HFVS 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 26 & 27, 2020 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)
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 September 19 & 20, 2020 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
HFVS 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 September 12 & 13, 2020 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:
HFVS Confidence Episode
with Guest DJ, Purple Fox Josh
Purple Fox of Purple Fox and the Heebie Jeebies brings deep meaningful songs of Confidence for a feel good dance party. Confidence is a funky mind and body collaboration!
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am September 5 & 6, 2020 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “Life is Good,” written by Josh Friedman, Colleen Francis, and Matthias Clark.
HFVS Peace, Love, and Happiness Episode with Guest DJ, Twinkle
In times of uncertainty, award-winning Peruvian-American family kindie rocker, Twinkle Twinkle, inspires us to keep spreading positivity Peace Love & Happiness. Twinkle brings together all walks of life together through some of the “hottest bops in family music!”
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am August 29 & 30, 2020 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: Music Video Together by Twinkle Time Feat. MC Magic and Izzi Def
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 August 22 & 23, 2020 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: Chuck Berry with Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band performing “Johnny B. Goode” at The Concert for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 in Cleveland, Ohio.
HFVS 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 August 15 & 16, 2020 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.
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 Aug 8 & 9, 2020 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 Music in the Stars Episode
with Guest DJ, Claudia Robin Gunn
From New Zealand, Claudia Robin Gunn presents a collection of starry songs old and new and invites you to listen and learn about the deep connection between people and the stars in the pacific and Oceania. – www.littlewildmusic.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am July 25th & 26th, 2020 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: How Far is a Lightyear (Solar System Song) from Little Wild Universe
Claudia Robin Gunn – “Stars Dreaming of Stars” [Little Wild Universe]
Anna Van Riel – “Echo ft. Tasmin” [Fishing for Stars]
SJD – “Southern Lights” [Southern Lights]
Tiptoe Giants – “Flicker and Spark (Campfire Song)” [Little Steps Big Adventures]
Lu and Tu – “Matariki”
Loopy Tunes Preschool Music – “Ngā Whetū o Matariki” [Ngā Whetū o Matariki]
June Pitman Hayes – “Tāwhirimātea, A Song for Matariki”– [Tāwhirimātea, A Song for Matariki]
Tanya Batt & Peter Forster – “Mother Star’s Kitchen” [The Universe of Story]
Claudia Robin Gunn – “How Far is a Lightyear (Solar System Song)” [Little Wild Universe]
STORY: Stardust – We always share the same sky. By Ivana Mlinac. Illustrated by Porsche Tiavale. Read by Tui Gunn. Audio reading produced by Little Wild Music. Book published by Mary Egan Publishing. Background instrumental track – Claudia Robin Gunn “Explorers” {Little Wild Universe]
Teeny Tiny Stevies – “I’m Not Afraid of the Dark” [Useful Songs for Little People]
Claudia Robin Gunn – “The Big Picture” [Little Wild Universe]
Justine Clarke – “How Many Stars” [Great Big World]
HFVS Sharing Recipes Episode
with Guest DJ, Andrew Hunt of Cowboy Andy
Andrew Hunt, the lead singer and songwriter for the family-friendly band Cowboy Andy and The Salamanders, lives on a lavender farm in the mountains of Western Montana. In this week’s episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show, join Cowboy Andy as he embarks on a spirited “How To” Cooking Show complete with mediocre recipes, a few kitchen disasters, and lots of great songs for the whole family! – www.cowboyandy.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am July 11th & 12th, 2020 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: The Letter Why –Live at Folklife 2019
HFVS 4th of July Episode
with Guest DJ, Frank Gallo of Rolie Polie Guacamole (Radio Show/Podcast)
In this episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show, Rolie Polie Guacamole’s Frank Gallo guest hosts a 4th of July party. The show features songs from Rolie Polie Guacamole album, Avocado, along with a mix of kindie music favorites and classic American folk-rock songs of the 60’s. – RoliePolieGuacamole.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am July 4th & 5th, 2020 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “Avocado” by Rolie Polie Guacamole
HFVS Social Justice Songs with Guest DJ, Jesse Goldman of Moozika! (Radio Show/Podcast)
This show explores songs about social justice. Drawing on his background as a community organizer and his years of experience as a children’s musician and educator, Jesse covers topics of unity, speaking up, protest, unfairness, bullying, racism, self-love, and empowerment. – www.moozika.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am June 27 & 28, 2020 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
HFVS Caring for the Earth with Guest DJs, Ruth and Emilia (Radio Show/Podcast)
Award winning mother/daughter children’s duo Ruth and Emilia share their favorite songs about taking care of the environment. Listen in as they play songs about recycling, re-using, reducing, and planting trees and flowers to help mother earth stay healthy!
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am June 20 & 21, 2020 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: Emilia and Ruth celebrate Earth Day with their song, “We’re Goin’ Green” from their album, Kokowanda Bay.
“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 June6 & 7, 2020 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: Mexico celebrates Children’s Day in the midst of the quarantine caused by COVID-19.
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 May 30 & 31, 2020 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “From fairy gardens to garden towers, Walter Bracken STEAM Academy transformed its school grounds into a student-centered, garden-learning wonderland.”
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 23 & 24, 2020 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
Global Dance Party Episode with Guest DJ, Flor Bromley
Let’s party around the world with a Global Party Dance Episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show! Guest DJ, Flor Bromley, will take listeners on a musical adventure to visit countries like Argentina, Czech Republic, Italy, South Africa, Brazil, Colombia, Belgium, The Netherlands, Spain, Cuba, Mexico, and the USA. Learn and rhythms from these countries and get ready to dance! – www.florbromley.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am April 25 & 26, 2020 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: Flor Bromley – “We Came to America” from her album Fiesta Global
Earth Day Episode with Guest DJs Katherine Dines and James Coffey.
Katherine Dines (Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta Music) and James Coffey (Bluevision Music) have been working together for several years. The two guest DJ’s decided on an Earth Day theme and hope it will be a good fit for listeners during the current global pandemic and far into the future. The songs they collected encourage everyone to continue making positive changes and to spread happiness, harmony, love, peace, hope, and strength around the world. – hunktabunkta.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am April 18 & 19, 2020 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: A full-length single song video with some animation by Robert Gillihan performed by Katherine Dines. From the album, Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta BOO-2.
Community & Neighbor Episode with Guest DJs, Wendy & DB
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am April 11 & 12, 2020 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “We The People” was born out of the idea that there was a need for a song to express inclusion and empathy and the loneliness that immigrants feel coming to a strange land. America had always been a welcoming nation and had always helped our neighbors that were struggling or worse off then we are. This song reminds us that others may need our help and acceptance to have a better life and no matter where you are we can all do better to help others have a better life. Sullivan High School Immigrant students were involved in the writing and creating this song. – www.wendyanddb.com
Join Little Miss Ann as she explores all things International Foods, or in other words, foods from around the world. If you’ve never heard of ube, masala, matzoh balls, or even if you want to hear about taquitos, chocolate, and Tofurkey, tune in to this fun and YUMMY show about International Foods!
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am April 4 & 5, 2020 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “Chocolate” by Sonia De Los Santos from the album Mi Viaje: De Nuevo León to the New York Island
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]
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 21st & 22nd, 2020 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
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 March 14th & 15th, 2020 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Mama Doni celebrates the Jewish holiday of Purim on Hilltown Family Variety Show! Celebrating the universal theme of Purim: standing up to adversity, having a voice, self empowerment, Mama Doni shares classic songs of strength. This unique Radio Show will give listeners a flavor of Purim — from the fun and crazy to the true meaning and message of this cool Jewish holiday. Produced by Doni Zasloff and Eric Lindberg. — www.mamadoni.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am March 7 & 8, 2020 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).
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 February 29 & March 1st, 2020
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.
Four Seasons Episode with Guest DJs, Steve & Jenn from The Dilly Dallies
Winter, Spring Summer and Fall! Steve Slater and Jenn Ekman from The Dilly Dallies are excited to share some of their favorite songs about all four of the seasons that we all share. Tune is to hear what their favorite seasons are and see how each song is related to your favorite season.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am February 22 & 23, 2020 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
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 15 & 16, 2020 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “Place in your Heart” by Frances England featuring Mates of State. featuring kids talking about their favorite toys and treasures. Frances collected & photographed all of the toys and blankets featured in this video from friends in San Francisco and could honestly feel the love that’s been poured into these treasures over the years.
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 February 8th & 9th, 2020 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
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Welcome!
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."
Statement of Solidarity: Hilltown Families acknowledges and stands in solidarity with community groups, service organizations, and individuals working to defend human and civil rights peacefully. Our commitment to sharing community-based educational opportunities that support learning about racism and xenophobia continues during a time of significant social and educational changes. We are committed to doing better and advocating for positive change through facilitated and self-directed learning opportunities. Learn more about the mission of Hilltown Families here and share community-based educational opportunities in Western MA here.
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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