Gorton Center has a new way to bring Lake Forest neighbors together: singing '80s and '90s hits in the Stuart Room.

The nonprofit launched its "Sing at Gorton" series on Tuesday, June 23, when guitarist Dave Hiltebrand led a crowd through songs like Tom Petty's "Free Fallin'" and Tears for Fears' "Everybody Wants To Rule the World." Rich Torres, Gorton's A/V staffer and a former NPR reporter, co-hosted the hour-long session.

"Singing together is deeply human," said Amy Wagliardo, Gorton Center's executive director. "It breaks down barriers, brings people into the moment, and it builds a sense of community in a really natural way."

The format is simple. Participants warm up together, spend 45 to 60 minutes singing familiar songs in a relaxed setting, then stick around for refreshments and conversation. No vocal experience needed. No commitment to future sessions.

The next gathering is Tuesday, July 21, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road. The theme is Americana, and the evening is led by Bill Vaananen, known to generations of students as "Mr. V." Vaananen taught general music at Wescott School in Northbrook for 37 years, has written hundreds of songs, and is a Golden Apple Award recipient. The setlist includes "Take Me Home, Country Roads," "This Land Is Your Land," and "If I Had a Hammer."

The July 21 session is part of the Lake Forest 250th Celebration.

Every Sing at Gorton event is free and open to all ages. Each night features a different musical theme and a different local host. The series is partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency through the National Endowment for the Arts.

Hiltebrand, who led the inaugural night, has been a full-time musician for more than 25 years. A DePaul University School of Music graduate, he toured nationally with Jersey Boys, co-wrote two national top-ten songs, and composed music for The Oprah Winfrey Show. He is an adjunct professor of digital music at Elmhurst University.

Parking is available in the main lot off McKinley Road and in the adjacent Lake Forest train station lot. The Stuart Room is equipped with a hearing loop sound system. For more information, call (847) 234-6060.