 12 and up. It will be recorded and available on FAN’s website and YouTube channel.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/mattering-the-secret-to-a-life-of-deep-connection-and-purpose-event-2-of-2/
LOCATION:On Zoom
CATEGORIES:Events,Family Action Network
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Copy-of-FAN-800-x-600-website-image-66.png
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END:VCALENDAR