Puzzlepalooza: Madison Public Library’s jigsaw puzzle contest
When Madison Public Library approached me to DJ a jigsaw puzzle contest, it was an immediate “yes” for me. I asked if they would consider something other than polka. “What about really good easy listening?” They said yes, and I’m so glad they trusted me to offer something different.
Around 70 people gathered at Madison Public Library for Puzzlepalooza.
Though polka is my main jam, I love all kinds of music. I grew up listening to easy listening on a radio station with the delightful call letters, WYEZ (the letters now identify a different radio station, but it will always be EZ in my heart). I love to pick up records by Hugo Winterhalter, Ray Conniff, Johnny Mann, anything Tijuana Brass-adjacent. These bands and choruses covered pop songs of their day and you can find orchestral pop versions of songs you know well. If time wasn’t a limitation, I’d have an easy listening radio show in addition to Polka Time. Maybe when I retire.
But on Saturday, January 11, I played easy listening for around 70 jigsaw puzzle enthusiasts. I mc’d the event and announced rules, door prizes and celebrated winners. Tables of up to five participants in each team got identical, 500-piece puzzles and the first three teams completed their puzzles in under 30 minutes!
I appreciate library staff for trusting me to bring groovy tunes and for everyone who gave MPL good feedback about how the music was perfect, family-friendly background music for a cozy day in the library.
Puzzlepalooza feedback card reads "...having a DJ makes all the difference."
Radio show hosts Mike Koppa (Mr. Koppa's Neighborhood, WVMO) and Stacy Harbaugh (Polka Time with DJ Shotski, WVMO)
Pro tip: if you like easy listening records as much as I do, you’ll appreciate Mr. Koppa’s Neighborhood on WDRT-FM in Viroqua.
Learn more about Mike’s show and listen to the most recent episodes on WDRT’s website.