HFVS Holidays Around the World Episode
with Guest DJs, Katherine Dines & James Coffey
This episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show is a celebration of global holidays and light with Guest DJs, James Coffey and Katherine Dines from the Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta Band. It features many award-winning artists, as well as fantastic educational content about several of the holidays highlighted, including Chinese New Year and Diwali.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am November 30th & December 1st, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
FEATURED VIDEO: Divali, Diwali or Deepawali (depending on where you are from), is one of the most joyous celebrations for Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. The name comes from two Sanskrit words: “Diyas” which means “clay lamps” and “avali” which means “rows.” During the 5-day celebration, people place rows and rows of clay lanterns around rooftops, doorways and windows, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, hope over despair and light over darkness.
1. Andy Zamenes (Andy Z) – “Turkey in the Straw” [Classic Songs and Traditional Tunes]
2. Lucy Kalantari – “It’s the Holidays” [It’s the Holidays]
3. Katherine Dines – “Somewhere in the World” [Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta Holidays Song and Stories that Celebrate Global Light]
4. Hot Peas N’ Butter – “Firelight” [Back to the Land]
5. Joyce Rouce – “Green Christmas” [Earth Mama; Christmas Heart]
6. Barb Tilsen – “Lucia Day” [Take the Seed]
7. Katherine Dines – “Nian” [Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta Holidays Song and Stories that Celebrate Global Light]
8. SoulAviv – “Candles of Chanukah” [Digital Track]
9. Katherine Dines – “Light Rises Over Darkness” [Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta Holidays Song and Stories that Celebrate Global Light]
10. KB Whirly and M.I.S.T.A. Cookie Jar – “Love Light Shine” [Digital Track]
11. Kelli Welli – “Little Ray of Sunshine” [Digital Track]
12. West LA Children’s Choir – “As We Go Round the Sun” [Digital Track]
13. Greta Pederson – “Kwanzaa is Here” [Digital Track]
14. Heather Dale – “Huron Carol” [This Endris Night]
15. Joanie Leeds – “Nightlights” [Bandwagon]
16. Katherine Dines – “Stars” [Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta Holidays Song and Stories that Celebrate Global Light]
HFVS Sweets & Treats Episode with
Guest DJ, Again Again
In this episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show, Anne and Jen from Again Again take you on a sweet musical journey exploring how sugar and treats make their way into song. Keep your ears open for some tidbits on fruits and veggies, just to keep the hour balanced.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am October 26th & 27th, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
FEATURED VIDEO: What can kids do when they’re bored? Use their imaginations and let a whole exciting world come to life! “Bubble Gum and Cheese” by Again Again.
HFVS Connection Episode with
Guest DJ, Kare Strong (Radio Show/Podcast)
In this episode you’ll hear loving, fun and poetic songs about special ways of being in relationship, with each other, with animals and with the earth. Along the way you’ll meet amazing animals, grandparents, children and more.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am October 19th & 20th, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
FEATURED VIDEO: What Wolves Can Teach us About Human Connection.
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 October 5th & 6th, 2019 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.
HFVS Good Fortune Episode with Guest DJ,
Dave Kinnoin from Grin Brigade (Radio Show/Podcast)
In this episode, join HFVS Guest DJ, Dave Kinnoin from Grin Brigade for a show about good fortune. Listen to songs about things you like that you have some control over, and other things that are just plain lucky. Along the way, you’ll hear a few Spanish words which you may or may not know, think about what you can and can’t be, get tips on getting a high-paying job, mix some concrete, and eat a delicious taco. We’ll explore ways of being kind and generous that lead to wonderful feelings … good fortune, indeed.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am September 28th & 29th, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
FEATURED VIDEO: “Dog Alphabet Song” by Grin Brigade
HFVS Transportation Episode
with Guest DJ, Camille Harris.
Musician and comedian, Camille Harris, explores the word “transportation” and the various ways in which we move around the world each day. Songs and stories about cars, buses, trains, trolleys, planes, rockets, and subways are all featured in this fun educational episode.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am September 21st & 22nd, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
FEATURED VIDEO: “Baby on the Subway” by Camille Harris.
HFVS Hispanic Heritage Month Episode with Guest DJs, Andrés and Christina
What does it mean to be bilingual? Can songs help us learn a new language? Andrés and Christina from 123 Andrés are guest DJs for this episode, and they are tell us about the languages they speak and we get to hear some of the songs that helped them learn!
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am September 14th & 15th, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
FEATURED VIDEO: ¡Salta, Salta! | música infantil | movimiento para la familia | Ganador del Latin Grammy 123 Andrés
Pirate Episode with Guest DJ, Tom Mason of the Blue Buccaneers
Captain Tom Mason of the Blue Buccaneers takes the helm as HFVS 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.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am September 7 & 8, 2019 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.”
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 31st & September 1st, 2019 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!
