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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260307T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260307T210000
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
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SUMMARY:Leah Rudick
DESCRIPTION:Get ready for a night of smart\, wildly relatable laughs when comedian Leah Rudick takes the stage at Gorton. Known for her sharp observations\, expressive characters\, and fearless honesty\, Leah’s comedy dives into modern life\, relationships\, and the wonderfully awkward moments we all recognize but rarely say out loud. \nA familiar face from viral sketches and stand-up stages across the country\, Leah brings an energetic\, fast-paced style that feels both clever and refreshingly human. Whether you’re a longtime comedy fan or just looking for a great night out\, this is stand-up that hits home and keeps the laughs coming. Join us\, grab a seat\, and let yourself laugh it out. \nAbout Leah Rudick\nLeah Rudick is an actor\, writer & comedian whose viral comedy videos on TikTok and Instagram have amassed over a million followers and counting. Best known for her “Wealthy Woman” character\, an oblivious but lovable billionaire who delights in middle class adventures\, Leah has cultivated a loyal fanbase with her videos topping over 100 million views. Springboarding off this success\, Leah has spent the past year on the road\, headlining and selling out the best clubs in the nation\, meeting devoted fans from all walks of life\, captivating audiences with her unique brand of weird girl comedy. \nIn 2024 she released her first one hour comedy special\, Spiraling\, available to stream on Amazon and Apple TV. Other TV appearances include HBO’s High Maintenance\, IFC’s Commuters & Tubi’s Coming to the Stage. \nGorton Has Free On Site Parking!
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/leah-rudick/
LOCATION:Gorton Center – John & Nancy Hughes Theater\, 400 E. Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045\, United States
CATEGORIES:Comedy,Events,Performing Arts
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260310T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260310T203000
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
CREATED:20260225T144717Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T144717Z
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SUMMARY:THE FIRST EIGHT: A PERSONAL HISTORY OF THE PIONEERING BLACK CONGRESSMEN WHO SHAPED A NATION
DESCRIPTION:Today\, South Carolina Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) is renowned as a Democratic kingmaker and one of the most distinguished Black political leaders in American history. But behind him stand eight other remarkable men: the first Black politicians elected to Congress from his home state\, who blazed the path for his own ascent. Since arriving in Congress in the early nineties\, Congressman Clyburn has been guided by their wisdom and example — and sobered by their struggles\, particularly against the enduring demon of American racism. \nSouth Carolina’s first eight Black congressmen all rose to office in the wake of the Civil War and emancipation — only to see their gains extinguished as the dark veil of Jim Crow fell across the South. It would take nearly a century before the ninth Black representative from the state\, Clyburn himself\, was elected. \nIn The First Eight: A Personal History of the Pioneering Black Congressmen Who Shaped a Nation\, Rep. Clyburn brings these men’s stories — and their message of liberty — to the nation they served. Among them: Joseph Rainey\, born enslaved in 1832\, who became the first Black politician elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in American history; Robert Smalls\, celebrated for his extraordinary Civil War heroism\, when he commandeered a Confederate vessel and delivered it — and his freedom — to the Union; and Richard Cain\, editor of a widely read newspaper for Black South Carolinians and a figure deeply associated with Emanuel AME Church\, one of the oldest and most distinguished Black churches in America\, and where nine Black congregants were murdered in a racist mass shooting in 2015. \nThrough the trials\, tribulations\, triumphs\, and setbacks all nine men faced\, Rep. Clyburn illuminates a whole new way of understanding the arc from the Civil War to the present day. \nThe First Eight is a singular blend of history and memoir — at once a monument to eight trailblazing Americans\, a meditation on progress\, and a clear-eyed reckoning with how far we have yet to go in our nation’s ongoing struggle for true democracy. \nRep. Clyburn will be in conversation with Natalie Y. Moore\, an award-winning journalist and author and senior lecturer and director of audio programming at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. \nBonus Book Giveaway: FAN is giving away copies of The First Eight to attendees\, while supplies last. \nThis event is suitable for youth ages 12 and up. It will be recorded but not live streamed and available on FAN’s website and YouTube channel.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/the-first-eight-a-personal-history-of-the-pioneering-black-congressmen-who-shaped-a-nation/
LOCATION:Evanston Township High School Auditorium\, 1600 Dodge Ave\, Evanston\, IL\, 60201\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events,Family Action Network
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260311T191500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260311T211500
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
CREATED:20251218T193749Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T155605Z
UID:20006870-1773256500-1773263700@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. \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. \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-27/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Community
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260312T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260312T143000
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
CREATED:20260209T183536Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T170957Z
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SUMMARY:FREE Community Youth Mental Health First Aid
DESCRIPTION:The Josselyn Center is offering a free training session for anyone in our community who works with teens. Whether you’re an educator\, coach\, volunteer\, parent or youth leader\, this session is for you. \nFirst\, we’ll help you understand what today’s teens are facing. Then\, you’ll learn how to recognize the early signs of mental health challenges and substance use. You’ll gain practical tools. Clear language. Real-world examples. \nNext\, we’ll walk through how to start supportive conversations. What do you say? How do you listen? Where do you turn for help? We’ll answer those questions and more. \nMost importantly\, you’ll leave feeling confident. Prepared. Empowered to act. \nTogether\, we can create a stronger safety net for the teens in our community. Join us and be part of the solution. \nScan the QR code or click ‘register’ to sign up.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/free-community-youth-mental-health-first-aid/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Age,Community,Events,Rental Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=application/pdf:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/03.12.26_FREE-Community-Youth-MHFA-Training-Flyer.pdf
