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.
Spring Equinox Episode with Guest DJ, Charity Kahn
Spring returns this week on March 20! Celebrate it’s arrival with our guestDJ, CharityKahn, sharing music and insights that lift the spirits as spring begins to emerge. – www.jamjamjam.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am March 17th & 18th, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “Ever wonder why we have seasons? A lot of people think it’s because the Earth gets further away from the sun in winter, and closer in the summer. But, it’s actually more interesting than that. In this episode of Crash Course Kids, Sabrina talks about how the Earth’s tilt is responsible for Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall.”Crash Course Kids
HFVS Musical Diversity Episode with Guest DJ, Liz DeRoche
Liz DeRoche is our Guest DJ with Musical Diversity Episode. Liz will take listeners on a musical adventure exploring diversity in music. She showcases a wide variety of genres that are as unique and diverse as we are. — thesinginglizard.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am March 10 & 11, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “Music is a powerful communication tool–it causes us to laugh, cry, think and question. Bassist and five-time Grammy winner, Victor Wooten, asks us to approach music the same way we learn verbal language–by embracing mistakes and playing as often as possible.” — View full lesson: Music as a language – Victor Wooten
The moment that we have been waiting for all winter is here: Sugar Season! The ground is thawing, and the sap is running. Maple sugaring is everywhere, giving great reason to get out with your family to sing about all things maple! Along with sugar season comes the shearing of the sheep. Two seasonal markers of the coming of spring in the northeastern region of the United States. In this week’s episode, learn songs not only about maple syrup but sheep shearing and spring traditions in New England. — Download Hilltown Families Season: March & April issue of Learning Ahead to discover more about the seasonal markers that connect us to place in Western MA.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am March 3rd & 4th, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: Do you know what a skeuomorph is? You can find them all over your electronic and computer devices: the letter icon for your email; the trashcan symbol on your computer; the shutter sound you hear when taking a digital image; old-school telephone icons and rings on your cell phone. These are examples of skeuomorphs, features that echo the design of an outdated or lesser used artifact or physical object. What does that have to do with maple syrup? Take a guess and then find out in this video from Tech Insider.
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. — www.mamadoni.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am Feb 24th & 25th, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured video: One traditional delicacy that can almost always be found in a Purim basket are the three-cornered fruit-filled pastries known as Hamentashen (the word means Haman’s hat, and recalls Haman’s triangular shaped headdress).
Music from South Africa Episode, with Guest DJ, Debbie Lan
Guest DJ Debbie Lan, from the award-winning band Grenadilla, (pronounced “gren-a-dill-a”, the South African name for passion fruit) is our host, sharing some of her favorite songs from South Africa, as well as songs from Grenadilla’s CD, Can’t Wait, winner of a Parents Choice Gold Award. − www.grenadillasings.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am February 17th & 18th, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “Why is the South African flag what it is, what came before, and what’s the significance behind it all?” – History With Hilbert
Mardi Gras Episode with Guest DJs, Johnette Downing & Scott Billington
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. — http://www.johnettedowning.com/
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am February 10th & 11th, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: An intimate look at the traditions associated with New Orleans music and the preservation of those traditions through the work of local musicians and educators who mentor young talent. For more information, visit http://greatmuseums.org.
Jay Sand of All Around This World, a global music and world cultures experience for kids and their families, takes us on a journey around the magnificently musical continent of Africa. Join Jay to explore African music that originates from countries such as Algeria, Ethiopia, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Africa, and Madagascar. Bring the whole family along to meet Africa through music! – www.allaroundthisworld.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am February 3rd & 4th, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “Mansa Musa, the 14th-century African king of the Mali Empire, is said to have amassed a fortune that possibly made him one of the wealthiest people who ever lived. Jessica Smith tells the story of how Mansa Musa literally put his empire – and himself – on the map.” – TED-ED. View full lesson here.
All Around This World – “We Are Happy (West Africa)” [All Around This World: Africa]
Khaled – “Aalach Tloumouni” [Desert Roses & Arabian Rhythms]
All Around This World – “Carnaval” – [All Around This World: Africa]
Muluken Melesse – “Nanu Nanu Ney” – [Muluken Melesse Volume 1]
All Around This World – “Tulo Tulo” – [All Around This World: Africa]
E.T. Mensah – “Ghana-Guinea-Mali” [Day By Day]
Fela Kuti – “Opposite People” [Opposite People/Sorrow Tears and Blood]
Babatunde Olatunji – “Akiwowo (Chant of the Trainman)” [Drums of Passion]
All Around This World – “Sai” [All Around This World: Africa]
Oliver Mtukudzi – “Pindurai Mambo” [Paivepo]
Smithsonian Folkways (Vocalists unlisted), “Thinantsha” [This Land is My Land: South African Freedom Songs]
Jaojoby – “Tsy Akeo” [E Tiako–Madagascar]
All Around This World – “Kora” [All Around This World: Africa]
“Children’s Songs from Around the World” Episode, with Guest DJ, Priscilla Ahn
This week, The Hilltown Family Variety Show brings you Children’s Songs from Around the World, with Guest DJ, Priscilla Ahn! Priscilla is a singer-songwriter who recently debuted her first album for children and their parents. In this episode, she shares some of her favorite songs from places around the world (real and imaginary). No matter the language or culture, Priscilla believes we can all connect through enjoying good music together. – www.priscillaahn.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am January 27th & 28th, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
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 Beginnings – 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 musician friends. — www.alisonfaithlevy.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am January 20 & 21, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: The title track from Alison Faith Levy’s debut album for children, “World of Wonder.”
