Hilltown Family Variety Show
Cinco de Mayo Episode with Guest DJ, Mariana Iranzi
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Mariana Iranzi, children’s musician from Argentina living in New York, guest DJs our Cinco de Mayo Episode— a celebration of Hispanic culture and its friendship with the United States through great family music. Multicultural, bilingual (Spanish & English) and fun! – www.marianairanzi.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am May 4th & 5th, 2013 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
This weekend is Cinco de Mayo, and next weekend is Mother’s Day! In this video Mariana Iranzi’s bilingual song celebrates Mother’s day – Felíz día Mamá!
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “World of Wonder,” the title track from Alison Faith Levy’s debut album for children World of Wonder… a paean to the natural world and all its mystery. Animated by filmmaker Danny Plotnick.
Autumn Leaves – “Stars in the Snow” [The Twilight Hours of the Autumn Leaves]
The Sippy Cups – “Drinking from the Sky” [Electric Storyland]
The Jayhawks – “Save It For a Rainy Day” [Rainy Day Music]
The Kinks – “Waterloo Sunset” [Something Else by The Kinks]
ABOUT ALISON FAITH LEVY
Alison Faith Levy, the songwriter behind such Sippy Cups hits as “Magic Toast,” “The Jellyfish,” “Move Your Pants” and “One Day Soon,” returns to making music for kids with a stunning solo album, World of Wonder.
After spending five years criss-crossing the country with the psychedelic rock n’ roll circus for kids that was The Sippy Cups, performing in such venues such as Symphony Space in NYC, Lollapalooza, House of Blues, Central Park Summerstage and Austin City Limits, Alison Faith Levy took a break from performing for children and found success with her “grown-up” Americana band, McCabe & Mrs. Miller, with songwriting partner Victor Krummenacher (of Camper Van Beethoven). They performed with the likes of Rosanne Cash, Cracker, and Built to Spill, and released an acclaimed album Time for Leaving.
Alison missed performing for children, however, and started up a music time at a local bookstore. She began writing new songs for the kids, and word spread quickly. Within a few months the place was packed to the rafters every week and she started putting a band together and booking performances at libraries, museums, music venues and outdoor festivals. She enlisted the help of her friend, songwriter and bandleader of lush indie popsters The Orange Peels — producer Allen Clapp. Together they took the new batch of songs and crafted their perfect pop album, playing practically every instrument on the album themselves and mining their collective encyclopedic knowledge of pop music for production touchstones. – www.alisonfaithlevy.com
Hilltown Family Variety Show Guest DJ, Francie Kelley
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Los Angeles based singer/songwriter Francie Kelley will be taking us on a musical safari from our neighborhoods to places far and wide, with uplifting and joyful songs, from her new CD Where Do You Want To Go Today and other favorite artists. Infused with international sounds and rhythms, you’ll be transported to countries such as Ireland, Africa, Jamaica and back home to the heartland. – www.franciekelley.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am April 13th & 14th, 2013 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Hilltown Family Variety Show Guest DJ, Lloyd H Miller
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Lloyd H Miller is the leader of the Deedle Deedle Dees, a Brooklyn NY-based that draws inspiration from history, science, and folklore for their interactive family concerts. His guest DJ spot on HFVS is a celebration of Women’s History via the music of some of his favorite female artists. – thedeedledeedledees.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am March 16th & 17th, 2013 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
This week guest DJs Bill Harley and Keith Munslow teamed up and selected a bunch of their favorite songs; some from their childhood, recent discoveries, and a couple of ditties from their new CD as well! While not expressly “kids songs”, these are songs that Bill and Keith love. They love them for their humor, wit, silliness and musical wizardry. – www.billharley.com, www.keithmunslow.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am March 23rd & 24th, 2013 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “The Boy Who Hid In A Peanut” by Bill Harley
Hilltown Family Variety Show Guest DJ, Steve Weeks
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Join guest host Steve Weeks for a eclectic musical journey filled with new kindie releases, old favorites, and a few surprises. You’ll hear electro-pop, a capella, bluegrass, rock, Celtic and more as Steve explores the “Variety” in the Hilltown Family Variety Show. – www.steveweeksmusic.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am March 16th & 17th, 2013 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
In his excellent storytelling style, Steve Weeks’ newest song “Change of Heart” sends a positive message to both parents and children alike about sharing, accepting and trying new things… he’s even put together a super cute video!
