Getting Along Episode with Guest DJs, David Ladon and Seth Adams (a.k.a. Animal Farm)
Explore themes of friendship and community with musician-educators David Ladon and Seth Adams, the singer/songwriter team behind the children’s music band Animal Farm. David and Seth share some Animal Farm tunes from their albums Run Free and We Are One, as well as songs by everyone from Nina Simone to Kermit the Frog. These are songs that celebrate not only getting along but learning to love and share with one another. After all, we’re all riding on this rollercoaster trip around the sun! You and me are we, and we are one! — www.animalfarmband.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am October 12th & 13th, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Inspiration. What is it? Where does it come from? What inspires us to make music? In this episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show, Jamie Broza takes us through a diverse array of fantastic songs and singers that have inspired him to make music, and hopefully will inspire some of our listeners to start writing their own songs! – www.jamielawrenceproductions.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am October 6 & 7, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Intro to the History of Rock Episode with Guest DJs, Ari & Ezra from The Oot n’ Oots
Ari and Ezra from The Oot n’ Oots play songs and tell stories to highlight the evolution of rock music from the 1950s to the 1970s, covering major trends and introducing listeners of all ages to a distinctly American musical tradition. – www.theootnoots.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am September 29th & 30th, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: 10-year-old Oot n’ Oot lead singer Ruth Cipes belts out the rock n’ roll classic “Too Much Monkey Business.” Originally by Chuck Berry, this version features alternate lyrics told from a kid’s perspective.
World Languages Episode with Guest DJ, Sarah Aroeste
Sarah Aroeste, a children’s singer and songwriter in the rare and eclectic dialect of Spanish called Ladino, will take listeners around the globe to explore some contemporary kids music in lesser-known dialects. From Quechua to Yup’ik to Amharic and more, Aroeste hopes listeners will agree that good music is good music, no matter the language! — www.saraharoeste.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am September 23 & 24, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “Over the course of human history, thousands of languages have developed from what was once a much smaller number. How did we end up with so many? And how do we keep track of them all? Alex Gendler explains how linguists group languages into language families, demonstrating how these linguistic trees give us crucial insights into the past.” View full lesson: How languages evolve – Alex Gendler (TED-Ed)
Pirate Episode with Guest DJ, Tom Mason of the Blue Buccaneers
Captain Tom Mason of the Blue Buccaneers takes the helm as our guest DJ for an hour of songs about pirates and the sea. Listen to songs from islands the pirates visited, dance to both the peg-leg jig and the peg-leg tango, and sing along to sea shanties old and new. Captain Tom also gives a brief lesson in how to talk like a pirate, as well as a few words about fine dining on the deep sea. – tommason.net
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am September 15 & 16, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: Are Ghost Ships Real?
According to TED-Ed, “In 1884, the British steamer “Rumney” crashed into the French ship “Frigorifique.” Seeing their ship filling with water, the French crew climbed aboard the “Rumney.” But as they sailed towards port, a silent form emerged from the fog – the abandoned “Frigorifique,” seemingly back for revenge. So what happened? Peter B. Campbell investigates the fascinating phenomenon of ghost ships.”
Science & Education Episode with Danny Weinkauf of They Might Be Giants
Danny Weinkauf guest DJs our science and education episode, demonstrating though song examples and commentary his love of both, and how it has influenced his favorite songs and personal writing style. − www.dannyweinkauf.coma
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am September 8 & 9, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “Electric Car” by They Might Be Giants off of their album, Here Comes Science.
Back to School Episode with Guest DJ, Joanie Leeds
Joanie Leeds of Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights guest DJs HFVS Back To School Episode. Joanie hand-picked all of the school themed songs including a few from her CD, Bandwagon as well as from artists such as: Pop Ups, Dizzy Gillespie, Justin Roberts, Bari Koral, Recess Monkey, Lunch Money, Astrograss, Miss Nina, They Might Be Giants, The Verve Pipe, Chuck Berry, Trout Fishing in America and Rocknoceros.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am September 1 & 2, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video:
According to The School of Life, a global organization dedicated to fostering emotional well-being, the greatest problem of the modern education system is that it doesn’t focus on systematically preparing students for many aspects of the real challenge out there: Life itself.
