Just in time for Oktoberfest season, Women in Vinyl featured a story about the origin of DJ Shotski and why I play polka records. It was a great experience to share my feelings and lessons I’ve learned taking on this venture.

On National Polka Day, DJ Shotski played vintage polka records for Madison’s screen printing cooperative, aptly named Polka! Press at Dark Horse ArtBar.

Allison Garfield of the Cap Times connected with me for a Q&A about how I got started playing polka records, why polka music brings people together, and how easing into the fall Oktoberfest season is a great time for polka.

The evening was a delightful celebration of vintage vinyl music played by a group of lady DJs who are deeply committed to their music and volunteerism at local campus and community radio stations.

I started following his account right around the time he started posting 45s from Waffle House jukeboxes. The quirky, flat-grill themed songs hinted at his eclectic collection. He seemed to love everything from disco boogie to women in country music, but it was the Northern Soul that especially caught my eye.

It’s good to know a picker. Soon after I met Tom at River District Antiques and told him I was a polka DJ, he emailed me about his buddy Gary who had a couple boxes of polka records to share. Of course I will take free records, Tom! The answer to free records is always yes.

Is polka dying? Canadian folk-punk band The Dreadnoughts issued a call to action to save polka, and save ourselves. Polka is happy music. Music for the community. It’s why DJ Shotski plays old records.

I haven’t been to Munich for Oktoberfest yet, but short of traveling to Germany to celebrate the harvest, I think New Glarus, Wisconsin is the best place in the world to celebrate Oktoberfest. This is not hyperbole. New Glarus is the sweetest town in Wisconsin.

The world’s only Waunakee is also the home to Wauktoberfest on the grounds of Endres Manufacturing. The event is a huge fundraiser for local charities and service organizations, but it’s also a good time to get a jump start on the Oktoberfest season.

Toot and Kate’s is Verona’s adorable downtown gathering place with a pour-your-own wine system and a full bar. This was a wonderful (first paid!) gig as a polka vinyl DJ during a Packer pre-season game day.

My very first, public DJ gig was on the patio at the Malt House in Madison, Wisconsin. The way this gig came about was kind of a long story.

It’s Polka Time! Stacy explains how the COVID crisis got her to finally get some turntables and explore her love of polka.

Stacy talks to Wisconsin Public Radio’s Central Time about her post-COVID hope of sharing polka with a new generation of fans.

Learned something new during the COVID crisis? You’re in good company. Stacy writes Madison Magazine’s April 2021 edition’s opener on learning new things.