University News

This will be the first performance of "A Season of Joy."
[Download Print-Quality Image]

Grab your tickets for Sept. 16 and join us in the new, state-of-the-art space.
[Download Print-Quality Image]

Chicken Wire Empire to Hit The Stage Sept. 16 in GCPA!

September 9, 2026

Share Printer friendly version

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - - Chicken Wire Empire will hit the stage for the first show in the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts (GCPA) on the Western Illinois University Macomb campus, Wednesday, Sept. 16, as part of the "A Season of Joy" opening season.

"We are thrilled to bring this dynamic bluegrass sensation to the Goldfarb Center kick-off of Macomb's Al Sears Music Fest. Their music and their sound are authentically timeless," Mick Cumbie, WIU GCPA Interim Director said.

Chicken Wire Empire is a Wisconsin-based bluegrass band known for their dynamic musicality, thorough arrangements, and true-to-life songwriting. The band emerged in 2016 with their debut self-titled album and has since released a prolific catalogue of studio projects and live performances.

Band members include Jordan Kroeger on upright bass, Ernest Brusubardis IV on fiddle and violin, Jon Peik on banjo and Greg Brundage on guitar. Additional and rotating members have included Carter Shilts on mandolin and Ryan Ogburn on mandolin.

The Goldfarb Center is a LEED Silver-certified facility, recognizing the building's sustainable design and construction.

To purchase tickets, visit go.wiu.edu/3Swj51a.

For more information on the GCPA, visit wiu.edu/cofac/gcpa. To stay up to date on performances, follow the center's Facebook page at facebook.com/wiugoldfarbcenter.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing