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
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.
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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