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260313T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260313T130000
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
CREATED:20260225T143946Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T201807Z
UID:20007067-1773403200-1773406800@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:DOPAMINE KIDS: A SCIENCE-BASED PLAN TO REWIRE YOUR CHILD'S BRAIN AND TAKE BACK YOUR FAMILY IN THE AGE OF SCREENS AND ULTRAPROCESSED FOODS
DESCRIPTION:Nearly everything you’ve heard about dopamine is wrong. It’s not the molecule of happiness — it doesn’t give us pleasure; it gives us motivation. Today\, unprecedented “dopamine surges” pull us toward technology and ultraprocessed foods like magnets\, many times a day\, and neuroscientists have now begun to understand how these surges alter our choices\, habits\, and moods — driving adults and kids toward activities that bring no real enjoyment and leave us feeling sad\, lonely\, anxious\, and depressed. \nWhen Michaeleen Doucleff\, Ph.D. (FAN ’21)\, set out to address her own family’s screen time and dependence on processed foods\, she discovered that study after study refuted nearly everything the media claims about dopamine. She took that new neuroscience and merged it with practical experience to shift the power dynamic back to families — so that instead of devices and foods controlling us\, we control them. The result is Dopamine Kids: A Science-Based Plan to Rewire Your Child’s Brain and Take Back Your Family in the Age of Screens and Ultraprocessed Foods\, a five-step operating manual for habit remodeling that helps parents create boundaries\, replace screen time with equally enticing alternatives\, remove triggers\, and celebrate new choices — ultimately weakening the neurological pull of devices and making dopamine work in a family’s favor. \nDoucleff’s research culminates in a four-week plan to build screen-free sanctuaries that protect conversation\, focus\, sleep\, and adventure. Where Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation sounded the alarm about screens\, Dopamine Kids is the handbook for solving the problem — teaching kids a healthy relationship with technology and food while meeting their genuine biological and emotional needs. Doucleff has a chemistry doctorate from UC Berkeley\, a postdoctoral fellowship at the NIH\, more than a decade covering children’s health for NPR’s science desk\, a Peabody Award\, and the New York Times bestseller Hunt\, Gather\, Parent. \nDoucleff will be in conversation with Heidi Stevens\, Director of External Affairs for the University of Chicago’s TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health. She writes a weekly nationally syndicated column\, “Balancing Act.” Stevens has been a FAN board member since 2021. \nBonus Book Giveaway: FAN is giving away copies of Dopamine Kids 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/dopamine-kids-a-science-based-plan-to-rewire-your-childs-brain-and-take-back-your-family-in-the-age-of-screens-and-ultraprocessed-foods/
LOCATION:On Zoom
CATEGORIES:Events,Family Action Network
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260313T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260313T203000
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
CREATED:20250905T184213Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T215158Z
UID:20006670-1773428400-1773433800@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Rendezvous Arts: Members of the St. Charles Singers
DESCRIPTION:Rendezvous Arts Presents: The St. Charles Singers\nMarch brings something new to Rendezvous – and it’s a milestone moment for us. For the first time\, we welcome a vocal ensemble: eight extraordinary voices from the internationally acclaimed St. Charles Singers\, led by conductor Jeff Hunt. \nYou’ve likely heard these artists before\, whether with the Chicago Symphony Chorus\, Grant Park Music Festival Chorus or Music of the Baroque Chorus. Now\, however\, they step into a more intimate setting where every harmony resonates and every detail shines. As a result\, the experience feels both powerful and personal. \nAlthough the choir tours internationally and earns acclaim around the world\, they remain proudly rooted in the western suburbs. This March\, they bring that global artistry to Dixon\, Lake Forest and Chicago\, offering a program that balances sweep and subtlety in equal measure. \nSomething for Everyone\nThis vibrant program spans centuries with clarity and energy. First\, the group will open with lively Renaissance madrigals like Fair Phyllis I Saw Sitting and Il est bel et bon. Next\, they will feature John Rutter’s In My Garden and Spin Me a Web\, Spider\, written for Saint Charles Singers and included on the upcoming recording Dancing Tree: Choral Landscapes. \nThey bring poetry to life in Ah\, Sunflower and celebrate folk traditions with selections by Gustav Holst and others from Bushes and Briars. Then\, they highlight works written for Saint Charles Singers and feature a quartet on The Longest Time. Finally\, the Saint Charles Singers close with bold\, uplifting favorites by Aaron Copland and Shawn Kirchner. \nAnd then there’s the twist: painter Tina Druce-Hoffman creates live art during the performance\, responding to what she hears in real time—so you’re not just attending a concert\, you’re watching music turn into color\, story\, and shape right in front of you. \nEight world-class artists come together on one stage\, shaping a single canvas of sound. Join us for one night only. \nTina Druce-Hoffman – Millinery Artist \nTina Druce-Hoffman’s career spans illustration\, graphic design\, and teaching\, with work featured in collectible card games\, books\, and countless exhibitions. She explores gouache\, watercolor\, etching\, and more\, always guided by insatiable curiosity. Whether outdoors capturing landscapes or at her easel crafting whimsical scenes\, her art invites us to pause\, reflect\, and enter an “elsewhere” just beyond the everyday. \n \nMusic that soars. Art that responds in the moment. This is a Rendezvous Arts debut you’ll want to witness.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/the-st-charles-singers/
LOCATION:Gorton Center – Stuart Community Room
CATEGORIES:Events,Live Music,Performing Arts
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260313T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260313T203000
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
CREATED:20260304T143225Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T143225Z
UID:20007076-1773428400-1773433800@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:EVERYBODY'S FLY: ART\, MUSIC\, AND CHANGING THE CULTURE