Julianna Bright, the Portland based artist and musician and mom with the kids’ music moniker Cat Doorman gathers together a passel of tunes from her family’s record collection, dotting the playlist with a few tunes from her recent release Cat Doorman Songbook. Other songs hop from Andalusia to Paris, from the 1930′s through today with a common thread of playfulness and joy. – www.catdoorman.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am March 2nd & 3rd, 2013 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Mama Doni celebrates the Jewish holiday of Purim on Hilltown Family Variety Show! Celebrating the universal theme of Purim: standing up to adversity, having a voice, self empowerment, Mama Doni shares classic songs of strength. This unique Radio Show will give listeners a flavor of Purim – from the fun and crazy to the true meaning and message of this cool Jewish holiday. Produced by Doni Zasloff and Eric Lindberg
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am Feb 23rd & 24th, 2013 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured video: What to wear for the holiday of Purim? Mama Doni and her band have some engaging ideas to sort through the choices in their original song, “Costume Conundrum.” Learn more about the Mama Doni Band online at mamdoni.com.
Love & Social Consciousness Episode
with Guest DJ, Lisa Mathews of Milkshake
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Lisa Mathews of the Grammy-nominated kid rock band Milkshake talks about love and social consciousness in this musically diverse hour. With a song list that includes Sly and the Family Stone, Billie Holiday, the Civil Wars, Adele, Lucienne Boyer and a sprinkling of Milkshake tunes from the band’s brand-new 33-song Got a Minute? CD (featuring the long-lost 13 songs written for PBS KIDS), the show is sure to reward big ears and inspire discussion.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am Feb 16th & 17th, 2013 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured video: “I Love You” Music Video: A compilation of clips from Real Look Autism, with the song “I Love You” by Milkshake. – www.milkshakemusic.com
Mardi Gras Episode
with Guest DJs, Johnette Downing & Scott Billington
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Children’s book author and musician Johnette Downing and Grammy Award winning producer Scott Billington offer a carnival of Louisiana roots music; a showcase of Cajun, New Orleans Rhythm and Blues, Zydeco, Brass Band and Jazz music by Louisiana artists.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am Feb 9th & 10th, 2013 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured video: Reading Rocks! By Johnette Downing Children’s book author and musician Johnette Downing sings “Reading Rocks!” from her Reading Rocks! CD to get children boppin’ into books and rockin’ into reading! – www.johnettedowning.com
Professor Longhair – “Go to the Mardi Gras” (The Complete Ric & Ron Recordings,
Vol. 6: Classic New Orleans R&B and More, 1958-1965)
The Hawkettes – “Mardi Gras Mambo” (The History of Rhythm & Blues, Volume 3 -
The Rock’n’roll Years)
Zachary Richard – “File’ Gumbo” (Zack’s Bon Ton)
Johnette Downing – “Bon Jour Mes Amis,” (From the Gumbo Pot)
Papillion – “Cocodrie” (Cajun for Kids)
Johnette Downing – “Why the Possum Has a Large Grin,” (Reading Rocks!)
Huey Smith and the Clowns – “Don’t You Just Know It” (Having a Good Time With
Huey ‘Piano’ Smith & His Clowns – The Very Best of, Vol. 1)
Robert Parker – “Barefootin’” (Introduction to Robert Parker)
Fats Domino – “Walkin’ to New Orleans” (The Fats Domino Jukebox: 20 Greatest
Hits)
Nathan the the Zydeco Cha Chas – “Festival Zydeco” (Creole Crossroads)
Dirty Dozen Brass Band – “Little Liza Jane” (My Feet Can’t Fail Me Now)
Johnette Downing and Jimmy LaRocca’s Original Dixieland Jazz Band – “Dixieland
Jazz” (Dixieland Jazz for Children)
Louie Prima – “Banana Split for My Baby,” (Louis Prima Collectors Series)
Louis Armstrong – “What a Wonderful World,” (What a Wonderful World)
Johnette Downing and Jimmy LaRocca’s Original Dixieland Jazz Band – “It’s Time for
Mardi Gras,” (Dixieland Jazz for Children)
About Johnette Downing
Dubbed the “Musical Ambassador to Children” and the “Pied Piper of Louisiana Music Traditions,” Johnette Downing is a multi-award winning children’s book author and musician performing concerts and author visits for children, and workshops and keynote for educators globally. Dedicated to celebrating childhood, sharing cultures and fostering literacy through her music, books and programs, Johnette has performed in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Central America, North America and the Caribbean, has received twenty-one awards and has received rave reviews in the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Disney Family Fun Magazine, Parenting Magazine, Parents Magazine and many more.
Scott Billington
Scott Billington is a musician, writer and Grammy® Award winning record producer. With a discography of over 100 albums of roots-based music, Scott has received the Porretta (Italy) Sweet Soul Music Award, the Blues Foundation’s Keeping the Blues Alive Award, and the Offbeat (New Orleans) Lifetime Achievement Award. His records have garnered a total of ten Grammy® nominations, along with awards from the French Academie du Jazz, Living Blues magazine and many others. His writing has appeared in the Oxford American, Gambit, the Boston Globe and numerous other publications. Scott’s harmonica playing has been featured on albums by artists as diverse as Appalachian folk singer Hazel Dickens, rockabilly musician Sleepy LaBeef and soul singer Irma Thomas.
Doo-Wop Episode
with Guest DJs, Michael & Tony Napolitano
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Preschool of Rock takes you on a magical musical journey from the late 1940′s to present day music.
Michael Napolitano hosts the show with his father, Tony Napolitano. Their musical experiences span 7 decades from Tony’s childhood singing Doo-wop on street corners in Newark NJ to Michael’s youth Rocking drums in the basement! With songs like Preschool of Rock’s Family Song they discuss how the Napolitano Family continues this musical lineage as Michael’s children sing on this track with their parents and grandparents. From Bobby Darin to Led Zeppelin, this show is certain to educate and entertain. Be sure to wear your dancing shoes!!
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am Jan 26th & 27th, 2013 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Hilltown Family Variety Show
Holiday Radio Shows/Podcasts
Originally broadcasted out of Northampton, MA on WXOJ-LP 103.3FM (Valley Free Radio) for the holidays, we’ve gathered six holiday episodes of the Hilltown Family Variety Show from over the years to share with your family as we celebrate the season. Enjoy these commercial-free podcasts that celebrate Chanukah, Christmas, Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, the New Year and the spirit of peace and giving.
Doni Zasloff Thomas (Mama Doni) brings The Heart of Chanukah to the Hilltown Family Variety Show with a lively program of songs and stories for Chanukah, including musical selections from Sha Na Na, The GrooveBarbers, and Woody Guthrie, along with Mama Doni Band originals, including “Chanukah Fever,” “Latke Man,” and “Honey. This Ain’t Money.” She also reads a Chanukah story, offer some great family activities for the holiday, and share some of her favorite Chanukah recipes, such as Judah Mac-N-Cheese and Choco-latkes. – Story: “Too Many Latkes” by Richard Codor
Hilltown Family Variety Show Holiday Episode Playlist/Video
HFVS producer Sienna Wildfield hosts a holiday show celebrating Chanukah, Christmas, Winter Solstice and Kwanzaa. Music from years past by artist like The Jackson, Burl Ives, Gene Aurty and the Vince Guaraldi Trio, interwoven with kindie artists like Uncle Rock, Recess Monkey, Ben Rudnick & Friends and Laurie Berkner make a fun show for the whole family!
Ashley Albert of The Jimmies Guest DJs the Hilltown Family Variety Show for Christmas, spinning tunes by Squirrel Nut Zippers, The Smithereens, Granvile Williams Orchestra, The Drifters, The Ramones, The Enchanters and songs off of her holiday CD, Mama Said Nog You Out. – Story: “The Fridgeville Chronicles: Jelly and Peanut Butter” by Ashley Albert
Charity Kahn of Charity and the JAMBand Guest DJs a holiday show for the Hilltown Family Variety Show with a Winter Solstice theme of light, love, community and music! – Story: “Owl Moon” by Jane Yolen
Hilltown Family Variety Show Holiday Peace Episode Playlist/Video
HFVS producer Sienna Wildfield and co-host Persephone (6yo) host a post-holidays pre-New Year’s Day show with music reflecting the season and songs of peace by great musicians, including Lui Collins, Timmy Abell, The Hullabaloos, Johnny Mathis, Rosemary Clooney, and many others. – Story: Fawnie Byer reads “Peace Feather Story” off of Peace in the World Smiling
Hilltown Family Variety Show New Year’s Day Peace Episode Playlist
HFVS producer Sienna Wildfield and co-host Persephone (5yo) host a New Year’s Day episode with music about both world and inner peace for the New Year. Music by Babtunde Olatunji, Cat Stevens, Elizabeth Mitchell, Sweet Honey in the the Rock, Michelle Shocked, Pete Seeger and many other amazing musicians. – Story: Fawnie Byer reads “Peace Feather Story” off of Peace in the World Smiling
American Roots Music Episode
with Guest DJ, Steve Pierson
Steve Pierson, creator of “Jambo,” hosts an American Roots Music themed show. Playing songs that have inspired him, as well as some of Jambo’s own “Roots Music for Kids.” Steve’s turn as our guest DJ will celebrate the great diversity of music that comes from America!
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am Dec 1st & 2nd, 2012 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured video: Steve Pierson and Jambo performing “Where Do They Go?” live at McCabe’s Guitar Shop in Santa Monica, CA. – www.jambojam.com
This special Thanksgiving episode by Charity Kahn from Charity and the JAMband explores, through music and story, some of the many, many things we have to be grateful for in our lives — like the sun, rain, friends and family – - culminating in a vision for world peace where everyone finally has enough food, shelter, community and love. Incorporating songs by Snatam Kaur, Los Lobos, the Moody Blues, the Rolling Stones, and Nat King Cole, among others, the music and commentary weave a gentle yet thought-provoking meditation on gratitude, generosity, love and compassion to inspire folks of all ages this holiday season.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am Nov 24th & 25th, 2012 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured video: Charity has a great song, “Loving Kindness.” She writes, “Love shouldn’t cost anything. This song emanated from the Buddhist practice of Loving Kindness (also called Metta), whereby you send wishes of health, happiness, safety and peace of mind to yourself and others.” In this video she shows you the movements to the song so you can show your preK kids how to dance along! Download the song for free here. – www.jamjamjam.com
Jazz for Kids Episode
with Guest DJ, David Tobocman
David Tobocman guest DJs with a Jazz for Kids show this week that features some of his own swingin’ tunes as well as an in-studio performance of his “Lemonade School” story song.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am Nov 10th & 11th, 2012 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am Nov 3rd & 4th, 2012 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Western MA songwriter Dennis Caraher is our guest DJ this week! The last time Dennis was on our show was nearly six years ago when HFVS debuted on April 3rd, 2007! Dennis’s records for children have won two Parents’ Choice Gold Medal Awards and his poetry has been featured by Garrison Keillor on The Writer’s Almanac. This week he plays songs that have inspired him and talks about writing songs. He also, while broadcasting, has written a completely new song. Listen in to see what he came up with.