The Kinks – Here Comes Yet Another Day [Everybody’s In Show-Biz]
Alexandre Desplat – Third Class Carriage [Grand Budapest Hotel]
Alison Faith Levy – The Start of Things [The Start of Things]
Teenage Fanclub – Start Again [Songs from Northern Britain]
The Byrds – Turn! Turn! Turn! [Turn! Turn! Turn!]
The Radars – Finger Licking Chicken [The Get-It]
Kelley Stoltz – Everything Begins [Circular Sounds]
The Orange Peels – 9 [Begin the Begone]
The Corner Laughers – Queen of the Meadow [Matilda Effect]
The Sippy Cups – One Day Soon [The Time Machine]
Thomas Newman – Horizon 12.2 [Wall-E OST]
Max Richter – Horizon Variations [The Blue Notebook]
Richard Hawley – As The Dawn Breaks [Truelove’s Gutter]
Alison Faith Levy – Three Tulips [World of Wonder]
Cat Stevens – Morning Has Broken [Teaser and the Firecat]
Fruit Bats – Beautiful Morning Light [The Ruminant Band]
Africa Show – Inspiracao De Nito [Angola Soundtracks]
Charity and the JAMband – Earth Day [single]
The Orange Peels – New Moon [Begin the Begone]
The Beatles – Tomorrow Never Knows [Revolver]
Gina Ferragame (Music with Gina) is a singer, songwriter, teacher, and performer, who runs classes for children and their grown-ups. She regularly performs for her community of families and offers shows that are full of fun and full of interaction. Gina strives to use her music as a means to express the heart, become present, and feel connected to each other. — www.musicwithgina.blogspot.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am January 13th & 14th, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: Music with Gina – “The Moon Song” (Cardinal Cardinal)
Anna Kendrick Trolls – “Get Back Up Again” (Trolls Original Motion Picture Soundrack)
Sinews O’Conor – “The Singing Bird” (Sean-Nos Nua)
Music with Gina – “The Moon Song” (Cardinal Cardinal)
Mos Def – “Quiet Dog” (the ecstatic)
Leslie Odom, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Daverd Diggs, Okieriete Onaidowab & Original Broadway Cast of Hamilton – “The Room Where it Happens” (Hamilton- Original Broadway Cast Recording)
Cee-Lo – “Kung Fu Fighting” (Kung Fu Panda Dreamworks)
Music with Gina – “Friendship” (Cardinal Cardinal)
Beatles – “Yellow Submarine” (Beatles 1962-1966 The Red Album)
Bob Marley & The Wailers – “Three Little Birds” (Legend)
Starship – “We Built this City” (The Muppets- Original Soundtrack)
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Ensemble & Michael Ball – “Me ‘Ol Bamboo” (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Original London Cast Recording)
“New Year Dance Party” with Award-winning Peruvian-American bilingual kindie music phenomenon Twinkle. Twinkle brings all genres of dance music -pop, electronic dance, rock, and hip-hop as she spins the hottest dance tracks for the kindie generation. – www.twinkleandfriends.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am January 6th & 7th, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Post-holidays, pre-New Year’s Day show with HFVS producer, Sienna Wildfield. This perennial favorite episode shares music which reflects the season and songs of peace by great musicians, including Lui Collins, Timmy Abell, The Hullabaloos, Johnny Mathis, Rosemary Clooney, and many others. Plus, Fawnie Byer reads “Peace Feather Story,” from Peace in the World Smiling.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am December 30 & 31, 2017 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Simon and Garfunkel — “The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)” [Simon and Garfunkel’s Greatest Hits]
Sweet Honey In the Rock — “So Glad I’m Here” [All For Freedom]
David Grisman & Jerry Garcia — “Hot Corn, Cold Corn” [Not For Kids Only]
Charity and the JAMband — “Happy Fluffy” [Rock Your Socks Off]
Mavis Staples — “This Little Light of Mine” [We’ll Never Turn Back]
Charity and the JAMband — “We Are Stardust” [Party Like a Twinkle Star]
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
Charity and the JAMband — “Wise Old Owl” [unreleased]
Charity and the JAMband — “Loving Kindness” [free download below]
Supertramp — “Give a Little Bit” [Even in the Quietest Moments]
William Bell — “Every Day Will Be Like a Holiday” [Can You Handle It? Vol. 6]
Shirley Temple — “Come and Get Your Happiness” [The Very Best of Shirley Temple]
Charity Kahn writes:
The day after we recorded the show, Daryn (my producer/engineer/guitarist/partner) and I went on a hike in Briones Regional Park, just east of the Oakland Hills. On our way down, in the dusk, we heard the call of a Great Horned Owl, and then another, answering, from across the canyon. As we walked into the valley and back toward the car, at least three different owls continued calling to each other in the almost-darkness. We stopped to listen and absorb, and, miraculously, a huge Great Horned Owl flew out of the forest, over our heads, and perched on the tippy top of a scraggly branch at the tippy top of a tall tree, and stayed there for quite some time. Had we not researched the call of the owl the day before (so I would have a chance of mimicking it passably during the reading of the Owl Moon story for the show), we wouldn’t have recognized it and probably wouldn’t have been present for this magical moment and gift from nature.