Family Vacation Episode
with Guest DJ, Jason Didner
Fire up the engine in the family car and hit the road with “Jersey Jason” Didner, from the Jungle Gym Jam. Jersey Jason will be playing his favorite songs related to family vacation time.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am August 24th & 25th, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
FEATURED VIDEO: “Along a 30-mile stretch of road in North Dakota, massive scrap metal sculptures seem to sprout from the earth and touch the sky. But where did they come from? In an effort to bring more visitors to his dwindling town of Regent, Gary Greff began welding the figures in 1989. Each sculpture takes five to six years to complete, making this project a true labor of love.” – What’s your “passion project?”
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.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am August 17 & 18, 2019 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]
Lisa Loeb is a singer-songwriter and founder of the Camp Lisa Foundation to send kids to summer camp. In this episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show, Lisa plays some of her favorite songs about summer and camp from her own catalog of music and from other favorites!
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am August 3rd & 4th, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Love and Togetherness Episode
with Guest DJ, Alina Celeste
Nature, dancing and good friends and family are some of AlinaCeleste‘s favorite things. In this week’s episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show as our Guest DJ, Alina shares some of her favorite songs in Spanish and English (and both!) that make you want to move your body and appreciate the world around you. So get dancing and celebrating!
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am July 20th & 21st, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Funny Country Songs Episode
with Guest DJ, Cowboy Andy
HFVS Guest DJ, Cowboy Andy, lead singer and songwriter for the family friendly band The Salamanders, lives on a lavender farm in the mountains of Western Montana. In this week’s episode he explores humor in music across a wide range of genres and decades!
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am July 13th & 14th, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Songs About America Episode with
Guest DJ, Rocknoceros
Rocknoceros joins us as our Guest DJ with a Songs About America Episode. The musical trio explore 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.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am July 6th & 7th, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
FEATURED VIDEO: “In this special short Crash Course, John celebrates American Independence Day by teaching you how the holiday came to be on the 4th of July, and the many ways that Americans celebrate the day. This is a little different than the normal Crash Course episode, so be prepared.” – History of the 4th of July: Crash Course US History Special
HFVS Fun in the Sun Episode with
Guest DJ, Twinkle Time
LISTEN TO PODCAST:
Award-winning, Peruvian-American, Kindie Rocker Twinkle Time is bringing in the summer with some Fun in the Sun! Twinkle Time spins the best family music tunes teaching kids that Summertime is all about making memorable memories with friends and families. Twinkle Time will be performing at The Big E Fair in Springfield, MA, September 19-23, closing out the summer. She looks forward to seeing you there!
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am June 29th & 30th, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured video: Twinkle Time, “Fun In The Sun” [Official Music Video]
Adapted Story Episode with Guest DJs, Lee & Katie of the Story Pirates
Listen to Podcast:
The Story Pirates take stories written by real kids and turn them into sketch comedy, songs, books, and a podcast. In today’s show, hosted by Lee from the Story Pirates, they play some of their songs based on kids’ stories, plus the songs that inspired them!
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am May 25 & 26, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “All 8 Unicorns,” based on an original story by Cece, age 4, from Brooklyn, NY.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am May 11 & 12, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “So we have Weather and Climate… but are they the same thing? No, no they are not. But they are both super important to how the geosphere is shaped. In this episode of Crash Course Kids, Sabrina chats with us about the differences between Weather and Climate.” – Crash Course Kids
Mr. Billy of the Minnesotan children’s music group The Jolly Pops is joined in studio by his two young daughters to guest DJ. The three of them spin an hour long mix of family favorites while discussing what music means to them and how the songs make them feel.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am May 4th & 5th, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
What do David Bowie, Harry Belafonte, and Sara Lovell have in common? They are fantastic, and they are on this playlist! GRAMMY Award-winning artist, Lucy Kalantari, Guest DJ’s this episode about the constant flux in life, changes, and transitions.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am April 27th & 28th, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: From the GRAMMY Award Winning Album, All the Sounds by Lucy Kalantari & The Jazz Cats, a young cellist, Darius Kalantari, plays this little tune teaching listeners musical terms and the joy of making music.
Animal Fun! Join Flor Bromley as she takes you on a journey through all of the different kinds of animals. We will learn about animals and dance to songs about farm animals, pet animals, jungle animals… all sorts of animals!
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am April 6 & 7, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: In this video, Flor tells the story of a tiny mouse and a big lion. Will they get to be friends? Illustrations by Jerry Pinkney. Let’s have fun storytelling!
Frank is back to ring in the spring with Rolie Polie Guacamole‘s new Baseball song “Ay Batta Batta” as well as playing songs about friends, including some of his own friends, like his dad Lou Gallo, Dean Jones, and Brady Rymer, who are all playing on the kindie super group Like Father Like Son’s debut album “Sun is a Star”. The show also features songs about aquatic and flying friends.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am March 30 & 31, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “Sharks and Dinosaurs” by Like Father Like Son
Office Hours Episode with Guest DJ,
Jack Forman of Recess Monkey
Listen to Podcast:
Jack Forman hosts this week’s Hilltown Family Variety Show, but forgot to ask Sienna Wildfield if it was okay to remodel the studio with 1970s wood paneling and inspirational posters. In celebration of his second album Office Hours, Jack takes us on a high-energy musical romp through the workday. Though he really won’t be very useful with questions about your homework or last night’s reading, he can certainly fill the hour with fun!
