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
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
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
HFVS 100 Years of Music Episode
with Guest DJ, Michael Napolitano
Michael Napolitano from Michael & the Rockness Monsters brings you and exploration of 100 years of music. Listen to songs from 1920-2020 while Michael and his daughters take you for a little ride through musical history. Michael also takes the opportunity to play songs for his daughters that his mother played for him in the 70’s and 80’s.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am February 1st & 2nd, 2020 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Have an Awesome Day Episode with Guest DJ, Jesse Jukebox (aka Jesse Friedberg)
Join children’s singer Jesse Jukebox as he shares some of his favorite songs that have to do with going through your day, from when you wake up to when you go to bed! Get ready to rock out with Jesse while he plays an eclectic mix of awesome tunes!
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am January 25 & 26, 2020 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
The official music video for Awesome! by Jesse Jukebox. From the album, Awesome!
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 January 18th & 19th, 2020 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “Kitty” by Flor Bromley off of the album Chiqui Music Boom
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 11th & 12th, 2020 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
HFVS Expectations Episode with Guest DJs,
Louis & Dan and the Invisible Band
Join Louis and Dan and the Invisible Band as they guest DJ this week’s episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show. This week’s theme is EXPECTATIONS. You’ll hear songs that, one way or another, are about meeting or defying expectations. You might not expect a whole radio show about expectations to be fun, but they promise: it will be!
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am January 4th & 5th, 2020 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
1. Walter Martin – “Wishing Well” [My Kinda Music]
2. Randy Kaplan, “Shampoo Me” [Five Cent Piece]
3. Raffi – “Bananaphone” [Bananaphone]
4. Louis and Dan and the Invisible Band – “Underwear Spaghetti” [Louis and Dan and the
Invisible Band]
5. Caspar Baby Pants – “Go Slow Sluggy” [Sleep Tight!]
6. Pete Seeger – “Little Boxes” [Pete Seeger: The Smithsonian Folkways Collection]
7. Louis and Dan and the Invisible Band – “Yupster Food Song/Hotdog” [Louis and Dan
and the Invisible Band]
7. Lisa Loeb – “Opposite Day” [Lisa Loeb’s Silly Sing-Along: The Disappointing Pancake
and Other Zany Songs]
8. Randy Newman – “Memo to my Son” [Sai Away]
9. Louis and Dan and the Invisible Band – “Can We Get Along” [Let’s Imagine]
10. John Lennon – “Beautiful Boy” [Double Fantasy]
11. Jolly Pops – “Bad bad dinosaur” [Bad Bad Dinosaur]
12. Louis and Dan and the Invisible Band – “Cheese Digest” [Let’s Imagine]
13. Haley Bonar – “Sing with me” [Sing With Me]
14. Ella Jenkins – “Big Bigger Biggest” [Growing Up With Ella Jenkins]
15. Sharon Lois and Bram – “A You’re Adorable” [Great Big Hits]
16. Ella Fitzgerald. “Do you know the muffin man?” [The Early Years – Part 2]
17. Cat Stevens – “Peace Train” [Teaser and the Firecat]
HFVS Songs of Hope & Healing Episode
with Guest DJ, Alastair Moock
Listen to Podcast:
Alastair Moock Guest DJs our Songs of Hope & Healing Episode. Alastair and his twin girls guide us through a selection of songs that remind us of the small joys and sometimes difficult moments that pull us together. These new and old rootsy tunes — from Pete Seeger to The Okee Dokee Brothers — will have you and your kids dancing, singing, and hugging!
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am December 28th & 29th, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
HFVS Love Activist Episode
with Guest DJ, Charity Kahn
Listen to Podcast:
What does it mean to be a Love Activist? Charity Kahn from Charity and the JAMband takes listeners on a musical axnd philosophical journey examining how we all, whether young or old, can use our love, kindness, time, resources and gifts to bring positive change to the world.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am December 14th & 15th, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “Valentine” by Charity and the JAMband.
HFVS Holiday Show Episode with Guest DJ, the Jolly Pops
The Jolly Pops, the Happy Dads, guest host an hour of music and family fun celebrating the Holiday Season. Chompy the Alligator and Bacon the Pig take over for Mr. Billy who has gone Holiday shopping. They spin tunes, make a snowman and even enjoy a visit from Santa Claus himself.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am December 7th & 8th, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
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 Peace & Love Episode with Guest DJ’s Wendy & DB
Wendy & DB show us the way to Peace & Love listening to some of their favorite songs and by telling us some stories about Peace that have touched their lives. All Aboard the Peace Train!
Featured Video: Peace and love start right where you are. Join the Kindie Music Duo Wendy & DB on their adventure in their “Way Is Peace” music video filmed in partnership with wonderful organizations: Shelley Nyzynski-Reese of A Better Life for Kids (ABLFK) was able to help by providing sign language from students in ABLFK homes for orphans in Ghana, Africa. Throughout the creation of the video, producers Wendy Morgan & David Box were able to draw from many organizations that help young students from pre-school age programs such as Easterseals Early Head Start as well as, high-school-age students in the MYA VX Recording Choir led by Gary Fry & HHW Gospel Choir directed by Daniel Henry and Jean Pinkerton-Hendricks.
Food, glorious food!!! We all eat it, so why not sing some songs about it! Heather Hirshfield and Eddie RosenBerg III, otherwise known as The Green Orbs, take you on a musical culinary journey with songs from artists like Weird Al, The Pop Ups, and Cookie Monster on the menu.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am November 16th & 17th, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: The Green Orbs – “The Suction Cup Shuffle” [Thumb Wrestling Champions]
HFVS Being Bilingual Rocks Episode with Guest DJ, Hamlet Meneses of Mi Amigo Hamlet
Being Bilingual Rocks! is what musician-educator Hamlet Meneses (a.k.a. Mi Amigo Hamlet) is all about. In this episode he shares a great variety of bilingual songs from his bilingual friends, as well as other artists who have influenced and inspired some of his songwriting. And through the music he takes you in a journey of learning about numbers, days of the week, family, things being connected, being happy, coming together and dance, about love, and he closes beautifully with a statement of empowerment, “Sí Se Puede / Yes We Can” a song by his friend and Western MA musician, Mister G.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am November 9th & 10th, 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “Laila” off of Happy Land Is Tierra Feliz
HFVS Best Friend Episode with Guest DJ, Kid Pan Alley
In this episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show, Kid Pan Alley features songs from their newest album, “Best Friends,” as well as songs from some of their favorite children’s music artists about this very subject. Tune in and feel inspired and rejuvenated with a collection of great new songs to enjoy with your family and friends.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am November 2nd & 3rd 2019 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
FEATURED VIDEO: Best Friends · Kid Pan Alley · Vance Gilbert
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
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Stay Connected!
Hilltown Families Founder, Sienna Wildfield, checks in with Western MA community during COVID-19, sharing ways to stay connected and up-to-date with online and community-based resources to support interest and education at home.
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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."
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.