DESCRIPTION:Blondie’s declaration on their 1980 hit “Rapture” introduced listeners around the world to Fred Brathwaite\, also known as Fab 5 Freddy\, a pioneering cultural icon whose fearless creativity reshaped the worlds of art\, style\, and music. Next spring\, Viking is proud to publish his electrifying memoir Everybody’s Fly: A Life of Art\, Music\, and Changing the Culture. \nEverybody’s Fly is an essential\, street-level cultural history from one of our most curious\, passionate\, and inspiring minds still working today. Picking up where Patti Smith’s Just Kids leaves off\, it offers an intimate look into how New York’s underground art and music scene—guided by Fab’s singular vision of what could be possible— irrevocably transformed mainstream culture from the late 1970s to today. \nBecause Fab doesn’t just have a great story—he is the story. Name a seismic cultural shift of the last five decades\, and chances are\, he wasn’t just there—he was making it happen. He’s the graffiti artist who turned subway tags into fine art\, showing his work most recently at the Saatchi Gallery in London; the visionary behind the first hip-hop movie; the bridge between Jean-Michel Basquiat and the downtown punk scene; the first person to take rap global on MTV as the original host of Yo! MTV Raps; the director behind iconic music videos for Snoop Dog\, Nas\, Queen Latifah\, and KRS-One; and\, of course\, the inspiration for the opening rhyme of Blondie’s number one smash hit “Rapture”—the song that propelled hip-hop from the Bronx to popular culture for the first time. With a spirit of joyful creativity\, he shattered racial and artistic boundaries\, bridging worlds and bringing underground movements to the mainstream. \nVibrant\, rhapsodic\, and compulsively readable\, Everybody’s Fly is a love letter to the art of seeing\, a fascinating account of an inimitable creative life\, and a celebration of what it means to shape culture. \nFab will be in conversation with Theaster Gates\, world-renowned artist\, archivist\, social innovator\, and professor and Special Advisor to the President at the University of Chicago. Gates creates work that focuses on space theory and land development\, sculpture\, and performance. \nBonus Book Giveaway: FAN is giving away copies of Everybody’s Fly to attendees\, while supplies last. \nThis event is suitable for youth ages 12 and up. It will be recorded but not live streamed and available on FAN’s website and YouTube channel.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/everybodys-fly-art-music-and-changing-the-culture/
LOCATION:Evanston Township High School Auditorium\, 1600 Dodge Ave\, Evanston\, IL\, 60201\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events,Family Action Network
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260317T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260317T200000
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
CREATED:20260304T142418Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T220115Z
UID:20007075-1773774000-1773777600@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:THE CREATIVITY CHOICE: THE SCIENCE OF MAKING DECISIONS TO TURN IDEAS INTO ACTION.
DESCRIPTION:Anyone who has ever participated in a brainstorming session knows that most of us do not lack ideas. Yet many people never breathe life into them. To turn inspiration into real achievement\, you must decide to act—and then decide to act again and again\, despite obstacles\, until your thoughts take shape and come to life. This is what psychologist Zorana Ivcevic Pringle\, Ph.D.\, calls the creativity choice. \nIn her new book The Creativity Choice: The Science of Making Decisions to Turn Ideas into Action\, Pringle—a senior research scientist at Yale University’s Center for Emotional Intelligence—draws on twenty years of research to dispel one of our most stubborn myths: that creativity is an innate gift reserved for the Albert Einsteins\, Steve Jobses\, and Coco Chanels of the world. In fact\, creativity is a decision. And it is one that anyone can learn to make. \nWith stories ranging from an entrepreneur who built a national nonprofit\, to a YouTuber who turned a hobby into a professional career\, to a business leader who established a company culture of innovation\, Pringle illuminates how people make creative ideas happen. She shows what it takes to get started\, the psychological and emotional tools needed to navigate the creative process\, and the social conditions that allow creativity to flourish—from the casual relationships that spark unexpected ideas\, to the close bonds that sustain risk-taking and perseverance. \nAmong her key insights: problem finding matters more than problem solving; emotions are not obstacles to creativity but valuable information that can be strategically harnessed; and the difference between a one-hit wonder and a consistent innovator often comes down to the quality of one’s social network. Pringle also explores why people who genuinely want to be creative so often avoid it\, and how accepting the anxiety that accompanies originality is itself the first creative act. \nPringle studies the role of emotion\, emotional intelligence\, and self-regulation in creativity and well-being\, as well as how to use the arts (and art-related institutions) to promote emotion and creativity skills. She will be in conversation with Marc Brackett\, Ph.D. (FAN ’19\, ’25)\, the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence\, a professor in the Child Study Center at Yale University\, and the author of the 2019 bestselling book Permission to Feel and 2025’s Dealing with Feeling. \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/the-creativity-choice-the-science-of-making-decisions-to-turn-ideas-into-action/
LOCATION:On Zoom
CATEGORIES:Events,Family Action Network
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260406T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260406T150000
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
CREATED:20251229T151420Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T143838Z
UID:20006885-1775469600-1775487600@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\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-6/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Community,Events
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260408T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260408T130000
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
CREATED:20260318T161809Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T161809Z
UID:20007105-1775649600-1775653200@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:BORN TO FLOURISH: HOW NEW SCIENCE AND ANCIENT WISDOM REVEAL A SIMPLE PATH TO THRIVING