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am March 23rd & 24th, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
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 16th & 17th, 2019 Original broadcast: Feb 2009
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.
Ben Rudnick, the bandleader for the band Ben Rudnick and Friends, has put together a show featuring several of his songs mixed in with songs that he just really likes. With seven Parents’ Choice Awards to their credit, Ben Rudnick and Friends have been entertaining entire families since 2000. Their broad influences bring the strains of Americana, early rock and roll and psychedelia into an original sound all their own. This week’s episode is an hour of good songs and good vibes. Fun for all!
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am March 9th & 10th, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “New World in Sight” by Ben Rudnick and Friends. Video direction and animation by Remy Chanfreau.
Louisiana Dance Party Episode
with Guest DJ, Johnette Downing
Listen to the Podcast:
Hey, mudbugs, get ready to romp in the swamp and boogie on the bayou! Johnette Downing and Scott Billington take you on a rollicking ride through the landscape of Louisiana dance music, from the brass bands of New Orleans to the joyous Cajun and zydeco music of the southwest part of the state, to the rock and roll “big beat” of The Big Easy in the 1950s. Featured are such iconic artists as Fats Domino and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, along with selections from Johnette and Scott’s own Swamp Romp album. Laissez les bon temps roulez (let the good times roll)!
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am March 2nd & 3rd, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “Bamboula Rhythm” – The bamboula rhythm is truly the heartbeat of New Orleans music, celebrated in all its spontaneous joy in this video, directed by the award-winning film maker Lily Keber. Accompanying Johnette Downing with Scott Billington are Roger Lewis, Kevin Harris and Kirk Joseph of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, along with the drummers from the Treme Brass Band, along with Mardi Gras Indian “Honey” Bannister and second line dancer Nicole Tate. “Bamboula Rhythm” brings the exuberance of a New Orleans street parade directly to you– perfect for children and their adults to dance along.
Award-winning Peruvian-American Kindie Rocker, Twinkle Time, shares her favorite message…L-O-V-E…LOVE! This week, Twinkle’s spinning the best family music with songs teaching kids about spreading love, peace, and happiness, globally!
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am February 16 & 17, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: Acoustic version of “L-O-V-E LOVE” by Twinkle Time
Winter Wonderland Episode with Guest DJ, Flor Bromley
Listen to Podcast:
Let’s add music and story to our winter fun! Join HFVS guest DJ, Flor Bromley, as she takes us on an adventure through her favorite winter songs. She will share music and stories about playing in the snow, learning about migration and hibernation, and dancing to keep ourselves warm.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am February 9th & 10th, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “Kitty” by Flor Bromley off of the album Chiqui Music Boom
HFVS Sharing is Caring Episode with Guest DJ, Josh Friedman (a.k.a. Purple Fox Josh of Purple Fox and the Heebie Jeebies)
Listen to Podcast:
We already know our Manners, no need to teach them, but here is the perfect playlist to practice that love and caring. Purple Fox Josh of Purple Fox and the Heebie Jeebies brings some of his favorite songs about Pleases, Thank Yous, and kindness to others, right to your ears, because Sharing is Caring!
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am February 3rd & 4th, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “Live Like a Champion” by Purple Fox and the Heebie Jeebies
Who doesn’t love a good story? This episode of the HFVS is chock full of funny, silly stories set to upbeat music. Guest DJ, Dana has put together some of her favorite story songs from her own recordings and those of her favorite singing storytellers. From familiar tales like Dana’s rockin’ version of “The Gingerbread Man” and “On Top of Spaghetti” (given a groovy twist by Steve Blackwood) to entertaining yarns like “The Pizza That Ate Chicago” by Tom Paxton, each story will engage listeners young and old. Popular storytelling artists Bill Harley and Dan Crow are included among other delightful performers.
Listen to Podcast:
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am January 26th & 27th, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Welcome to Hilltown Families, an award-winning community-based education network, serving the four counties of Western Massachusetts.
Founded in 2005 by Sienna Wildfield, Hilltown Families believes in creating resilient and sustainable communities by strengthening a sense of place through methods of community engagement that supports interests and values.
By highlighting the embedded learning found in community-based resources, events, and opportunities, learning becomes inclusive, accessible, and intergenerational while remaining relevant to the learner. When community members are brought together through shared interests, meaningful connections are fostered through a shared history based in community engagement.
Awarded the "Essential Agent of Change Award" by the MDPH's Massachusetts Essentials for Childhood, Hilltown Families is recognized as a leading family strengthening initiative in the region, promoting "positive parenting through the social norm of community social connectedness."
“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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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.
