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SUMMARY:Salute in Song: Navy Band Great Lakes
DESCRIPTION:Salute in Song\nCelebrate the spirit of America with Salute in Song featuring the U.S. Navy Band Great Lakes. Experience an inspiring afternoon of patriotic music\, American favorites\, and timeless classics in Gorton’s John & Nancy Hughes Theater. The talented musicians of the U.S. Navy Band Great Lakes proudly honor those who serve while sharing the power of live music with the community. Whether you’re celebrating a loved one\, showing your patriotism\, or simply enjoying a great performance\, this free concert offers something for everyone. Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of music\, service\, and community.\nNavy Band Great Lakes’ Wind Ensemble is comprised of active duty musicians under the direction of Lieutenant David Harbuziuk. This ensemble upholds the legacy of its famous bandmaster\, Lieutenant Commander John Philip Sousa\, by continuing the tradition of military music throughout the Midwest. The Wind Ensemble’s repertoire consists of classic concert band literature\, patriotic music\, marches\, pop music arrangements\, and vocal features. \nAs the musical “Ambassadors to the Midwest\,” the Navy Band Great Lakes Wind Ensemble supports Navy outreach across a nine-state area\, stretching from Ohio to Kansas\, Minnesota to Missouri\, and every Midwestern state in between. Wind Ensemble concerts allow the band to tell the Navy’s story\, celebrate 250 years of service to our nation\, and reach audiences that do not have opportunities to see Sailors on a regular basis. Concerts are patriotic\, family-friendly events designed to be entertaining for young and old alike. \nProud to Serve\n“Pride in Service” has been the theme for Navy Band Great Lakes for more than a century. From 1911\, when the band first formed\, to 1917\, when Lieutenant Commander John Philip Sousa served as Bandmaster\, to today\, under the direction of Lieutenant David Harbuziuk\, our music represents the pride and professionalism that is synonymous with the United States Navy. In addition to public outreach concerts\, units from Navy Band Great Lakes also provide military support across the region\, including serving Commander\, Naval Service Training Command’s mission of transforming volunteers into twenty-first-century Sea Warriors by performing each week for recruits\, Sailors\, and their families at basic training graduations. \nNavy Band Great Lakes is grateful to maintain a robust schedule with more than 250 military support and outreach performances annually for millions of Americans across the Midwest. \nThis event is free but seats are limited- please register to reserve yours now!
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/salute-in-song/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Events,Live Music
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260831T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260831T130000
DTSTAMP:20260714T151519Z
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SUMMARY:Private Guitar and Bass Lessons with Dave Hiltebrand
DESCRIPTION:Guitar & Bass Lessons with a Professional Musician\nTake Your Playing to the Next Level! \nAre you looking to refine your technique\, explore new styles\, or develop your unique sound? These one-on-one guitar and bass lessons are designed to help you grow as a musician. Taught by Dave Hiltebrand – a seasoned performer\, composer\, and studio musician – this class offers a comprehensive approach to mastering your instrument. \n“Dave is a fantastic guitar instructor! My daughter learned how to play in just a few sessions with Dave. He’s really talented\, kind\, and patient.” – K. Salerno \nWhat You’ll Learn\n\nTechnique & Sound – Develop strong fundamentals\, improve finger dexterity\, and learn how to achieve a professional-quality tone.\nPlaying in Different Styles – Explore rock\, jazz\, blues\, funk\, and more\, gaining versatility across genres.\nEar Training & Musicality – Learn to recognize chords\, melodies\, and rhythms by ear to improve your improvisation and overall musicianship.\nUsing Effects & Gear – Understand how to use pedals and effects to shape your sound and bring creativity to your playing.\n\nWho Should Join?\nSome basic experience on guitar or bass is encouraged\, but all dedicated learners are welcome. Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your skills or dive deeper into music\, these lessons will be tailored to your level and goals. Read our blog about Why Music Matters. \nContact Dave to Schedule Your Lesson!\nLessons are scheduled directly with the instructor to fit your availability. Reach out today to book your session and start your musical journey! \nContact Libby Johnson with any issues or questions. \nDave Hiltebrand has been a full-time musician for over 25 years. Since graduating from DePaul University School of Music\, Dave has extensive experience as a performer\, composer and studio musician. Highlights include the national tour of Jersey Boys\, co-writing and co-producing two national top-ten songs\, composing work for The Oprah Winfrey Show\, Nike and Allstate\, TV appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show\, Empire and Betrayal\, and tours to South Africa\, Cuba\, Spain\, Italy and Egypt. His debut solo guitar album Yoguitar\, Vol. 1 was released in 2016. Dave is currently an adjunct professor of Digital Music at Elmhurst University.\nInstagram: @davehiltebrand\nYouTube: @dave-hiltebrand
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/private-guitar-bass-lessons-with-dave-hiltebrand-8/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Age,Classes,Music,Specialty,Youth
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260901T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260901T100000
DTSTAMP:20260727T145930Z
CREATED:20260727T145930Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260727T145930Z
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SUMMARY:Yoga with Areta
