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 musicians friends. — www.alisonfaithlevy.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am September 10th & 11th, 2016 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
FEATURED VIDEO: Fruit Bats – Beautiful Morning Light
Back to School Episode
with Guest DJ, Joanie Leeds
Joanie Leeds of Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights guest DJs our Back To School Episode. Joanie hand picked all of the school themed songs including a few from her CD, Bandwagon as well as from artists such as: Pop Ups, Dizzy Gillespie, Justin Roberts, Bari Koral, Recess Monkey, Lunch Money, Astrograss, Miss Nina, They Might Be Giants, The Verve Pipe, Chuck Berry, Trout Fishing in America and Rocknoceros. – www.joanieleeds.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am September 3rd & 4th, 2016 Original Broadcast: Aug 31, 2013 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
FEATURED VIDEO: Joanie Leeds & the Nightlights , “Back to School.”
World Languages Episode with
Guest DJ, Sarah Aroeste
This week on the HFVS, 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 August 6th & 7th, 2016 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
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 July 30th & 31st, 2016 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured video: Black Footed Ferret by The Whizpops!
Novelty Music Episode with Guest DJ, Jack Forman from Recess Monkey
Recess Monkey whisks listeners of the Hilltown Family Variety Show off on a trip to the Novelty Shop for a madcap hour of truly strange musical oddities! The band’s bassist frontman Jack Forman guides us through a collection of dust-covered rarities and instant classics, each guaranteed to out-weird the last! — www.recessmonkeytown.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am July 23rd & 24th, 2016 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured video:Recess Monkey’s “Sweaty Yeti” from Novelties
Family Funk and Half Pint Hip Hop specialist Secret Agent 23 Skidoo takes listeners on a journey through the weird and lovely sonic landscape of family music at its best! This show features the story “Weirdo Calhoun and the Odd Men Out,” fringe science explanations on the fantastic from bio physicist Jeff Firewalker Schmitt, and some very strange sponsors. Appropriate for ages 1 through 1 billion. — secretagent23skidoo.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am July 9th & 10th, 2016 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured video: Barenaked Ladies – “Pollywog In A Bog” (Extended Version)
History of Folk Music for Families Episode
with Guest DJ, Greg McIlvaine
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 July 2nd & 3rd, 2016 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured video: The Hollow Trees – I Can’t Dance (I’ve Got Ants in My Pants) :
Fun in the Sun Episode with Guest DJ, Jason Didner
Guest DJ Jason Didner invites you for an hour of “fun in the sun” themed music by today’s great children’s musicians and a few well renowned classic rock and reggae acts. You’ll get to know more about the “Jersey Shore Sound” that Jason and band are proud to call an influence. You’ll catch the beach party spirit that’s on full display from Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, an energy that also shows up in tracks by Brady Rymer and Yosi. You’ll enjoy the feel-good sounds of Jimmy Cliff, Suzi Shelton, Miss Nina and more. Whether you’re headed for the beach, the lake or the pool, this episode can be your summer soundtrack! — junglegymjam.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am June 25th & 26th, 2016 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured video: Princess Katie & Racer Steve “Sand in my Sandwich” [Tiny Cool]
This week on the HFVS, Kb Whirly takes us on a funky musical journey. From dancing like a rooster in the kitchen with Pete Seeger, to celebrating all the critters with Andrew and Polly, KbWhirly will take us on a cruise through folk, blues, funk, pop and hip hop tunes that are sure to get your toes tappin’! – www.kbwhirly.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am June 18th & 19th, 2016 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured video: Big Bang Boom – “Hippie Mom” [Because I said So!]
You Are What You Eat Episode with Guest DJ, Eric Herman
Family music artist Eric Herman serves up a smorgasbord of fun food songs. From chocolate-covered brussels sprouts to a thousand tiny doughnuts, Eric will musically explore the idea that you are what you eat. – www.erichermanmusic.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am June 11th & 12th, 2016 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Hilltown Family Variety Show
Music of the World Episode
with Guest DJ, Keith Terry
Keith Terry from Crosspulse Ensemble is our Guest DJ this week! Keith’s program is about World Music AND Music of the World – not only songs from artists around the planet, but sounds of the planet, itself – from the calls made by insects and birds, to atmospheric sounds created by lightening. Plus some found sound — music created by the sounds we don’t always think of as musical, such as fog horns and trains, even bricks. Join Keith in this exploration of some new and unusual ways of creating and listening to music. – www.crosspulse.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am June 4th & 5th, 2016
Original broadcast: 2013 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
FEATURED VIDEO: Keith Terry, organizer of the International Body Music Festival, stopped by The World studios in Boston to demonstrate the amazing music the human body can make.
Latin American Episode with Guest DJ, Sandra Velasquez
Moona Luna’s Sandra Velasquez takes you on a Latin American bus adventure. Based on her own travels by bus through Latin America, she provides you with a soundtrack for a journey that is as rich and diverse as the changing landscape. – www.moonalunamusic.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am May 28th & 29th, 2016 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Science & Education Episode with Danny Weinkauf of They Might Be Giants
LISTEN TO PODCAST:
Danny Weinkauf guest DJs this week, demonstrating though song examples and commentary his love of science and education, and how it has influenced his favorite songs and personal writing style. − www.dannyweinkauf.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am May 14th & 15, 2016 Original broadcast: May 10th, 2014 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured video: “I am a Paleontologist” from They Might Be Giants album Here Comes Science.
Hilltown Family Variety Show
Elements of Hip Hop Episode
with Guest DJ, Alphabet Rockers
Elements of Hip Hop Episode with Guest DJ, Alphabet Rockers tells a story of the beginning of hip hop music, and features songs from pioneers and kid-hop artists alike. Hip Hop reflects the creativity of individuals who come together to make change in the world. Join in – celebrate who you are, write new rhymes, beatbox and dance with us. Alphabet Rockers makes learning come alive through the beats, rhymes and moves of hip hop for ages 3-9. — www.alphabetrockers.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am May 7th & 8th, 2016 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Hilltown Family Variety Show
Earth Day Episode
with Guest DJ, Charity Kahn
This special Earth Day show by Charity Kahn from Charity and the JAMband highlights songs and concepts that explore compassion, kindness, and our interconnectedness with Earth and all beings. The episode underscores the reminder that our love and intention are powerful forces that can inspire all of us to act in ways that protect and take care of the Earth. In addition to music along these lines, the show also includes a story (theme: interbeing) and a guided meditation (theme: non-harming). Because every day should be Earth Day! — www.jamjamjam.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am April 23rd & 24th, 2016 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured video: EARTH DAY by Charity and the JAMband
Hilltown Family Variety Show
Things Are Not Always What You Think They Are Episode
with Guest DJ, Steven Erdman
Join Lard Dog on a journey of quirky lyrics, melodies, and rhythms that demonstrate the power of music as a conduit for pop art and frivolity. Remember, things don’t always have to make sense to call ‘em your happy place! — www.houseoflard.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am April 16th & 17th, 2016 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
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 26th & 27th, 2016 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “Show Me Your Happy” by The Singing Lizard
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. — www.mamadoni.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am March 19th & 20th, 2016
Original Broadcast: 2/23/13 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured video: What to wear for the holiday of Purim? Mama Doni and her band have some engaging ideas to sort through the choices in their original song, “Costume Conundrum.” Learn more about the Mama Doni Band online at mamdoni.com.
Hilltown Family Funk Show with Guest DJ, Chris Wiser from Sugar Free Allstars
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 12th & 13th, 2016 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
“Shake A Tail Feather” — Blues Brothers with Ray Charles
Hullabaloo Animal Zoo Episode with Guest DJ, Steve Denyes
Steve Denyes of Hullabaloo creates the “Hullabaloo Animal Zoo”, playing his favorite animal songs by his favorite artists. Plus, Steve tells the world’s shortest short story! — www.hullabalooband.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am March 5th & 6th, 2016 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Families Make Music Episode with Guest DJ, Michael Napolitano
Michael Napolitano of Michael & the Rockness Monsters and Preschool of Rock brings to you an educational show spanning years of family music. Michael started his musical lifestyle at an early age of 3 when placed lovingly behind his father’s drum set. This show features musical acts composed of families immersed in music. You’ll find some of your favorite Kindie artists as well as some new and old classics – more family combinations then you can wrap your head around! — www.preschoolofrock.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am February 27th & 28th, 2016 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “Pirate Song” by Michael & The Rockness Monsters.
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. – www.johnettedowning.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am February 6th & 7th, 2016 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured video: Reading Rocks! By Johnette Downing Children’s book author and musician Johnette Downing sings “Reading Rocks!” from her Reading Rocks! CD to get children boppin’ into books and rockin’ into reading!
Hilltown Family Variety Show
Insect Episode with Jeff & Paige
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 January 30th & 31st, 2016
WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “A Conversation Between an Entomologist and an Insect”
Hilltown Family Variety Show
History Through Stories & Songs Episode
Guest DJ, David Grover
David Grover is our Guest DJ with a History through Stories & Songs Episode. David puts together an eclectic mix of favorite folk songwriters and singers that highlights the history of our country. – www.davidgrover.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am January 9th & 10th, 2016
WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Guest DJ Jason Didner, a children’s musician, leader of the Jungle Gym Jam, spins a collection of holiday music that he and his family enjoy. You’ll hear performances by independent children’s musicians and a few household names too. You’ll hear timeless holiday classics and some original numbers written by some of these performers to get you in the spirit. Songs will celebrate winter fun, Christmas, Hanukkah and the joy of an occasional “snow day” off. — www.junglegymjam.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am December 26th & 27th, 2015 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Hullabaloo – Frosty the Snowman [Holiday Hullabaloo]
Sugar Free AllStars – Funky Christmas [Single]
Groovy David – The Great Dreidel Tournament
Rob Thomas – A New York Christmas [Single]
Milkshake – Christmas in Baltimore [Single]
Andrew & Polly Featuring Mista Cookie Jar – L.A. Christmas [Other Days]
Danny Weinkauf – Wonderful Christmas Day [Single]
Dan Zanes – Angels We Have Heard On High [Christmas in Concord]
Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam – Summertime Santa [Single]
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band – Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town [Single]
Justin Roberts – Snow Day [Jungle Gym]
Judy Pancoast – The House on Christmas Street [Single]
Little Rockers Band – Hanukkah Is Here [Yule Be Cool]
The Pretenders – 2000 Miles [Learning to Crawl]
Josh and the Jamtones – This Lil’ Lite of Mine [Amen!! Holiday Singles Collection]
Sound of Mexican Music Made in the USA Episode with Guest DJ, Sonia De Los Santos
Join Sonia De Los Santos (from Dan Zanes and Friends) as she presents this episode on “The Sound of Mexican Music Made in the USA”. She’ll play some of her favorite songs from a variety of Mexican genres like: Son Jarocho, Norteño, Mariachi, Son Guerrerense, Banda, Huapango and Corrido. Learn about Mexican Traditional instruments and get to know who’s making Mexican music in the USA! — www.soniadelossantos.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am December 19th & 20th, 2015 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: Sonia De Los Santos sings and plays jarana at La Casa Azul Bookstore in East Harlem, NYC on July 11th 2015. Elena Moon Park on violin and vocals and Martin Vejarano on percussion.
Join Sugarcrash Kids as they guest DJ on the Hilltown Family Variety Show. The songs range from dance party to camping trip, and the Sugarcrash Kids crew talks about the importance of being yourself and embracing who you are. — www.sugarcrashkids.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am December 12th & 13th, 2015 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: Sugarcrash Kids – “I Got the Hiccups”
– Sugarcrash Kids – “I Got the Hiccups” (Play All Day and Sleep All Night)
– Linda Perry and Sara Gilbert – “Starship” (Deer Sounds)
– Josh and the Jamtones – “I Love U” (Bear Hunt!)
– Andrew & Polly – “Grapes” (Odds & Ends)
– The Pop-Ups – “Robot Dance” (Appetite for Construction)
– The Singing Lizard – “The Singing Lizard Beat” (Make Believe)
– The Okee Dokee Brothers – “Through the Woods” (Through the Woods”)
– Sugarcrash Kids – “These Are My Friends” (Play All Day and Sleep All Night)
– The Pop-Ups – “Costume Party” (Appetite for Construction)
– Big Block Singsong – “Princess” (Greatest Hits)
– The Singing Lizard – “Pirates” (Make Believe)
– Sugarcrash Kids – “Different” (Rad Songs)
– Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band – “Lines and Dots” (A Potluck)
– Secret Agent 23 Skidoo – “Noise” (Many Hands: Family Music for Haiti)
– Big Block Singsong – “Big Foot” (Greatest Hits)
– Imagination Movers – “Be Yourself” (Back in Blue)
– Slugs & Bugs – “I Wanna Help” (Under Where?)
– Recess Monkey – “Hand Me Downs” (Hot Air)
– Sugarcrash Kids – “Are You Ready to Fly?” (Rad Songs)
We're 10! As we look ahead to the next decade of supporting education through community engagement we need YOUR support! Make a tax-deductible donation to Hilltown Families today! - Hilltown Families is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
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.
"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)
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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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