Muddy, Buddy and Oprah: Harper Library exhibit celebrates decades of campus performances

Archivist Brandi Fialek (left) and student aide Madhumitha “Madhu” Manivannan collaborated on an exhibit about famous performers who appeared at Harper College, including Steve Martin, Joan Jett and Oprah Winfrey.

Over the decades, the Harper College campus has echoed with the sounds of folk guitars, jazz horns, laughter from comedy acts, and even the voice of a talk-show icon. Performers such as Muddy Waters, Steve Martin, Oprah Winfrey, Kurt Vonnegut and Joan Jett are just a few of the legendary names who once graced Harper’s stages. An exhibit at Harper’s David K. Hill Family Library revives that legacy – showcasing the wide range of musicians, artists and speakers who have helped shape the college’s community spirit.

The exhibit, which can be seen in person and online, celebrates both the diversity of performances in Harper’s history and the enduring value of arts and culture at the college. Curated by student aide Madhumitha “Madhu” Manivannan under the supervision of Harper Archivist Brandi Fialek, the project began as a casual idea – sparked by the library’s popular study playlist. It evolved into a deep dive into Harper’s archives and The Harbinger student newspaper, unearthing a history that surprised and inspired Madhu and Brandi.

“People think of archives as dusty, boring spaces, but there’s a lot of fun to be had,” Brandi said. “The more we can preserve and share these stories, the better we understand how Harper has always been a place for learning, creativity and connection.”

Oprah Winfrey made an appearance on Harper's campus in 1987, as detailed in this article from the college's student newspaper "The Harbinger.".

The performance exhibit includes programs, posters and memorabilia that capture Harper’s role as a cultural hub in the northwest suburbs. Visitors can discover stories of music legends including Jett, Jeff Tweedy and Buddy Guy alongside materials from events that featured Oprah Winfrey (who skipped dinner at the White House to appear at Harper) and countless poets, authors and comedians who performed at venues across campus, from the old Building M fieldhouse to the legendary J Theatre.

The exhibit even recalls campus lore – like the night 1,200 people gathered after rumors spread that the Rolling Stones might make a surprise appearance at a 1980 concert with their hero Muddy Waters. The Stones never came to Harper, but the crowds were enough to clog nearby highways. The traffic even delayed the opening act’s set.

For Madhu, the project offered a window into Harper’s evolving campus life and student culture. The 22-year-old student from Hoffman Estates was excited to learn about musicians who she wasn’t previously familiar with – especially Buddy Guy, considering the pop culture relevance he found after being part of one of 2025’s biggest movies, Sinners.

Chicago blues legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Buddy Guy performed on Harper's campus in 1990. He's part of an exhibit looking back at notable performer's in Harper's history.

“From folk to blues, it was amazing to see how much variety there’s been over the years,” Madhu said. “It reminded me how many incredible artists and speakers have come through here – and how that diversity of talent really shaped Harper’s identity.”

Alongside the physical and virtual displays, the library has launched a Spotify playlist, featuring songs by artists who performed at Harper over more than five decades (and even some recordings that were made on campus). Madhu worked diligently on the eclectic, 8-hour set that spans rock, pop, jazz and alt. country, allowing visitors to experience an aspect of the college’s cultural history.

Brandi praised Madhu’s dedication to the exhibit, along with other projects, during her year-plus as a student aide in the Harper archives. Madhu said that her time in the archives Influenced her educational path and career goals. She is planning to combine her recent experience with her longstanding interest in health careers to pursue a bachelor’s degree in health informatics when she transfers to the University of Illinois Chicago in the spring.

As they come to the end of their time as co-workers, Brandi and Madhu hope this exhibit will inspire students, employees and alumni to continue documenting Harper’s creative and community legacy.

“Harper is not just a resource for students,” Fialek said. “We’re a community space – a place for curiosity, discovery and fun. Projects like this remind us why that matters.”

Steve Martin performed stand-up comedy at Harper in 1977, as shown by the photos and article in "The Harbinger."

Indeed, the Harper College Library is intended to serve and engage the broader community. Anyone can come to the library to take advantage of a variety of services, programs, facilities and materials. Residents of Community College District 512 who are 14 and older can even check out materials such as books, DVDs, technology, periodicals and LPs – including some of the components that went into the Harper performance exhibit.

The exhibit is currently on display on the second floor of the Harper Library and can also be explored online. You can also listen to the exhibit’s Musicians @ Harper Spotify playlist.