DESCRIPTION:Yoga With Areta \nJoin Areta for a traditional Vinyasa Flow yoga class. This one-hour\, bi-weekly practice blends poses\, breathwork\, and meditation. Each session helps release tension\, restore balance\, and strengthen the body. At the same time\, you’ll open and lengthen your muscles. \nWhether you’re new to yoga or have years of experience\, this mindful flow will leave you feeling refreshed and energized. Just bring a mat and a water bottle\, and you’re ready to go. \nVinyasa Flow is a dynamic style of yoga. It links breath with movement as you move smoothly from pose to pose. This practice combines ancient traditions with a modern\, fluid rhythm. Its creative sequences encourage you to explore your body\, breath\, and mind in harmony. \nYoga offers powerful benefits. Physically\, it supports heart health\, flexibility\, and strength. Mentally\, it reduces stress and tension. Emotionally\, it boosts energy and leaves you feeling grounded and revitalized. \nAreta has been teaching yoga in Lake Forest and in yoga studios along the North Shore for 10 years and is E-RYT 500 Certified. Areta’s passion is bringing yoga to EVERY BODY\, and has additional certifications in Meditation\, Adaptive Yoga for Disabilities\, Senior Yoga\, Love Your Brain for traumatic brain injury\, Yoga for Eating Disorder Recovery\, Yin Yoga\, and Yoga for 12 Step Recovery. Areta teaches yoga to inspire and empower physical well-being\, spiritual balance and awakening for everyday life. She is a long-time resident of Lake Forest and a disability advocate and volunteer yoga coach for the Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA).
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/yoga-with-areta-september-1/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Classes,Wellness
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260901T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260901T190000
DTSTAMP:20260807T145918Z
CREATED:20260731T154252Z
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SUMMARY:Wet Felted Flowers
DESCRIPTION:Looking for a fun and creative way to spend time with friends? Or perhaps you’d like to meet new people while learning a new skill? Then join us for a hands-on wet felting workshop\, suitable for both beginners and experienced crafters. \nFirst\, you’ll be introduced to the fascinating art of wet felting. Then\, you’ll learn how soft wool can be transformed into beautiful summer flowers. Using colorful roving wool\, warm water\, soap\, and your hands\, you’ll discover how fibers can be shaped and bonded into unique felted creations. \nAlong the way\, I’ll share useful techniques\, helpful tips\, and creative ideas. Step by step\, you’ll create your own floral masterpieces while exploring different colors\, textures\, and shapes. \nMost importantly\, this workshop offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. So come along\, get creative\, meet fellow makers\, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something beautiful by hand. \nAges 12 + (Kids ages 12 – 15 Need an Adult) \nHi\, I’m Katrin! I have a background in Art History and work as teacher in the Two’s Room at Gorton Children’s Learning Center. In my free time\, I love being creative and exploring different crafts\, with a special passion for wet and needle felting. What I enjoy most about felting is that it allows you to create so many beautiful things from simple materials like wool\, water\, and soap. I also find the repetitive movements calming and relaxing\, making felting a wonderful way to unwind while creating something unique by hand.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/wet-felted-flowers-september/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Art,Classes
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260902T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260902T173000
DTSTAMP:20260824T163022Z
CREATED:20260824T163022Z
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SUMMARY:Teen Draw & Paint with Joalida Smit
DESCRIPTION:Lockers\, Sneakers & Doodles\nCome hang out in a space where creativity comes alive. Artist and educator Joalida Smit invites teens to join her ongoing art class at the Gorton Center. This class is all about exploring\, experimenting\, and finding your own artistic voice. From the start\, the studio feels welcoming\, inspiring\, and full of possibility. \nFirst\, students ages 11 to 17 get to try out a wide mix of materials. They might begin with drawing or painting\, and then move on to mixed media. As they experiment\, they gain confidence. Little by little\, they start developing a style that feels uniquely their own. \nOn top of that\, Joalida’s teaching style makes this class stand out. Instead of rigid\, step-by-step lessons\, her approach is flexible and student-focused. She meets each young artist right where they are. Maybe your teen sketches all the time. Maybe they’ve never touched a paintbrush before. Either way\, Joalida gives encouragement and guidance to help them grow. \nHands-On Experience\nNext\, comes hands-on practice. Students work with graphite\, charcoal\, acrylics\, watercolor\, ink – you name it. They mix materials\, test new techniques\, and see what happens. Because of this\, every class feels fresh and exciting. \nAnd here’s the best part: the goal isn’t to finish identical projects. Instead\, the focus is on exploration\, creativity\, and storytelling. Students learn how to express themselves\, share their ideas\, and bring imagination to life. As a result\, they walk away with more than just artwork. They leave with stronger skills\, bigger confidence\, and a deeper connection to their creativity. \nFinally\, this class gives teens a safe\, supportive space to take risks\, try new things\, and grow as artists. Step by step\, they discover the joy of creating something that’s truly their own. \nSo\, why not join Joalida in the studio? It’s a place where individuality is celebrated\, creativity flows\, and every teen has a chance to shine. \nAll materials are provided\, so students can fully immerse themselves in the process without the need to bring supplies. Ages: 11 – 17 \nSkill Level: Intermediate to advanced – Prior art experience and a sincere interest in art are required. \nNote: This is an art development class\, not a recreational after-school club. Students are expected to take their art practice seriously and to respect the shared studio space. Teens who cannot adhere to the expectations of the class may be asked to leave. \nJoalida Smit is a Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist who lived and worked in London (UK) and Cape Town (SA) for the past 20 years. She pivoted to full time artist during COVID and now runs an art studio at The Gorton Center working on large scale canvases. Currently she is exploring innovative ways to incorporate art in the psychology work of personal transformation.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/draw-paint-joalida-teen-art-september/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Art,Classes,Youth
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260904T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260904T120000
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SUMMARY:Open Play Mahjong
DESCRIPTION:Please plan to arrive early\, play starts promptly at 10am!\nCalling all Mahjong enthusiasts. Join us for Open Play Mahjong\, a relaxed and social way to enjoy the game you love. These sessions are for intermediate to advanced players who already know the rules. No instruction is offered. \nBring your strategy and a little friendly competition. Connect with other experienced players. Open Play is a great way to practice\, stay sharp\, and enjoy the challenge of Mahjong. \nWe provide all Mahjong sets. Please bring your own Mahjong card. \nPre-registration is required. Drop-ins can’t be accommodated\, so be sure to register early to save your spot. \nWe look forward to seeing you at the table.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/open-play-mahjong-sept-4/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Classes,Games
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260904T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260904T210000
DTSTAMP:20260821T221141Z
CREATED:20260821T214909Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260821T221141Z
UID:20007489-1788548400-1788555600@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert
DESCRIPTION:Elvis sings and tells his story like never before in a new documentary cinematic experience from visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann. \nRated: PG-13 \nRun Time: 1 hr. 36 mins. \nDirected by:Baz Luhrmann \nStars: Elvis Presley\, James Burton\, Glen D. Hardin \n 
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/epic-elvis-presley-in-concert/
LOCATION:Gorton Center – John & Nancy Hughes Theater\, 400 E. Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045\, United States
CATEGORIES:Documentary,Film
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260905T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260905T120000
DTSTAMP:20260724T201033Z
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LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T201033Z
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SUMMARY:Tai Chi
DESCRIPTION:Tai Chi is an inclusive form of exercise that anyone can do\, whether you are in peak shape\, or have limited mobility. Despite its slow pace\, it is a valuable exercise for all ages\, read about the health benefits below. Dress comfortably and be prepared to have fun in Ken’s class. \nHealth Benefits \nTai Chi has numerous health benefits. It is good for balance\, flexibility\, and stress – regular Tai Chi practice can improve overall physical health and well-being. In fact\, Harvard Health suggests Tai Chi might be “…the perfect activity for the rest of your life.” \nAs a form of exercise\, researchers in Toronto found it is equivalent to brisk walking. So\, instead of worrying about your steps (how boring)\, join Ken’s class and have some more fun while you exercise. \nUnlike other forms of exercise\, Tai Chi movements are performed with relaxed muscles and a focus on deep breathing. Slow and gentle\, Tai Chi can improve blood flow\, balance\, and relaxation. Each Tai Chi pose flows into the next with circular\, continuous movements. This helps improve your balance and flexibility without putting strain on muscles and joints. \nTai Chi is also a very social activity\, commonly practiced in groups that rhythmically synchronize slow movements with deep breathing. Like meditation\, Tai Chi creates a calm and focused mind and can create a state of mindfulness. \nTai Chi also benefits emotional well-being and mental health. Regular Tai Chi practice can improve concentration\, physical self-awareness\, and create a sense of inner peace. Tai chi is a great exercise for relieving stress and has been shown to benefit hypertension and high blood pressure. \nWhat is Tai Chi? \nIt is a Chinese traditional exercise that blends martial arts’ movement with meditation. Dating back a thousand years\, Tai Chi remains a popular activity in China and around the world. \nTai Chi is a series of slow\, choreographed martial arts movements and poses. Tai Chi poses are circular and continuous\, with an emphasis on smooth transitions and maintaining a centered and grounded posture. Tai Chi poses mimic the movements of animals or nature\, such as flowing water or a bird in flight.  \nKen has been practicing martial arts for 27 years\, and started Tai Chi training in 1996 with Sifu Dale Washington\, Sifu Ban Toy in 2000 and Grand Master Yang Jun in 2006. He has been practicing Tai Chi for 21 years and teaching Tai Chi for 12 years. In 2016\, he received a Gold Eagle certificate from Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Association. certificate. Ken is also one of Grand Master Yang Jun’s Disciples for the Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan. He teaches Kickboxing and Full-contact Martial Arts teacher and is certified by Ng Family Martial Arts Association.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/tai-chi-september-5/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Adults,Age,Classes,Wellness
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