Saturdays from 9-10am & Sundays from 7-8am October 27th & 28th, 2012 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
It’s Howling Halloween with guest DJ. award-winning family music recording artist and performer, Andy Z. Listen along as Andy Z takes you on a musical tour of all things All Hallow’s Eve. Andy’s special set will include both classic and unexpected Halloween and Halloween-friendly tunes, including a few from his new Halloween-themed album, “The Grand Scream Of Things”. Don’t miss this Grand opportunity to gear up for the big holiday! – www.andyz.com
Featured Video: Andy Z & The Beeheads engage in a little healthy Halloween hijinks, with a helping hand from some “punk” rockin’ kids!
“Today’s show is all about dreams… dreams we have at night when we’re fast asleep and dreams we have during the day when we’re wide awake! Dreams can tell us many things… what we love to do, what we’re afraid of, what we’re really feeling and what we hope for in the future. Learning to believe in our dreams is the first step in making our dreams come true… Listen carefully and join the journey as we learn all about dreams!” – Alex Mitnick
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am Sept 22nd & 23rd, 2012 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured video: “I’m So Glad” by Alex Mitnick, filmed this summer in Central Park, NYC. – www.kaleidoscopesongs.com
Ben Rudnick guest DJ’s the HFVS this week, putting together a show celebrating love!
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am Sept 8th & 9th, 2012 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured video: Ben Rudnick and Friends tell the story of Sam. Sam is a country frog who heads off to the big city to fulfill his dream of singing for big audiences. With success, he misses his friends and returns to sing for them back at the pond. – www.benrudnick.com
Chuck Folds and his band Big Bang Boom guest DJ the HFVS this week, putting together a show on helping each other out, being good friends and getting along together.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am Aug 11th & 12th, 2012 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Join acclaimed musicianer/songster (that’s what they called ‘em in the olden days) Randy Kaplan this Saturday at 9 a.m. (or anytime via podcast!) as he guest DJs the Hilltown Family Variety Show. In addition to spinning songs by Bluegrass, Folk, Calypso, and Broadway masters, he’ll be introducing his new Country-Blues & Ragtime CD, Mr. Diddie Wah Diddie!
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am July 21st & 22nd, 2012 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: Five performance of “Ice Cream Man Rag” by Randy Kaplan. Recorded by Piter Marek at McCabe’s Guitar Shop in Santa Monica, CA. - www.RandyKaplan.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am July 14th & 15th, 2012 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: From the new Dog on Fleas CD, Invisible Friends, here is a wacky video by Wayne Montecalvo. No sock puppets were injured in the making of this video! – www.dogonfleas.com
Welcome to Hilltown Families, a grassroots communication network for families living in Western Mass, established in 2005 by hilltown mother and long time activist Sienna Wildfield.
"Hilltown Families keeps us connected with all the amazing educational and cultural activities and resources that abound here in W. Mass and curates them in a way to let us know just what’s out there for the many varied interests of our young families and communities,while creating networks of support and growth." - Kara Kitchen (Plainfield, MA)
The Hilltown Family Variety Show (HFVS) airs Saturday mornings on Valley Free Radio, 103.3FM WXOJ, Northampton, MA from 9-10am with encores on Sunday from 7-8am. Playlist and podcasts are posted immediately following broadcast. Listen to our archived shows at any time: HFVS Archived Shows.
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disclaimer
Information provided on Hilltown Families (HF) is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Reasonable efforts are made to provide the most accurate information, but no guarantees of any kind can be made. Information can be changed without prior notice. Please check with 3rd parties to confirm all listings for date/time, cost, location and age appropriateness before attending. Opinions expressed on HF are that of the writer and not necessarily that of HF. In no event shall HF be liable (directly or indirectly) for any losses or damages causes (or allegedly caused) in connection with HF. All health and wellness related information is for entertainment purposes only and should not be used to substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. All provided links are provided as a courtesy and not as an endorsement.
The exhibit will be on display at the Forbes Library in Northampton for the month of February 2013, and at the City Hall Gallery in Easthampton from Sept 13-Dec 11, 2013. - We're currently booking shows for the Spring/Summer of 2013 and for 2014. Each exhibit is a unique showcase of images that correspond with the season and venue. Contact us to inquire about hosting this fundraising exhibit for Hilltown Families in your town/venue.
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