In addition to a WONDERFUL holiday show, Charity has several gifts to offer…
FREE DOWNLOAD: First she is offering a free download of the song Loving Kindness this month, a song that “is rooted in a Buddhist meditation practice (also called Metta) whereby you simply send wishes for happiness, health, safety and peacefulness to yourself and others.”
Kick off the holidays with Mister G on this week’s HFVS. Broadcasting from his recording studio deep in the woods of Western MA, the Latin GRAMMY Award winner and previous contributing writer for Hilltown Families serves up a multicultural musical feast featuring holiday classics by Ray Charles, B.B. King, Johnny Cash along with tracks by fellow children’s musicians. It’s a fiesta for the ears! – www.mistergsongs.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am December 16 & 17, 2017 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “Mundo Verde/Green World,” by Mr. G
Get into the holiday spirit with three-time Grammy nominee, Brady Rymer as he spins some of his seasonal favorites! It’s the perfect soundtrack for baking cookies, trimming the tree or an ugly sweater party! – http://www.bradyrymer.com/
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am
December 9th & 10th, 2017
WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could – “Revvin’ Up the Reindeer” [Revvin’ Up the Reindeer]
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings – “White Christmas” [It’s A Holiday Soul Party]
Caspar Babypants – “Winter Party” [Winter Party!]
The Laurie Berkner Band – “Children Go Where I Send Thee” [A Laurie Berkner Christmas]
Raffi – “Christmas Time’s A-Coming” [Raffi’s Christmas Album]
Brenda Lee – “Marshmallow World” [Jingle Bell Rock]
Lisa Loeb – “Light” [Light-Single]
The Ronettes – “Frosty the Snowman” [A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector]
Justin Roberts – “From Scratch” [Pop Fly]
Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could – “Holiday Jam” [Revvin’ Up the Reindeer]
Dan Zanes – “Deck the Halls” [
Emily Arrow – “Little Red Sled” [Wintertime Singalong]
Otis Redding – “Merry Christmas, Baby” [Christmas in Soulsville]
Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer – “I’m My Own Grandpa” [Dancing in the Kitchen]
Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could – “Hanukkah Rocks” [Revvin’ Up the Reindeer]
Elizabeth Mitchell and Friends – “Silent Night” [The Sounding Joy]
Burl Ives – “Silver Bells” [The Very Best of Burl Ives Christmas]
Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could – “Can’t Sit Still” [Revvin’ Up the Reindeer]
Stevie Wonder – “Someday at Christmas” [Someday At Christmas]
One Little Song Can Change the World Episode
with Guest DJ, Kid Pan Alley
At Kid Pan Alley, they’ve written over 2,700 songs with 50,000 kids! Throughout this experience, there is one subject that keeps popping up time and time again—treating each other and the Earth with respect. On this week’s Hilltown Family Variety Show, Kid Pan Alley is featuring not only songs from their album One Little Song Can Change The World, but also songs from some of their favorite artists about that very important subject. We’ve all felt transformed by a great song at some time in our lives. The hope is that this week’s show will leave our listeners inspired and rejuvenated with a collection of great songs to add to your family’s music library. — www.kidpanalley.org
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am December 2nd & 3rd, 2017 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
This week, our podcast features songs about the sky and everything in it. From shooting stars to big jet planes, rainbows, birds, and hurricanes… and everything in between!
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am November 25 & 26, 2017 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
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.
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