"4 Mad Singers" performed Sunday, Sept. 21, at the last Glidden Homestead
Music on the Porch for the season. Members are Cecilie Heuber, Stephen Yeseta,
Tara Shane and John Gauthier.
"4 Mad Singers" featured in
Music on the Porch
     An enthusiastic crowd enjoyed the last "Music on the Porch" of the season Sept. 21, at the Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center.
     It was the first public performance for "4 Mad Singers," who did an exceptional job! Established earlier this summer,  "4 Mad Singers "  perform Renaissance and Madrigal music, as well as compositions dating back to as early as the 1300s. Though a predominantly an a cappella vocal group, the musicians also perform some pieces with period instruments.
     Members of  "4 Mad Singers "  are Cecilie Hueber of Sycamore, Tara Shane of DeKalb, Stephen Yeseta of DeKalb, and John Gauthier of Chicago. Together, the singers bring musical training and experience from Northern Illinois University, Western Illinois University, and Augustana College.
     Glidden Homestead board president, Kathy Siebrasse, said the Sunday afternoon musical events have brought a new audience to visit one of DeKalb’s true historic gems.
     “Glidden’s invention  of The Winner is a great American story. His innovation not only affected DeKalb County, but it had far-reaching impact on the development of the American West and ultimately the world  beyond. Glidden's barbed wire is still in use today ,” said Siebrasse.
     The Glidden Homestead  is conducting a $2 million fund drive to help expand the museum campus on West Lincoln Highway, and to complete renovations of the house and barn.
     “We have a unique opportunity to develop the property as a center for education and innovation that secures its place in history and also enriches our area as a cultural destination point,” she said.
     The Glidden Family has offered the Homestead board an option to purchase property next to the house which includes a building. The goal is to develop that building into the museum’s Welcome Center.
     Other funds will help restore the historic brick barn where Glidden first manufactured his barbed wire invention. The barn will then become additional museum space for the Homestead.
     As a not-for-profit [501(c)3] corporation, the Glidden Homestead is run by a 15-member board, including two Glidden family members. Support for work at the Homestead has come primarily from a membership base, local and regional donations, along with some state and regional grants. The house and barn at the Homestead are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places.      
     For more information about the Homestead, call (815) 756-7904.