DESCRIPTION:Richard J. Davidson\, Ph.D.\, and Cortland Dahl\, Ph.D.\, are among the world’s foremost neuroscientists and contemplative teachers. In Born to Flourish: How New Science and Ancient Wisdom Reveal a Simple Path to Thriving\, they draw on decades of research from the Center for Healthy Minds and the non-profit Humin to offer something rare: a program that is both scientifically grounded and immediately livable. \nThe book is built around four practices — Awareness\, Connection\, Insight\, and Purpose — that together train the brain to move from stress and anxiety toward clarity and calm. Awareness invites full presence with our emotions\, allowing us to meet life’s inevitable ups and downs with steadiness rather than reactivity. Connection cultivates kindness and appreciation\, deepening relationships and a sense of belonging. Insight draws on self-inquiry to loosen the grip of old narratives. Purpose anchors us in core values\, sharpening the judgment we need to make sound decisions. \nWe are born with a natural capacity to flourish — but capacity requires cultivation. The encouraging finding from Davidson and Dahl’s research is that just a few minutes of daily practice produces measurable change. Born to Flourish makes that practice accessible wherever life finds you: commuting\, doing chores\, lying in bed. For anyone navigating depression\, despair\, or loneliness\, or simply seeking more from their mental and emotional life\, the book offers a clear and actionable way forward. \nDavidson is the William James and Vilas Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison the founder and director of the Center for Healthy Minds and of the nonprofit Humin. Dahl is a research scientist at the Center and the Chief Contemplative Officer at Humin. \nDavidson and Dahl will be in conversation with Jacqueline Moreno\, Chief Service Officer of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission\, overseeing the agency’s public-facing direct service work with students\, families\, schools\, colleges\, and partner organizations across Illinois. \nBonus Book Giveaway: FAN is giving away copies of Born to Flourish 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/born-to-flourish-how-new-science-and-ancient-wisdom-reveal-a-simple-path-to-thriving/
LOCATION:On Zoom
CATEGORIES:Events,Family Action Network
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Copy-of-FAN-800-x-600-website-image-77.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260408T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260408T203000
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
CREATED:20260119T221219Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260330T162850Z
UID:20006911-1775674800-1775680200@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:A Talk with Hometown Author Laura Munson
DESCRIPTION:An Author’s Homecoming\nNew York Times\, USA Today\, and international bestselling author Laura Munson returns to Gorton Center. A native Lake Forester\, she’s celebrating the release of her newest book\, The Wild Why: Stories and Teachings to Uncover Your Wonder. \nA Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper Pick\, The Wild Why leans into wonder. Readers praise it for helping uncover an authentic voice and opening the door to beauty and self-expression. \nThis is a free event- please register!  Day of walk ins welcome!\nWhat is Wonder?\nWonder is curiosity and awe combined. It is the instinct we are born with\, the urge to ask why\, how\, and what if. It’s the feeling behind a child’s amazement at a rainbow\, and the deeper questions that follow. Wonder is not a luxury; it is essential to how we grow\, create\, and connect. Yet somewhere along the way\, many of us lose touch with it. \nIn The Wild Why\, Laura Munson calls for an end to this quiet crisis of self and invites readers back to what we once knew naturally. Through spirited stories and reflective insights\, she shows how to rediscover true self-expression and the wonder that gives it life. This is a book about reclaiming your voice\, your curiosity\, and your capacity for meaning. \nPerfect for fans of Brené Brown’s Daring Greatly\, Glennon Doyle’s Untamed\, and Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic\, The Wild Why is an inspiring guide for anyone longing to live more creatively and authentically. \n“In The Wild Why\, Laura Munson invites readers to answer ‘the most powerful and wonder-full question’: ‘What can I create?’ This book is an open-hearted invitation to explore wonder\, empathy\, intuition\, and creativity—and to live a bigger\, braver life.”\n—Maggie Smith\, New York Times bestselling author of You Could Make This Place Beautiful \n  \nLaura Munson\nLaura Munson is the New York Times\, USA Today\, and international best-selling author of the novel Willa’s Grove\, the memoir This Is Not The Story You Think It Is\, and the self-help book The Wild Why. She has been published in nine countries and has been featured in Vanity Fair\, Elle\, Redbook\, Time\, Newsweek\, Washington Post\, Publisher’s Weekly and published in the New York Times ‘Modern Love’ Column\, the New York Times Magazine ‘Lives’ Column\, O. Magazine\, Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper\, The Sun\, and many others. \nLaura is the founder of the acclaimed Haven Writing Retreats\, speaks at women’s conferences and literary events\, and has appeared on Good Morning America\, The Early Show\, NPR\, and media outlets across the globe. She lives in Montana. Lauramunson.com
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/laura-munson-the-wild-why/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Events,Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Laura-Munson.png
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260408T191500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260408T211500
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
CREATED:20251218T193836Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T155829Z
UID:20006871-1775675700-1775682900@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. \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. \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-28/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Do-Not-Submit-2026.png
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260411T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260411T213000
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
CREATED:20250717T192459Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T193513Z
UID:20006361-1775935800-1775943000@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:British Invasion and More! The Brit Pack
DESCRIPTION:Relive the Music of Your Youth\nFormed by two Brits in New York City\, The Brit Pack brings iconic UK rock to stages across the USA. Along the way\, they honor decades of unforgettable sound. From early anthems to modern classics\, every era gets its moment. Audiences experience a high-energy musical tour through Britain’s legendary catalog. \nExpect songs you know from artists you love\, such as:\nTears for Fears\, Queen\, David Bowie\, The Who\, Modern English\, Eurhythmics\, The Cure\, Oasis\, Radiohead\, The Kinks\, The Stones and more. \nAbout the Band\nThe Brit Pack delivers the most authentic British Invasion experience this side of the Atlantic. Founded in 2011 by British session musicians based in NYC\, the band blends precision\, passion\, and pure rock spirit. \nTogether\, the group features Matt Nakoa on vocals\, guitar\, and keys; Mark Johnson on guitar and vocals; Bryan Percivall on bass; and Will Haywood Smith on drums. Individually\, they’ve performed with artists like Paul McCartney\, Elton John\, Britney Spears\, and Chet Faker. They’ve also played for events at Google and YouTube and arranged music for major broadcasts\, including The Oscars. \nMost of all\, The Brit Pack knows how to light up a room. Their show feels familiar\, electric\, and impossible to resist. In the end\, it’s a night of British rock that brings everyone to their feet. \nFrom WGN News to our stage on April 11 – watch the clip from their last visit to the Chicago area\, then come experience Brit Pack live at Gorton!