HFVS Wildlife Episode with Guest DJs, Casey & Kevin from The Whizpops
Kevin and Casey of The Whizpops have put together a fun educational show about wildlife and imagination seamlessly weaving songs about animals both real and make-believe. Join them on a musical journey through endangered species, mustaches, and even unicorns! — www.thewhizpops.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am August 25th & 26th, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “Experience the continent with the most diverse environments in this episode of “Destination World.” North America stretches from the polar Arctic to the tropical Caribbean, and you’ll find almost all major habitats on this continent.” – National Geographic Kids
The Tokens – “The Lion Sleeps Tonight (Wimoweh)” [The Lion Sleeps Tonight]
The Pop Ups – “The Bat” [Radio Jungle]
The Whizpops – “Monarch” [Ranger Rick’s Trail Mix Vol. 1]
Caspar Babypants – “Butterfly Driving A Truck” [Sing Along!]
The Whizpops – “Pika” [Ranger Rick’s Trail Mix Vol. 1]
The Big Wu – “Kangaroo” [Tracking Buffalo Through The Bathroom]
The Pop Ups – “Elephant” [Radio Jungle]
The Whizpops – “Everything’s Better With A Mustache (Walrus Song)” [Ranger Rick’s Trail Mix Vol. 1]
FunkeyMonkeys – “Mustache” [[Mustache]
The Salamanders – “Please Don’t Eat My Guitar” [[The Salamanders]
Ylvis – “The Fox (What Does The Fox Say?)” [The Fox (What Does The Fox Say?) – Single]
The Whizpops – “Swift Fox” [Ranger Rick’s Trail Mix Vol. 1]
Blitzen Trapper – “Furr” [Furr]
Sallie Ford and the Outside Sound – “Not an Animal” [Dirty Radio]
Brent Holmes – “I Can’t Wait To Hibernate” [Bear Tunes for Kids]
Recess Monkey – “Lovestruck Unicorn” [Novelties]
Eclectic Happiness Episode with Guest DJ, Chris Ballew of Caspar Babypants
The theme of this show is “songs that make you happy.” Through a variety of styles and genres Caspar Babypants takes the listener on a smile generating ride through some of his favorite happy tunes that lift spirits and make people dance and sing or just happily groove along. – www.babypantsmusic.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am August 18th & 19th, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: Knowing how to derive satisfaction from small pleasures is key to a good life. Here is a short guide via The School of Life:
Rivers, Critters and Pirate Misfit Episode with Guest DJs, Funkinships
The Funkinships share some of their favorite songs about the river that brought them together. Learn about the critters that make the water a magical place and why we need to keep the rivers clean for them. —www.funkinships.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am August 11th & 12th, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Funkinships – “Sea Legs” [Post Folk Absurdist]
Shel Silverstien – “Captain Hook” [Where The Sidewalk Ends]
Pete Seeger and Ed Renehan – “The Old Ben Franklin and the Sloop Sally B”[Fifty Sail on Newburgh Bay]
Funkinships – “The Shad and The Eel”[Post Folk Absurdist]
Make and Clancy – “A Place in the Choir” [The Makem and Clancey Collection]
Kermit the Frog – “Rainbow Connection” [The Muppet Movie Original Soundtrack]
Lyle Lovett – “If I had a Boat” [Pontiac]
Funkinships – “Left Foot, Right Foot”[Post Folk Absurdist]
Sesame Street – “Alligator King” [The Count Counts: Vol. 1]
Pete Seeger – “Sailing Down my Golden River” [Pete]
Funkinships – “If You Cant Sing Well Sing Loud”[Post Folk Absurdist]
Derek McGee – “The Donkey Of Violet Hill”
John Hartford – “Turn Your Radio On” [Steam Powered Aero Plane]
Funkinships – “The Great Whale Ball”[Post Folk Absurdist]
Scrapbooking Spectacular Episode with Recess Monkey
Recess Monkey leads listeners on a wacky, musical step-by-step process for creating photo memory books that will rival any Instagram post. – www.recessmonkey.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am August 4th & 5th, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “Wind-Up Robot” by Recess Monkey. Drew uncovers a forgotten toy and it threatens to take over the entire city, the lovable blockhead!
HFVS Surprise Episode with Guest DJs, Randy & Dave
Sometimes things happen that aren’t quite what you’d expect. Hit songwriters Randy Sharp and Dave Kinnoin, known in the children’s music business as Randy & Dave, bring you songs that are full of surprises. — songwizard.com/randyanddave
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am July 28 & 29, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: The surprising truth of which life form REALLY dominates the earth…
• Randy & Dave – “Absolutely Nowhere to Go” [Snorkel]
• Connie Francis – “High Hopes” [Connie Francis Greatest Hits Volume One]
• Justin Roberts – “Henrietta’s Hair” [Pop Fly]
• Kare Strong and Josh Goforth – “The Family Over the Hill” [Rivers of Love]
• Katherine Dines – “The Goobaws” [Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta Boo-2]
• Randy & Dave – “Squirrel” [Snorkel]
• Eric Ode – “Bobby Brought a Skunk to the Pet Parade” [Trash Can]
• Val Smalkin and Silly Goose – “Itsy Bitsy Spider” [live in studio]
• Bill Harley – “I’m Busy” [Dinosaurs Don’t Say Please]
• Randy & Dave – “Mixed-Up Day” [Snorkel]
• Jonathan Sprout – “Washington’s Hat” [American Heroes]
• Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer – “Ballet Dancing Truck Driver” [Changing Channels]
• Dana Cohenour – “Cow in the Car” [Dana’s Best Travelin’ Tunes]
• Randy & Dave – “Snorkel” [Snorkel]
From Beans to Pancakes to Egg Salad, all tastes are considered in week’s episode. Learn about how corn is in your car, your home, your clothes, and your medicines. Songs about sharing food, renting food, and even calling food will keep your toes tapping and your mouth watering. — www.GunnarMadsen.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am July 21 & 22, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “Egg Salad in the Sun” by Gunnar Madsen
Cab Calloway – “Everybody Eats When They Come To My House” [Hi De Ho Man]
The Bobs – “Food To Rent” [Songs For Tomorrow Morning]
Chops – “I Like Cereal” [Ping Pong Playa Soundtrack]
They Might Be Giants – “John Lee Supertaster” [No!]
Gunnar Madsen – “I Am Your Food” [I Am Your Food]
Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention – “Call Any Vegetable” [Absolutely Free]
Dave Van Ronk – “One Meatball” [No Dirty Names]
Gunnar Madsen – “In My Soup” [I Am Your Food]
Lambert, Hendricks & Ross – “Farmer’s Market” [The Hottest New Group In Jazz]
Gunnar Madsen – “Egg Salad In The Sun” [I Am Your Food]
Harry Nilsson – “Coconut” [Personal Best: The Harry Nilsson Anthology]
The Presidents Of The United States Of America – “Peaches” [The Presidents Of The United States Of America: Ten Year Super Bonus]
Gunnar Madsen – “10,000 Pancakes” [I Am Your Food]
Monty Python – “Spam” [Monty Python Sings]
Summer Family Fun Episode with Guest DJ, Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam
Guest DJ Jason Didner invites you for an hour of “fun in the sun” themed music by today’s great children’s musicians and a few well renowned classic rock and reggae acts. You’ll get to know more about the “Jersey Shore Sound” that Jason and band are proud to call an influence. You’ll catch the beach party spirit that’s on full display from Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, an energy that also shows up in tracks by Brady Rymer and Yosi. You’ll enjoy the feel-good sounds of Jimmy Cliff, Suzi Shelton, Miss Nina and more. Whether you’re headed for the beach, the lake or the pool, this episode can be your summer soundtrack! — junglegymjam.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am July 14 & 15, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “The sun is out and Jessi and Squeaks are ready to perform all kinds of fun outdoor science experiments! Let’s take a look at some of the fun activities they’ve done before, like making a kite, building a solar tower, blowing bubbles, and of course, making ice cream!” – SciShow Kids
As multi-award winning singer/songwriter Joanie Leeds hosts The Hilltown Family Variety Show for the third time, she challenged herself by finding the “Songs That Make You Go Hmmmm, curating The Songwriting Show.” While writing tunes for her band, Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights, Joanie has always been drawn to “play on word” songs. In her songwriting themed show, Joanie picked tunes that concentrate on “idioms,” “creative word play,” and songs about songwriting hoping listeners will be inspired to create songs of their own. — www.joanieleeds.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am July 7 & 8, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “Is songwriting really that complicated? Children’s rock performer Ralph Covert shares 4 simple steps to being a songwriter. To show how easy it can be, he creates one live on stage with the audience’s participation.” – 4 simple steps to writing a song | Ralph Covert | TEDxNaperville
HFVS Songs About America Episode with Guest DJ, Rocknoceros
Rocknoceros joins us as our Guest DJ with a Songs About America Episode. The musical trio explores their record collections to find tunes that celebrate, illustrate, and even criticize the Land of the Free. Starting with the Chuck Berry-inspired rock ‘n roll of the 1950s, the selections quickly span the decades that followed and the various styles that continue to thrive today. Join in the fun as the band members discuss the people and places that help make American music what it is, with a few asides about lemonade stands and Irving Berlin. — rocknoceros.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am June 30 & July 1, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: This TEDx Talk, “How banning the African drum gave birth to American music” by Chris Johnson (TEDxHudson) explores how can we understand a culture if its very means of communication have been banned? Chris Johnson examines the role of the drum in African American Culture and American History.
Rocknoceros – “United States of America” [Rocknoceros]
Otis Redding – “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” [The Essentials: Otis Redding]
Ramones – “Rockaway Beach (Live)” [It’s Alive (Live)]
Recess Monkey – “Lemonade” [In Tents]
Chuck Berry – “Sweet Little Sixteen” [20th Century Masters – The Millenium Collection: The Best of Chuck Berry]
The Beach Boys – “Surfin’ U.S.A.” [Surfin’ USA]
Van Halen – “Dancing In the Street” [Diver Down]
Bruce Springsteen – “Born In the U.S.A.” [Born In the U.S.A.]
Rocknoceros – “Squeakers” [Plymouth Rockers]
Elton John – “Philadelphia Freedom” [Greatest Hits 1970-2002]
Grateful Dead – “U.S. Blues” [From the Mars Hotel]
Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer – “I’m My Own Grandpa (feat. Riders In the Sky)” [Dancin’ In the Kitchen]
Dwight Yoakam – “The Late Great Golden State” [21st Century Hits: Best of 2000-2012]
David Bowie – “Young Americans” [Young Americans]
Rocknoceros – “God Bless America” [Plymouth Rockers]
HFVS Rock and Keep Rolling Episode with Guest DJ, Tim Seston
Exploring a single word through music can uncover the many ways we use language on an everyday basis. In Rock and Keep Rolling the word “roll” is used to describe the movement of waves, wheat fields, and a manatee. It describes the fun of rolling down a hill to the more sophisticated meaning of letting something roll off you back. A roll can be a food item, or a drum sequence, or quite simply the partner of rock. – www.frompagetoplay.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am June 15th & 16th, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Tim Seston – “Bring on the Thunder” [On a Roll]
Doobee Brothers – “Black Water” [Best of the Doobees]
Fran Friedman – “The Colors of the Earth” [Dreams for Tomorrow]
Justin Roberts – “Rolling Down the Hill” [Lemonade]
Tim Seston – “Rolling in the Mud” [Here to Play]
Little Richard – “On Top of Spaghetti” [A Child’s Celebration of Silliest Songs]
Karen K & the Jitterbugs – “Slow Roll” [Blue Bike Chronicles]
Dorothy Cresswell – “Mary Manatee” [More Songs for Curious Kids]
Keith Boynton – “Be Like a Duck” [Philadelphia Chickens]
Tim Seston – “Jelly and Coral” [On a Roll]
Andy Z – “This Land is Your Land” [Classic Songs & Traditional Tunes]
Ratboy Jr. – “Bill” [Champions of the Universe]
Wayne Potash – “Seven Nights to Rock” [Don’t Forget the Donut!]
Liz Buchanan – “Rockin in the Rabbit Hole” [Once Upon a Tune]
Uncle Devin – “Drum Roll Call” [Drum Tales!]
Tim Seston – “On a Roll” [On a Roll]
In 1910, inspired by the already established Mother’s Day, the first Father’s Day was proclaimed. It wasn’t until 1972 that it became a federal holiday to be observed on the third Sunday in June. This week, musician Frank Gallo brings us a musical celebration of Father’s Day! – http://www.roliepolieguacamole.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am June 16 & 17, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: Why Do You Love Your Family? … Math!
New Beginnings Episode with Guest DJ, Alison Faith Levy
Kindie artist Alison Faith Levy shares some of her favorite songs with the theme of New Beginning – songs about starting something new, dawning, awakening, renewal…. and shares fun facts about which came first – the chicken or the egg! She plays some of her own retro pop tunes for kids, some classic rock from the Kinks, the Byrds and The Beatles, some favorite modern psychedelia, and plenty of wonderful songs by her many musicians’ friends. — www.alisonfaithlevy.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am June 9th & 10th, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
History of Folk Music for Families with Guest DJ, Greg McIlvaine of The Hollow Trees
This week on the HFVS, Greg McIlvaine, singer and guitar player with The Hollow Trees guest DJs this week with History of Folk Music for Families Episode. He plays fun and fascinating family songs ranging from the earliest recorded music up to the present. The songs reflect a short history of family music with an emphasis on the songs and artists that have influenced him the most. – thehollowtrees.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am June 2nd & 3rd, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “How many times does the chorus repeat in your favorite song? How many times have you listened to that chorus? Repetition in music isn’t just a feature of Western pop songs, either; it’s a global phenomenon. Why? Elizabeth Hellmuth Margulis walks us through the basic principles of the ‘exposure effect,’ detailing how repetition invites us into music as active participants, rather than passive listeners.” – View full lesson: Why we love repetition in music – Elizabeth Hellmuth Margulis
HFVS Family Dance Party with Guest DJ, Mr. Billy of The Jolly Pops
The Jolly Pops, a band of Happy Dads, guest DJs the HFVS bringing the noise and the family funk. Listen to lead singer/songwriter Mr. Billy and his two daughters spin their favorite family music from all over the map. Let’s get this Family Dance Party Started! – www.thejollypops.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am May 26 & 27, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “Mama Go Choo Choo” Family Fun and Movement Video
The Jolly Pops – “Picnic Place” [We Are Happy Dads]
Suzi Shelton – “Can You Feel the Power?” [Hand in Hand]
The Okee Dokee Brothers – “Can You Canoe?” [A Mississippi River Adventure Album]
The Jolly Pops – “Mama Go Choo Choo” [I Didn’t Do It]
Lisa Loeb – “Feel What U Feel” [Feel What U Feel]
The Bunnyclogs – “Peaches and Frankie” [MN Music for Kids]
Go Fish – “Five Little Monkeys” – [Party Like a Preschooler]
Natalie Merchant – “Bleezer’s Ice Cream” [Leave Your Sleep]
Koo Koo Kangaroo – “Pop See Ko” [Cafetorium Songs Vol. 1]
Rachel Platten – “Fight Song” [Wildfire]
Dan Zanes – “Pay Me My Money Down” [Night Time!]
The Jolly Pops – “Spinning Rims on the Minivan” [We Are Happy Dads]
They Might Be Giants – “Birdhouse in Your Soul” [Flood]
Coldplay – “Viva la Vida” [Viva la Vida]
The Beach Boys – “Little Deuce Coupe” [Little Deuce Coupe]
Echosmith – “Cool Kids” – [Talking Dreams]
The Jolly Pops – “I’ll Carry You” [We Are Happy Dads]
HFVS STE(A)M Episode with Guest DJs, Dan Crow, and John Wood
STE(A)M Episode with guest DJ’s Dan Crow and John Wood, featuring various artists singing the praises of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. – http://dancrow.com/
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am May 19th & 20th, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Sick Science! videos for summer science experiments to do at home.
Dan Crow – You’re An Engineer [Concoctions]
Katherine Dines – It’s Amazing What You Can Do With Your Brain [Hunkta Bunkta Boo 2]
Roger Day – The Brain Train [Why Does Gray Matter]
Danny Weinkauf – Botany [Danny Weinkauf and The Red Pants Band]
Janet and Judy – Thank A Plant [Musical Almanac]
Dan Crow – Science, Science, Science [Concoctions]
Dave and Oliver Kinnoin – Weightless [Crazy With Happiness]
Lucky Diaz and The Family Band – Gato Astronauta [Fantastico]
Bill Harley – Milky Way [Down In The Backpack]
Marla Lewis – Sedimentary Rock [Life’s Lessons 3rd-5th Grade]
Jonathan Sprout – E=MC2 [American Heroes #4]
Eric Ode – Poor Planet Pluto [When You Smile]
Patricia Shih – The Abacus [The Power Of One]
The Brian Waite Band – Five Cool Cats [Can’t Sit Still]
David Fisher: The Rock ’n Rope Warrior – Jump [Dinosaur Disco]
James Coffey – I’m An Engineer [Come Ride Along With Me]
Imagination & Empathy Episode with Guest DJ, Margot Bevington
Margot Bevington of Ms. Margot’s Music shares songs about imagination and empathy in this episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show. From iconic children’s classics to jazz, hip-hop, classically inspired, and music of the 80’s, many of these songs were an inspiration to Ms. Margot to imagine and empathize when she was growing up. Ms. Margot suggests using art materials to draw what you imagine while you listen! – www.inandoutoftheclouds.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am May 12th & 13th, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: Project by Ros Lukman, re-cut to fit to Ella Fitzgerald’s rendition of “Nature Boy.”
Join Guest DJ, Andy Z for a musical journey to “the great outdoors,” and experience songs that teach, inspire, and remind all to look for miracles in nature, big and small. Selections include pop and rock classics, children’s music standouts, and contemporary kindie hits. – www.andyz.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am May 4th & 5th, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “From spirals to spots to fractals, nature is full of interesting patterns. Many of these patterns even resemble geometric shapes. One of the most common? Hexagons. Why do we see this six-sided shape occur so many times in nature? This week we explore why hexagons are so common in the natural world, from honeycomb to bubbles to rocks, and what their mathematics, physics, and biology may have in common.” – via It’s Okay To Be Smart
Frances England – “Explorer Of The World” [Explorer Of The World]
Justin Roberts – “Rolling Down The Hill” [Lemonade]
John Denver – “Rocky Mountain High” [John Denver’s Greatest Hits]
Nick Drake – “From The Morning” [Way To Blue (An Introduction To Nick Drake)] The Okee Dokee Brothers — “Saddle Up” [Saddle Up]
Andy Z – “Camping Song” [Camp Andyland]
Grin Brigade – “It’s Spring” [Crazy With Happiness]
Tom Petty – “Wildflowers” [Wildflowers]
Marla Lewis – “I Love To Talk To Plants” [I Love To Talk To Plants]
Andy Z – “Bizzy Bee” [Camp Andyland]
Chicago – “Saturday In The Park” [Chicago IX – Chicago’s Greatest Hits]
Andy Z – “Drink More Water” [Camp Andyland]
The Singing Lizard – “I’m A Little Cloud” [AlphaBeat]
Electric Light Orchestra – “Mr. Blue Sky” [All Over The World: The Very Best Of Electric Light Orchestra]
Andy Z – “Galaxy Song” [Camp Andyland] America – “A Horse With No Name” [America]
“It’s All about the Kids -Los Ninos” with Award-winning Peruvian-American bilingual kindie music phenomenon Twinkle. — http://www.twinkleandfriends.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am April28 & 29, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: Twinkle Time – “Kidz Rock (feat. Mista Cookie Jar)”
Twinkle feat. Mista Cookie Jar – “Kidz Rock-Remix” [Just Dance]
Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band – “Los Ninos” [Made in LA]
The Not -Its! – “Kid of the Week” [Are You Listening?]
Recess Monkey -“Bravest Kid In the World” [Flying!]
Jazzy Ash- “Big Kid Now” [Ready!]
Genevieve Goings -“All Grown Up” [Do You Know ?]
Kim Wilde – “Kids In America” [Kim Wilde]
Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights – “Kids Place” [Good Egg]
Twinkle Time – “Dream Big” [Twinkle Time]
Mister G – “Luckiest Kid in the World” [Pizza for Breakfast]
The Laurie Berkner Band – “My Family -Dance Remix” [Laurie Berkner: The Dance Remixes]
The Not -It’s! -“Great To Be a Kid” [Tag, You’re It!]
Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band feat. Mista Cookie Jar – “Magic Believers” [Made in LA]
Secret Agent 23 Skidoo – “Make the Future” [Make Believers]
Andrew and Polly – “Forever Young” [Odds and Ends]
Alphabet Rockers – ” I’m Proud” [Rise Shine #Woke]
Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips – “Inner Child Rock ” [Ultramagnetic Universal Love Revolution]
Twinkle Time – “It’s OK 2 Be Me” [Twinkle Time]
Go on a musical hike with guest DJs Jeff and Paige to explore insects. Through music and story, you’ll learn: how to identify an insect, how insects connect with animals, how insects help humans, and how humans can help insects! Jeff and Paige will play some of their favorite songs as well as fun tunes from other children’s musicians and from a few adult acts. Make sure you have room to dance as you explore nature and science with Jeff and Paige. – www.jeffandpaige.org
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am April 21 & 22, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: Why Is Blue So Rare In Nature? “Among living things, the color blue is oddly rare. Blue rocks, blue sky, blue water, sure. But blue animals? They are few and far between. And the ones that do make blue? They make it in some very strange and special ways compared to other colors. In this video, we’ll look at some very cool butterflies to help us learn how living things make blue, and why this beautiful hue is so rare in nature.” – It’s Okay To Be Smart
Listen to the modern “Pioneers of Sound!” with Elska as she takes us on a sonic journey into the world of early electronic music, synthesizers, micro-beats, bells and more. Broadcasting from her Arctic island home, Elska teaches us about the origins of the most innovative sounds in pop music, how they were made, and then she plays us fascinating examples from pop music, art music, classical and some music that defies classification all together. Get ready for a true sonic journey with “Pioneers of Sound!” − www.islandofelska.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am MONTH DAY & DAY, YEAR WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “We learn a lot about our surroundings thanks to sound. But… what is it exactly? Sound, that is. What is sound? And how does it travel? And what is this Doppler Effect that we’ve heard so much about? In this episode of Crash Course Physics, Shini goes over some of the basics (and some of the not so basics) of the Physics of Sound.”
Suzanne Jamieson Selmo celebrates the SKY and everything in it. She takes us through a whole day, from waking up with the sun to going to bed with the stars and the moon…and lots of fun stuff in between. She threads through poetry, history, and science into the hour and showcases a variety of music… from old classics to modern pop, jazz standards to popular children’s music. It’s a celebration of the sky with great tunes! — www.suzannejamiesonselmo.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am April 7th & 8th, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: Why Are There Clouds? – MinuteEarth
1. Hilary Duff- “Wake Up” [Most Wanted]
2. Suzanne Jamieson Selmo- “Here Comes the Sun” [Shine]
3. Caspar Babypants- “Bird in an Airplane Suit” [Rise and Shine!]
4. Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights- “My Butterfly” [What a Zoo!]
5. Laurie Berkner- “Bumblebee (Buzz Buzz)” [Buzz Buzz]
6. Taylor Swift- “Superman” [Superman-Single]
7. The Beatbuds- “When the Rain Falls Down” [The Beatbuds, Volume 1]
8. Lesley Gore- “Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows” [20th Century Masters: The Millenium
Collection]
9. Israel Kamakawiwo’ole- “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” [Alone in IZ World]
10. Selena Gomez- “When the Sun Goes Down” [When the Sun Goes Down]
11. Katy Perry- “Firework” [Teenage Dream]
12. Jack Johnson- “Constellations” [In Between Dreams]
13. Suzanne Jamieson Selmo- “Moonlight in Vermont” [Shine]
14. The Marcels- “Blue Moon” [The Marcels-Single]
15. Suzanne Jamieson Selmo- “Lullabye” [Goodnight, My Angel]
Classical Music Episode with Guest DJs, Stephen and Bonnie Ward Simon
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am March 31 & April 1, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video:
“Light, bright, and cheerful, ‘The Four Seasons’ by Antonio Vivaldi is some of the most familiar of all early 18th-century music, featured in numerous films and television commercials. But what is its significance, and why does it sound that way? Betsy Schwarm uncovers the underlying narrative of this musical masterpiece.” – TED-Ed, Why should you listen to Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons”? – Betsy Schwarm
Simon Sinfonietta, Stephen Simon, conductor – “Beethoven Symphony No. 9 – II. Molto vivace” [Archival]
New York Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein, conductor – “William Tell Overture” by Rossini – [Favorite Overtures]
Kirov Orchestra, Valery Geriev, conductor – “The Nutcracker: Clara and the Nutcracker” [The Nutcracker]
Arthur Fiedler – “Stars and Stripes Forever” [Stars and Stripes Forever (1990 Remastered)]
London Philharmonic Orchestra, Stephen Simon, conductor – “In a Cabin in a Wood” [Maestro Classics: Casey at the Bat]
London Philharmonic Orchestra, Stephen Simon, conductor – “Flight of the Rabbit” [Maestro Classics: Casey at the Bat]
London Philharmonic Orchestra, Stephen Simon, conductor – “Peter and the Wolf: Introduction + Peter and the Wolf” [Maestro Classics: Peter and the Wolf]
Hilltown Family Funk Show with Guest DJ, Chris Wiser
Get ready to get up, get down and get FUNKY! Guest DJ, Chris Wiser (a.k.a. Boom) from Sugar Free Allstars hosts a show all about funk, soul, and R&B music. You won’t be able to sit still while listening to this one, so grab your dance shoes, it’s time to get this party started! — www.sugarfreeallstars.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am March 24th & 25th, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “In the 1970s, America was one nation under a groove as an irresistible new style of music took hold of the country – funk. The music burst out of the black community at a time of self-discovery, struggle and social change. Funk reflected all of that. It has produced some of the most famous, eccentric and best-loved acts in the world – James Brown, Sly & the Family Stone, George Clinton’s Funkadelic and Parliament, Kool & the Gang and Earth, Wind & Fire.” Read more: The Story of Funk – One Nation under a Groove.
Welcome to Hilltown Families, an online grassroots communication network for families living throughout the four counties of Western Massachusetts. Hilltown Families believes in creating resilient and sustainable communities by developing and strengthening a sense of place in our children and citizens through community-based education and engagement. We work to accomplish this by highlighting the embedded learning that is found everywhere in our communities, making the information accessible to families, and giving parents/educators access to opportunities that support their children’s interests and education while encouraging community engagement.
Hilltown Families was founded in 2005 by Sienna Wildfield and is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Established in 2005, Hilltown Families has been supporting community-based education through community engagement for over a decade! With your support, we can continue to connect community members of all ages with learning and value-based opportunities throughout the four counties of western Massachusetts! Make a tax-deductible donation to Hilltown Families today! - Hilltown Families is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
“We try to go to at least one of the Hilltown Families recommended events each weekend to keep our son experiencing new, educational, and community oriented experiences. Hilltown Families supports my interests in education through community engagement by providing a network of families with similar interests in the same area…a sense of belonging to a group that supports my goals and interests.” – Yi-Lo Yu (Southampton, MA)
"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.
Posting a comment to Hilltown Families will automatically add you to the Hilltown Families mailing list to receive our weekly update. Email addresses are never rented or sold. To be removed from our mailing list, email info@hilltownfamilies.org to request to be removed.
disclaimer
Information provided on Hilltown Families (HTF) 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 HTF are that of the writer and not necessarily that of HTF. In no event shall HTF be liable (directly or indirectly) for any losses or damages causes (or allegedly caused) in connection with HTF. 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. HTF is not responsible for the content of external websites.