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/brit-pack/
LOCATION:Gorton Center – John & Nancy Hughes Theater\, 400 E. Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events,Live Music,Performing Arts
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Brit-Pack-USA.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260417T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260417T203000
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
CREATED:20250908T160538Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T160605Z
UID:20006672-1776452400-1776457800@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Rendezvous Arts: Christian Dillingham Jazz Quartet
DESCRIPTION:Christian Dillingham \nSome artists you simply have to bring back. Grammy-winning bassist Christian Dillingham is one of them. A Rendezvous Arts favorite for years\, Christian returns to close our sixth season with music from his acclaimed record Cascades alongside brand-new compositions currently in the works. His quartet features a powerhouse lineup: saxophonist Lenard Simpson\, guitarist Dave Miller\, and drummer Greg Artry. Together\, they create music that is both rooted and forward-looking\, rich with groove\, lyricism\, and discovery. \nJason Patrick Miller – Photographer\nOn the visual side\, Jason Patrick Miller transforms Chicago through the eye of a pinhole camera. His images\, printed on metal and altered through scratching\, rust\, and texture\, reimagine the city as something both raw and timeless. Miller’s work captures the weight of steel and structure\, while revealing the beauty of impermanence. The improvisatory spirit of his process mirrors the spontaneity of jazz\, making his art a striking companion to Dillingham’s sound. \n \nPhotography etched in metal. Jazz alive with invention. It is the perfect pairing and a powerful finale to Season Six.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/rendezvous-arts-christian-dillingham/
LOCATION:Gorton Center – Stuart Community Room
CATEGORIES:Events,Live Music,Performing Arts
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Christian-Dillingham-Quartet.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260418T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260418T150000
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
CREATED:20251210T200918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T201451Z
UID:20006837-1776517200-1776524400@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:PAWS Chicago Adoption Event
DESCRIPTION:Join Us for a Heartwarming Adoption Event with PAWS Chicago!\nLooking to add a furry friend to your family? Whether you’re dreaming of a playful puppy or a snuggly cat\, this special adoption event is the perfect opportunity to meet your new best friend. PAWS Chicago will be on-site with a variety of adorable\, adoptable dogs and cats — all waiting to find their forever homes. \nMeet & Greet\nSpend some time getting to know the wonderful animals available for adoption. Our friendly volunteers will be there to introduce you to each pet’s unique personality and answer any questions you may have about the adoption process. \nMake a Difference\nWhen you adopt\, you’re not just adding joy to your life\, you’re also saving a life. Every adoption gives a homeless pet a second chance at happiness and opens up space for PAWS Chicago to rescue more animals in need. \nEvent Details\n\nRain or shine\nNo appointments necessary\nAdoption fees apply\n\nCome for the cuddles\, stay for the connection. Whether you leave with a pet or just come to support the cause\, your presence makes a difference. Let’s work together to help these animals find the love and security they deserve. \nDon’t miss your chance to bring home unconditional love. We can’t wait to see you there!
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/paws-chicago-adoption-event-2/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Community,Events
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260425T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260425T120000
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
CREATED:20250708T193341Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T205854Z
UID:20006433-1777114800-1777118400@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Pete the Cat
DESCRIPTION:For Pete the Cat\, life is always an adventure. So when the groovy blue cat meets the Biddle family\, he gets everyone rocking – except Jimmy Biddle\, the most organized second grader on Earth. \nWhen Jimmy hits a creative block in art class\, Pete steps in. Inspired by the beloved Pete the Cat books by James Dean and Eric Litwin\, this story follows the two as they team up to tackle second grade art. \nAlong the way\, they discover that inspiration can come from anywhere. \nJoin Pete and Jimmy on a fun-filled journey of friendship – all the way to Paris and back in a VW Bus! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nRecommended Ages: Pre-K through 3 \nBook and Lyrics by Sarah Hammond\nMusic by Will Aronson\nBased on the Pete the Cat series of books by Kimberly Dean and James Dean\nOriginal Direction and Choreography by Dan Knechtges\nScenic Design by Rob Odorisio\nCostume Design by Jen Caprio\nOrchestrations by Frank Galgano and Matt Castle \nAccolades: Nominee: 2018 Off Broadway Alliance Award\, Best Family Show\nView more Gorton Family Events
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/pete-the-cat/
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/2025/07/Pete-the-Cat-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260430T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260430T213000
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
CREATED:20250514T192858Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T154925Z
UID:20006419-1777577400-1777584600@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:The Music of Billy Joel & Elton John starring Michael Cavanaugh
DESCRIPTION: Grammy and Tony Award-Nominated Musician\nHandpicked by Billy Joel to star in the Tony and Grammy-nominated Broadway musical Movin’ Out\, Michael Cavanaugh was hailed by Billboard as “The New Voice of the American Rock & Roll Songbook.” \nIn this exhilarating concert\, Cavanaugh celebrates the music of two piano legends – Billy Joel and Elton John. Michael delivers unforgettable renditions of classics like Piano Man\, Rocket Man\, Movin’ Out\, Your Song\, My Life and many more. \nMore than just a concert\, the show weaves in personal anecdotes – stories of how these songs shaped Michael’s life\, reflections from his time on Broadway\, and the moments that brought him to the big stage. \nMichael doesn’t impersonate – he connects. He built his national career performing this repertoire at the highest level\, and he reimagines these timeless songs with energy and heart\, creating a night of music and memories you won’t soon forget. \nThe focus is the music – powerful\, authentic\, and performed by an artist whose career was launched by it. So come sing along\, and experience Michael Cavanaugh: Music of Billy Joel and Elton John. \nAbout Michael\nMichael Cavanaugh is a charismatic performer and musician made famous for his piano/lead vocals in the Broadway musical Movin’ Out. Handpicked by Billy Joel\, Cavanaugh evokes a style rivaling the Piano Man himself. His interpretation of modern pop and rock classics has led to Billboard calling him “The New Voice of the American Rock and Roll Songbook” and Reuters recognizing him as Entertainer of the Year for the private events market. \nMichael began playing at age seven\, when his parents bought their first piano. Encouraged by family and friends\, Michael formed his first band at age 10 and began playing local functions\, fine-tuning the craft that would become his chosen career. His first full-time gig as a musician was an extended engagement at the renowned dueling piano bar Blazing Pianos in Orlando\, Florida. \nIn January 1999\, Michael received an offer that would unknowingly change his life\, moving to Las Vegas to perform at the famed New York-New York Hotel and Casino. It was there that Billy Joel spotted Michael and joined him on stage one fateful night in February 2001. Billy had found his new Piano Man. Michael closed up shop at New York-New York and moved to New York City to work alongside Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp to shape what became the hit musical Movin’ Out. He gave over 1\,000 performances in the lead role\, and received both Grammy and Tony award nominations.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/michael-cavanaugh-music/
LOCATION:Gorton Center – John & Nancy Hughes Theater\, 400 E. Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events,Live Music,Performing Arts
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Michael-Cavanaugh-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260504T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260504T150000
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
CREATED:20260320T162338Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T162420Z
UID:20007121-1777888800-1777906800@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\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-19/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Community,Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Red-Cross-Blood-Drive.png
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260513T191500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260513T211500
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
CREATED:20251218T193913Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T155823Z
UID:20006872-1778699700-1778706900@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. \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. \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-29/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Do-Not-Submit-2026.png
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260514T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260514T203000
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
CREATED:20251031T194344Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251230T151950Z
UID:20006762-1778785200-1778790600@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Choir!Choir!Choir!
DESCRIPTION:Why see a show when you can BE the show!?\nChoir! Choir! Choir! is the fully interactive\, participatory show that turns audience into performer! So get ready to laugh\, dance and SING! your hearts out with hundreds of other music-lovers just like you. It’s like a big birthday party for the greatest songs of all time and you’re invited! \nSo grab a friend (or ten)\, and come out ready to GIVE IT ALL YOU’VE GOT! – all voices welcome\, no experience necessary. They Teach\, You Sing! Everyone Wins! \nThis time\, Choir!Choir!Choir! Presents: We Will CHOIR! You!: An EPIC QUEEN Sing-Along \nWhen it comes to EPIC anthems\, it doesn’t get BIGGER than Queen! And nothing feels better than belting out their biggest hits with a room full of Queen fans! So unleash your inner Freddie Mercury\, grab your best friends and frenemies\, and create harmonies that will blow the roof off the place! We Will CHOIR! You! will be the most fun you’ve had in years… \nSince 2011\, Choir! Choir! Choir! directors Daveed Goldman + Nobu Adilman have blurred the lines between performer and audience\, traveling the world to create harmony with strangers and friends alike. They’ve collaborated with renowned artists like Patti Smith\, David Byrne\, Brandi Carlile\, Rick Astley\, Rufus Wainwright\, and even Kermit The Frog at New York’s Lincoln Center\, creating memorable videos that have garnered views in the millions. Now it’s your turn to SING!\, so grab your friends\, get your tickets and we’ll C! you there! #NeverStopSinging \n \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/we-will-choir-you/
LOCATION:Gorton Center – John & Nancy Hughes Theater\, 400 E. Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events,Live Music,Performing Arts
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Choir-Choir-Choir.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260610T191500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260610T211500
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
CREATED:20251218T194006Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T152923Z
UID:20006873-1781118900-1781126100@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. \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. \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-30/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Do-Not-Submit-2026.png
GEO:42.2506703;-87.8374004
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Gorton Center 400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest IL 60045;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=400 East Illinois Road:geo:-87.8374004,42.2506703
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260614T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260614T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
CREATED:20260401T203813Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T204829Z
UID:20007136-1781449200-1781456400@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:The Revolutionists
DESCRIPTION:Bad luck? No one faces it – or laughs at it – quite like the women of The Revolutionists. This bold\, high-energy comedy blends sharp humor with powerful storytelling\, making it a must-see French Revolution play. \nSet in 1793 Paris during the Reign of Terror\, The Revolutionists delivers a fresh\, female-driven perspective on history. First\, it introduces four fearless women. Then\, it weaves their stories into a fast-paced\, thought-provoking theatrical experience. As a result\, audiences get a “her-storical” comedy that is both hilarious and deeply impactful. \nPerfect for theatre lovers\, history buffs\, and fans of strong female leads\, this production celebrates courage\, resilience\, and the power of women’s voices. Moreover\, its witty dialogue and modern edge make it accessible and engaging for all audiences. \nDon’t miss this unforgettable live theatre event that brings history\, comedy\, and feminism together in one revolutionary performance. \n \nWritten by Lauren Gunderson and directed by Iris Sowlat
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/the-revolutionists/
LOCATION:Gorton Center – Stuart Community Room
CATEGORIES:Events,Performing Arts
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Revolutionsists.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260615T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260615T150000
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
CREATED:20260327T180355Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T180647Z
UID:20007126-1781517600-1781535600@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\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-21/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Community,Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Red-Cross-Blood-Drive.png
GEO:42.2506703;-87.8374004
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Gorton Center 400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest IL 60045;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=400 East Illinois Road:geo:-87.8374004,42.2506703
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260619T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260619T213000
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
CREATED:20251119T170717Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260302T150445Z
UID:20006757-1781895600-1781904600@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Ants Marching
DESCRIPTION:Experience the Magic of Dave Matthews Band – Live with Ants Marching!\nGet ready for a night of unforgettable music\, powerful rhythms\, and pure live energy! WAMI award-nominated Ants Marching delivers the ultimate Dave Matthews Band tribute experience – up close and personal. \nFormed in 2016\, the band was born from a shared passion for the music and a simple realization: fans everywhere crave that signature Dave Matthews Band sound. And now\, they bring it to the stage – every note\, every jam\, every ounce of soul. \nWith incredible musicianship and dynamic stage presence\, Ants Marching doesn’t just play the songs – they live them. From the intricate guitar work to the driving percussion and soulful vocals\, the band captures the spirit and energy that made DMB one of the most celebrated touring acts in American history. \nBut that’s not all. They bring the full concert experience – the sound\, the lights\, the atmosphere – everything you’d expect from a massive arena show\, delivered in an intimate\, high-energy setting. It’s the kind of performance that pulls you in\, lifts you up\, and leaves you wanting more. \nSo grab your friends\, feel the groove\, and relive the hits that defined a generation. Come dance\, sing\, and celebrate the music of Dave Matthews Band – as only Ants Marching can deliver it. \n  \nAnts Marching 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: \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/ants-marching/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Events,Live Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Ants-Marching.png
GEO:42.2506703;-87.8374004
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Gorton Center 400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest IL 60045;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=400 East Illinois Road:geo:-87.8374004,42.2506703
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260627T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260627T203000
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
CREATED:20260319T195517Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T195517Z
UID:20006918-1782586800-1782592200@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:House of DOV
DESCRIPTION:Circle of Apathy: a firmament a fantasia\n“In the beginning there was nothing. Then there was everything.” \nIn Circle of Apathy\, the new dance project from House of DOV with live music from Family Junket\, the ensemble explores the cycles of growth and disintegration intrinsic to nature\, and works together to build physical structures which increase in precarity as the group strives toward expansion. “Through creative process\, we’ve sought to understand our own place within the greater ecology of our landscape\, and to experience the human body as a metaphor and microcosm of the natural world\,” says Drew Lewis\, creative director of House of DOV. \nFamily Junket’s five musicians blare dense soul with moments of ambience: voices wail\, altered by a vocal pedal; saxophone\, flute and violin harmonize over precomposed loops; djembe\, drum kit and percussion punctuate echoing acoustic piano. House of DOV’s seven dancers push against seemingly immovable forces\, find new hand and footholds\, and creep forward like a vine up a brick wall. A woman walks through an increasingly dense wood until the brush closes around her entirely. When all paths disappear from sight\, a figure steps blindly forward\, trusting that there will be a stepping stone beneath their foot.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/house-of-dov/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Events,Performing Arts
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/House-of-DOV.png
GEO:42.2506703;-87.8374004
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Gorton Center 400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest IL 60045;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=400 East Illinois Road:geo:-87.8374004,42.2506703
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260628T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260628T163000
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
CREATED:20260319T195515Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T195515Z
UID:20006928-1782658800-1782664200@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:House of DOV
DESCRIPTION:Circle of Apathy: a firmament a fantasia\n“In the beginning there was nothing. Then there was everything.” \nIn Circle of Apathy\, the new dance project from House of DOV with live music from Family Junket\, the ensemble explores the cycles of growth and disintegration intrinsic to nature\, and works together to build physical structures which increase in precarity as the group strives toward expansion. “Through creative process\, we’ve sought to understand our own place within the greater ecology of our landscape\, and to experience the human body as a metaphor and microcosm of the natural world\,” says Drew Lewis\, creative director of House of DOV. \nFamily Junket’s five musicians blare dense soul with moments of ambience: voices wail\, altered by a vocal pedal; saxophone\, flute and violin harmonize over precomposed loops; djembe\, drum kit and percussion punctuate echoing acoustic piano. House of DOV’s seven dancers push against seemingly immovable forces\, find new hand and footholds\, and creep forward like a vine up a brick wall. A woman walks through an increasingly dense wood until the brush closes around her entirely. When all paths disappear from sight\, a figure steps blindly forward\, trusting that there will be a stepping stone beneath their foot.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/house-of-dov-2/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Events,Performing Arts
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/House-of-DOV.png
GEO:42.2506703;-87.8374004
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Gorton Center 400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest IL 60045;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=400 East Illinois Road:geo:-87.8374004,42.2506703
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260701
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260703
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
CREATED:20260311T160255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T152301Z
UID:20007089-1782864000-1783036799@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Cinderella 2-Week Camp Performances
DESCRIPTION:Cinderella\nA Gorton Drama Studio Original Production \nJoin us for a lively\, original take on Cinderella. Our young performers from Gorton Drama Studio’s Two-Week Musical Theater Camp bring it to life on stag.. Performances are on July 1 and 2 at 1pm. \nOver two fast-paced weeks\, these students trained like pros. They built skills in acting\, singing and dancing. They learned discipline\, teamwork and how to bring a full production together. Now they’re ready to perform. \nExpect all the magic you love. The pumpkin and carriage. The fairy godmother. The royal ball. The glass slipper. Plus original music\, comedy and heart. Every performer plays an important role\, creating a vibrant ensemble from start to finish. \nThis production marks the culmination of their work. It’s their moment to take the stage at the John & Nancy Hughes Theater and perform for a live audience. \nEvery camper has a meaningful role in the story\, making this performance a true celebration of creativity\, collaboration\, and the hard work of these young artists. \nCreative Team\nJeremy Kruse – Producer\, Playwright and Musical Director\nMadison Kisst – Director\nCarla Garippo – Choreographer\nMatt Mueller – Songwriter\nMatteo Picchietti – Production Assistant \nMeet The Gorton Drama Studio Creative Team\n \nJeremy 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  \n  \n  \n  \nMadison Kisst is a professional actor\, director\, and educator with extensive training in physical and classical theatre\, voice and movement\, and devising. Recently\, she has served as the Fight/Intimacy director for Middle Tennessee State University’s production of Clue: On Stage and Nashville Repertory Theatre’s production of Sister Act. She has her BA in Theatre Arts from California State University Chico and Master of Fine Arts in Performance from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Madison is a member of the performance faculty in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Middle Tennessee State University. \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nMatt Mueller is an actor\, musician\, former pirate\, and part-time wizard. Outside GDS his most recent credits include Harry Potter and Cursed Child\, and he’s excited to be back with the wonderful storytellers of Gorton Drama Studio after last summer in Neverland!!\n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nCarla Garippo\, dance teacher/choreographer\, received her professional dance training from Ruth Page Center for the Arts and was a principal dancer of The Ruth Page Civic Ballet Company of Chicago. She is fluent in Ballet\, Jazz\, Tap\, Hip-Hop\, Modern\, Lyrical\, Contemporary\, Poms\, Pointe\, Musical Theatre\, Stretch/Conditioning and Character. Some of Carla’s credits include: The Chicago Tribune Charities production of “The Nutcracker ” at The Arie Crown Theatre\, Dirty Dancing\, Carnaval at The Victor Hotel\, Dance Chicago\, MTVs Sweet 16\, as well as various music videos and concerts nationwide. Carla teaches dancers of all ages and levels and is excited to be a staff member at Gorton Drama Studio.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/cinderella/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Camps,Classes,Events,Gorton Drama Studio,Performing Arts,Youth
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Cinderella-1.png
GEO:42.2506703;-87.8374004
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Gorton Center 400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest IL 60045;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=400 East Illinois Road:geo:-87.8374004,42.2506703
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260706T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260706T150000
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
CREATED:20260327T180732Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T180732Z
UID:20007122-1783332000-1783350000@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\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-20/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Community,Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Red-Cross-Blood-Drive.png
GEO:42.2506703;-87.8374004
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Gorton Center 400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest IL 60045;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=400 East Illinois Road:geo:-87.8374004,42.2506703
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260708T191500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260708T211500
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
CREATED:20251218T194045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T155808Z
UID:20006874-1783538100-1783545300@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. \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. \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-31/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Do-Not-Submit-2026.png
GEO:42.2506703;-87.8374004
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Gorton Center 400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest IL 60045;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=400 East Illinois Road:geo:-87.8374004,42.2506703
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260728
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260801
DTSTAMP:20260405T224237
CREATED:20260311T160306Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T152258Z
UID:20007091-1785196800-1785542399@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Cinderella 4-week Camp Performances
DESCRIPTION:Cinderella\nA Gorton Drama Studio Original Production\nJoin us for a lively\, original take on Cinderella. Our advanced young performers from Gorton Drama Studio’s Four-Week Musical Theater Camp bring it to life on stage. \nCatch a performance July 28 and 29 at 11 am or July 30 and 31 at 6 pm. \nOver four fast-paced weeks\, these students trained like pros. They built skills in acting\, singing and dancing. They learned discipline\, teamwork and how to bring a full production together. Now they’re ready to perform. \nExpect all the magic you love. The pumpkin and carriage. The fairy godmother. The royal ball. The glass slipper. Plus original music\, comedy and heart. Every performer plays an important role\, creating a vibrant ensemble from start to finish. \nThis production marks the culmination of their work. It’s their moment to take the stage at the John & Nancy Hughes Theater and perform for a live audience. \nKids ages 7 to 14 can keep the fun going. Stay after the show for a post-show acting workshop.  Learn more and sign up here! \nCreative Team\nJeremy Kruse – Producer & Playwright\nMadison Kisst – Director\nCarla Garippo – Choreographer\nMatt Mueller – Songwriter\nMatteo Picchietti – Production Assistant  \nMeet The Gorton Drama Studio Creative Team\n \nJeremy 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  \n  \n  \n  \nMadison Kisst is a professional actor\, director\, and educator with extensive training in physical and classical theatre\, voice and movement\, and devising. Recently\, she has served as the Fight/Intimacy director for Middle Tennessee State University’s production of Clue: On Stage and Nashville Repertory Theatre’s production of Sister Act. She has her BA in Theatre Arts from California State University Chico and Master of Fine Arts in Performance from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Madison is a member of the performance faculty in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Middle Tennessee State University. \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nMatt Mueller is an actor\, musician\, former pirate\, and part-time wizard. Outside GDS his most recent credits include Harry Potter and Cursed Child\, and he’s excited to be back with the wonderful storytellers of Gorton Drama Studio after last summer in Neverland!!\n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nCarla Garippo\, dance teacher/choreographer\, received her professional dance training from Ruth Page Center for the Arts and was a principal dancer of The Ruth Page Civic Ballet Company of Chicago. She is fluent in Ballet\, Jazz\, Tap\, Hip-Hop\, Modern\, Lyrical\, Contemporary\, Poms\, Pointe\, Musical Theatre\, Stretch/Conditioning and Character. Some of Carla’s credits include: The Chicago Tribune Charities production of “The Nutcracker ” at The Arie Crown Theatre\, Dirty Dancing\, Carnaval at The Victor Hotel\, Dance Chicago\, MTVs Sweet 16\, as well as various music videos and concerts nationwide. Carla teaches dancers of all ages and levels and is excited to be a staff member at Gorton Drama Studio.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/cinderella-performance-july-28-2026-2/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Camps,Classes,Events,Gorton Drama Studio,Performing Arts,Youth
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Cinderella-1.png
GEO:42.2506703;-87.8374004
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Gorton Center 400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest IL 60045;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=400 East Illinois Road:geo:-87.8374004,42.2506703
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR