VALENTINE’S DAY EPISODE
with Guest DJ, Charity Kahn
Listen to Podcast:
Moon hugs and star kisses! Our friend Charity Kahn from Charity and the JAMband in San Francisco wishes us all a Happy Valentine’s Day in this archived episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show which originally aired for Valentine’s Day on Valley Free Radio in 2012. – www.jamjamjam.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am Feb. 11th & 12th, 2017 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
This week, Little Miss Ann, a former Chicago School Teacher, first generation Filipina American, and decade long kids musician, has created a playlist with the theme “Yes I Can!” She chose songs to inspire and empower kids to recognize their strengths, be themselves, and try new things. This special playlist includes artists like Cat Stevens, Charlie Hope, Dean Jones, and Frances England. – www.littlemissann.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am Jan 28th & 29th 2017 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
The Heart of Chanukah hosted with Mama Doni (Doni Zasloff Thomas) Guest DJ Playlist with special guests Millie, Alexander, and Chris Thomas. – www.MamaDoni.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am Dec 17th & 18th 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.
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.
The Heart of Chanukah hosted with Mama Doni (Doni Zasloff Thomas) Guest DJ Playlist with special guests Millie, Alexander, and Chris Thomas. – www.MamaDoni.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am December 5th & 6th, 2015 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: Title track from album, “Chanukah Fever: 13 Macca-beats For the Whole Family.”
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am August 29th & 30th, 2015 (rebroadcast) WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
FEATURED VIDEO: Official video for song “Champion of the Spelling Bee” from album No School Today by Danny Weinkauf. Lead vocals by an 11 year old Kai Weinkauf. Video by Vanessa Appleby.
VALENTINE’S DAY EPISODE
with Guest DJ, Charity Kahn
Listen to Podcast:
Moon hugs and star kisses! Our friend Charity Kahn from Charity and the JAMband in San Francisco wishes us all a Happy Valentine’s Day in this archived episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show which originally aired for Valentine’s Day on Valley Free Radio in 2012. – www.jamjamjam.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am Feb. 14th & 15th, 2015 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
The Heart of Chanukah hosted with Mama Doni (Doni Zasloff Thomas) Guest DJ Playlist with special guests Millie, Alexander, and Chris Thomas. – www.MamaDoni.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am December 13th & 14th, 2014 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: Title track from album, “Chanukah Fever: 13 Macca-beats For the Whole Family.”
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am August 2nd & 3rd, 2014 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured Video: Mister G released “The Bossy E” this summer with songs celebrating reading, learning and unplugged creativity, including “Love To Read” in our featured video. www.mistergsongs.com
Music From South Africa Episode with Guest DJ, Debbie Lan Of Grenadilla
LISTEN TO PODCAST:
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 May 10th & 11th, 2014 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured video: “(“We Wish You Well”) by Mahlathini & The Mahotella Queens, accompanied By The Makgona Tsohle Band.
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 10th & 11th, 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.
Using Your Imagination Episode with Chris & Jessie Apple of The Little Rockers Band
LISTEN TO PODCAST:
Chris & Jessie Apple of the Little Rockers Bank guest DJ this week, taking listeners on a journey into the imagination with a collection of songs, stories and musical games to get your brain bubbling. They’ve assembled a playlist of songs, old and new, to provide the soundtrack for their magical musical tour. Come along, but dress warm, you might get wet! − www.littlerockersmusic.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am April 12th & 13th, 2014 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured video: First music video from The Little Rockers Band’s CD Count Me In! Chris & Jessie imagine what life would be like in the olden days of the wild west.
Family Band Episode
with Guest DJ, Michael Napolitano
LISTEN TO PODCAST:
Guest DJ Michael Napolitano of Preschool of Rock plays hits of bands composed of family members. Lets honor all of the brothers, sisters, cousins, moms and dads who have made a huge footprint in music history. Expect a very wide variety of music from The Carter Family to Arcade Fire and tons in between. Laugh and listen with us, and learn a little too! – www.preschoolofrock.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am March 1st & 2nd, 2014 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured video: Michael shows a class of young students how anything can make a sound.
All feelings are welcomed and celebrated in this week’s episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show! Guest DJ, children’s artist Heidi Siegell, shares songs about joy, sorrow, confusion, boredom, grumpiness and more, featuring artists from a wide variety of musical genres. – tinyworld.org
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am Feb 22nd & 23rd, 2014 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured video: “In Stillness” from Heidi Siegell’s album, In Stillness: Lullabies and Meditations for All Ages.
VALENTINE’S DAY EPISODE
with Guest DJ, Charity Kahn
Listen to Podcast:
Moon hugs and star kisses! Our friend Charity Kahn from Charity and the JAMband in San Francisco wishes us all a Happy Valentine’s Day in this archived episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show which originally aired for Valentine’s Day on Valley Free Radio in 2012. – www.jamjamjam.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am Feb. 15th & 16th, 2014 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Songs to Warm Your Heart Episode
(aka the I ❤ NY… & Chicago Episode)
with Guest DJ, Laura Doherty
LISTEN TO PODCAST:
Chicago’s pop-sweetheart for kids Laura Doherty is our Guest DJ this week’s with Songs to Warm Your Heart Episode, just in time for Valentine’s Day. She includes songs of friendship, love, family and more, and includes a couple of tunes from her upcoming release, In a Heartbeat. – lauradohertymusic.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am Feb 8th & 9th, 2014 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured video: “Valentine” by Laura Doherty from her CD, Shining Like a Star.
Animals in American Folk Music Episode
with Guest DJ, Andy Furgeson
LISTEN TO PODCAST:
This week’s guest DJ, Andy Furgeson, a.k.a. Red Yarn, hosts a Animals in American Folk Music Episode, exploring the theme of animals in American Folk Music. Andy mixes old folksongs with newer adaptations and original songs in the folk tradition. A few critters from these folksongs even show up in the studio! – www.redyarnproductions.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am Feb 1st & 2nd, 2014 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured video: “Little Lap Dog Lullaby” by Laura Veirs from the album Tumble Bee. Stop action animation by Helen Woolston.
Smile In My Heart Episode
with Guest DJ, Suzi Shelton
LISTEN TO PODCAST:
This week’s guest DJ, Suzi Shelton, hosts a Smile in My Heart Episode, sharing songs that make her smile & feel the love!
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am Jan 18th & 19th, 2014 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA
Featured video: “Tomboy in a Princess Dress” by Suzi Shelton. Originally inspired by her seven year old daughter, this song portrays some pretty active tomboys who also love to wear princess dresses, tiara, and tutus. Add a mix of cowboys, Suzi’s video band and water balloons and you have a whole lot of fun! – www.suzishelton.com
Listeners to Hilltown Families’ weekly radio show/podcast Hilltown Family Variety Show (HFVS) know all too well about the great independent kids musicians we’ve featured on the show over the past five years. For this summer we’re reviewing a collection of CD’s to entertain the family while traveling in the car to far off beaches, or your favorite swimming hole here in Western MA, featuring several musicians who have also been our guest DJs.
While not an exhaustive list of the great music recently released or coming out this summer, here are 8 great CDs your family can enjoy this summer:
Alison Faith Levy ♦ World of Wonder
Alison Faith Levy, formerly “Sippy Alison” from the kindie band, The Sippy Cups, has released her debut album this spring, World of Wonder. In early May this year, Alison guest DJed the Hilltown Family Variety Show, putting together an excellent show about all things weather, including two cuts from this new album, “I Love the Rain” and “Eye of the Tornado.” Get a taste of the fabulous music off her new CD by listening to the podcast and check out the video we featured of the title track off this fabulous new album.
Recess Monkey ♦ In Tents
Load up the car pretend the family is running away to the circus with Recess Monkey’s newest CD, In Tents. This circus inspired CD brings in the voices of stellar guest musicians who have guest DJed the Hilltown Family Variety Show over the years, including Dean Jones and Sugar Free Allstars. And the 32-page story book, illustrated by Western MA’s very own children’s author/illustrator, Jarrett Krosoczka, will entertain the kids in the back seat while heading out on your big adventure. In late June, Jack, Daron and Drew will guest DJ the Hilltown Family Variety Show again this summer. Check back on June 23rd for the podcast and a peak at In Tents.
Orange Sherbet ♦ Delicious!
Delicious! celebrates the delights of eating seasonal locally grown foods during all seasons of the year. Orange Sherbet’s songs off of this new album celebrate farmers’ markets, gardening, the four seasons, and rice & beans… among many other celebratory songs about local food and the seasons. In late March this year Orange Sherbet guest DJed the Hilltown Family Variety Show, spinning tunes off this new album, including “Waffle Day,” “Garden Song,” “Springtime,” and the title track, “Delicious.” Give the podcast a listen for a taste of this new CD, and check out their featured video.
Hope Harris ♦ Picasso, That’s Who!
Winner of the Parents’ Choice Silver Honor Award for her previous album, Cousins Jamboree, Hope’s newest CD, Picasso, That’s Who! is a celebration of visual artists from the 19th & 20th century. The CD is a lovely way for families to receive musical mini-lessons in art appreciation. Kids can discover many great artists, including Romare Bearden, Jackson Pollock, Paul Klee, David Hockney, Pablo Picasso, Grandma Moses, Alexander Calder, Henri Matisse, Claude Money and Georgia O’Keeffe.
Mo Phillips ♦ Monster Suit
The family will love Mo Phillips fiery blend of Americana, soul and blues in his newest CD, Monster Suit, an album filled with music sometimes reminiscent of Western MA musical legends Woody and Arlo Gutherie. Mo plays classic acoustic rock ‘n’ roll influence by Neil Young and The Rolling Stones, on topics most families can identify with, like bad hair days and surprising facts about ducks.
Maestro Classics ♦ Casey at the Bat
Stephen Simon and Bonnie Ward Simon, the husband-and-wife team behind Maestro Classics, guest DJed the Hilltown Family Variety Show in early March this year, calling their show “Classical Music Comes Alive.” Listen to the podcast and get the kids excited with their enthusiasm for sharing classical music with families. Their series of CDs began in 2004 as an outgrowth of their sold-out family concert series at The Kennedy Center with the Washington Chamber Symphony, for which Stephen served as music director and Bonnie as executive director. Casey at the Bat is a CD from the series that families can enjoy together while exploring classical music in similar fashion as the classic Peter and the Wolf.
The Broadway Lullaby Project ♦ Over the Moon
When the littlest one has fallen asleep on your family road trip, or it’s time for driving into the night, Over the Moon, a compilation of lullabies crafted together by a stellar cast of vocalists, Broadway composers, lyricists and producer, will speak eloquently to all listeners in the car. With piano and/or guitar, songs on this CD are about the love between parents and their kids, and the unique ways this love gets expressed.
Katherine Dines ♦ Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta
A pioneer of the “kindie” music genre, Katherine Dines newest CD, Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta, is a collection of her most requested songs over the past twenty years drawn from the eleven CD’s she’s released since 1992. Katherine’s songs tend to find the fun in everyday family life, along with softer inspirational songs. At the end of March this year, Katherine guest DJed the Hilltown Family Variety Show, sharing her life journey in song. The show gives listeners a glimpse into Katherine’s experiences, and features songs from this new album, including “In the Backseat,” “Goosebumps,” and “Imagination.” She also shared the video for her song, “All the Way Around the World,” which you can check out along with the podcast.
Uncle Rock Returns to the Pioneer Valley
Saturday, March 10th at 10am
At Flywheel Arts Collective in Easthampton, MA
Saturday Morning Music Party Presents a Family Concert with Uncle Rock at Flywheel Arts Collective on Saturday, March 10th at 10am in Easthampton, MA. Enter to win Uncle Rock's entire collection of fabulous music CD's & DVD! (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
Hilltown Families, the No Nap Happy Hour and Flywheel are proud to present a family concert with Uncle Rock as part of the Saturday Morning Music Party in Easthampton at the Flywheel Arts Collective! On March 10th at 10am Uncle Rock will rock the house and have all members of the family on their feet dancing away the winter blues! Fill up on free pancakes before the concert, and for a suggested donation of $5 per person ($10 per family), enjoy a fun filled morning with the family!
Leading up to his performance we’re giving listeners of the Hilltown Family Variety Show the opportunity to enter to win Uncle Rock’s entire collection of music CDs & DVD. One lucky family will walk away with a fabulous collection to add to their family music/video repertoire! Find out how to enter to win below. Deadline to enter to win is midnight, March 9th!
And the day of the performance while driving on over to Flywheel, be sure to tune into the Hilltown Family Variety Show (103.3FM WXOJ) from 9-10am as Uncle Rock will be our guest DJ! Encore on Sunday, March 11th from 7-8am and podcast anytime following Saturday’s broadcast right here at www.HilltownFamilies.org!
Uncle Rock (a.k.a. Robert Burke), is a musician with a “rock of all ages” persona who blends an inventive rock sound for families. His offbeat approach, plus a dynamic live show, has won critical praise from the L.A. Times & the New York Times. Before his nephew dubbed him “Uncle Rock,” Robert Burke Warren performed as a bass player in many rock and roll bands, including international garage rock titans The Fleshtones. He portrayed the title character in Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story in London’s West End. He’s also co-written songs for multi-Grammy winner Rosanne Cash and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Wanda Jackson.
Uncle Rock’s CD, The Big Picture won a Parents Choice Award, and he was voted Best Children’s Performer of 2011 by Hudson Valley Magazine. Uncle Rock has participate in several collaborative efforts, including Healthy Food For Thought, which was nominated for a Grammy, and Many Hands: Family Music For Haiti, which has raised over 40k for Haitian relief! – www.unclerock.com.
GIVEAWAY: 5 MUSICAL ADDITIONS TO YOUR FAMILY MUSIC COLLECTION!
Here’s Uncle Rock’s entire catalog of CD’s and DVD which we’re giving away to one very luck family:
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS: Uncle Rock – AKA Robert Burke Warren – has lost count of the number of parents who have expressed relief and gratitude that a CD has been created that they can enjoy WITH their kids. The former globe-trotting bass player stumbled onto his most satisfying creative endeavor yet as a teacher’s assistant at the rural School Of The New Moon in Mount Tremper, New York, where Uncle Rock was born.
UNCLE ROCK U:Uncle Rock U, a collection of 17 songs, explores the joy, excitement and imagination of childhood. The album also reflects Uncle Rock’s indie-rock background (former bassist with The Fleshtones), his theatrical gifts (the lead in the London production of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story) and his knack for connecting with children (being a Dad himself, as well as a preschool teacher).
THE BIG PICTURE: Shel Silverstein meets Buddy Holly! The eco-rock on Uncle Rock’s fourth CD is a salute to his musical heroes, with stylistic nods to Bowie, the Stones, Cat Stevens, and Johnny Cash. Cross-generational toe-tappin’ tunes for kids from 2 to 92!
NUMBER 1 DVD: “Uncle Rock is a musical Icon in the Woodstock area,” reviews Amazon. When you go to one of his live concerts, the smiling faces and energy flows as much from the parents in the audience as from the kids. Number 1 DVD captures positive, hopeful energy through a live concert shot at the famed Utopia sound stage in Woodstock, NY, plus five videos.
EXPRESS YOUR ELF:Express Your Elf is a holiday CD with a few surprises, including Uncle Rock’s versions of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” plus some rockin’ originals! Sure to be a welcome addition to your holiday CD collection!
HOW TO WIN
Your chance to win Uncle Rock’s entire collection of music CDs & DVD is as easy as 1-2-3 (4)! To win simply:
CONSIDER SHARING ON FACEBOOK by selecting the Facebook icon below,
TELL US HOW THE HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW ENTERTAINS YOUR FAMILY below (one entry per household) and be sure to tell us your
FULL NAME (first/last) and where you
LIVE (TOWN/STATE) must include your town to be eligible.
ACCURATE EMAIL (we never share your email address).
We’ll randomly draw a winner and will share the results below
IT’S THAT SIMPLE! — Deadline is Friday, 03/09/12 @ 12midnight (EST).
Family Concert with Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem
Saturday, March 3rd, 2012 @ 10:30am
at The First Churches of Northampton
Rani Arbo says the band is ready to party with the Valley: "Nonotuck knows how to cure the midwinter blues! Stir together a handful of musicians and a heap of kids and parents, pour into a beautiful old church, season with fund-raising goodwill, and presto: a party!"
For the third year in a row, Hilltown Families is a proud sponsor of the Nonotuck Community School Winter Family Concert Series. This year the school ends their concert series with a family concert with Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem, “one of America’s most inventive string bands” (Boston Herald)…and we have a family 4-pack of free tickets to giveaway to one lucky family! Proceeds from the performance go to benefit Nonotuck Community School, a local non-profit preschool! Deadline to enter to win is 02/29/12 by 7pm (EST). Find out how to enter to win below.
ABOUT RANI ARBO & DAISY MAYHEM
Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem is a rootsy, Americana-style string band of four musicians — all parents — who have played and toured together for 10 years. Their grooves are deep, their four-part harmonies are rich, and their adventurous, eclectic song selection serves their debut family CD Ranky Tanky well. Family music is a new endeavor for the band, but they have longstanding reputation for performances that are, as the Boston Globe put it, “playful and profound. Ranky Tanky sticks with that equation: it’s uplifting, danceable, playful, sometimes silly, sometimes wistful, and never sarcastic. Rani Arbo fires up the fiddle; Anand Nayak plays electric and acoustic guitars; Andrew Kinsy is on upright acoustic bass (and ukulele and banjo), and Scott Kessel pilots the Drumship Enterprise, a percussion rig made from cardboard boxes, tin cans, water jugs, and a vinyl suitcase. Together, they create a joyful, musical fusion of sounds both old and new — and a great soundtrack for family tim
ABOUT THE NCS 2012 WINTER FAMILY CONCERT SERIES
The NCS Winter Family Concert Series is an annual three-part Winter Family Concert Series hosted by Nonotuck Community School. The 2012 season started off with a family concert with The Nieldsin January, followed by A Family Dance Party with DJ Joan Holliday in February and Rani Arbo and daisy mayhem in March. The family concerts take place at The First Churches of Northampton (129 Main Street). Proceeds from this concert series will go to benefit Nonotuck Community School, a nonprofit parent cooperative that provides early education and care for children aged 15 months to 5 years old, and is located in Florence, Massachusetts (221 Riverside Drive, 586-5996). For more information visit: www.nonotuck.org or call 413-586-5996.
HOW TO WIN
Your chance to win a family 4-pack of tickets to see Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem in concert at The First Churches of Northampton on Saturday, March 3rd, 2012 @ 10:30am, is as easy as 1-2-3 (4)! To win simply:
CONSIDER SHARING ON FACEBOOK by selecting the Facebook icon below,
TELL US HOW HILLTOWN FAMILIES CONNECTS YOUR FAMILY WITH EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES DURING SCHOOL VACATION WEEKS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR below (one entry per household) and be sure to tell us your
FULL NAME (first/last) and where you
LIVE (TOWN/STATE) must include your town to be eligible.
ACCURATE EMAIL (we never share your email address).
We’ll randomly draw a winner and will share the results below
IT’S THAT SIMPLE! — Deadline is Wednesday, 02/29/12 @ 7pm (EST).
Family Dance Party with Joan Holliday
Saturday, February 11th, 2012 @ 10am-12Noon
at Northampton Center for the Arts
On Saturday, February 11th, Northampton Center for the Arts (17 New South Street, 3rd Floor) will host a FAMILY DANCE PARTY from 10am-12Noon with DJ Joan Holliday from 93.9 FM The River, co-sponsored by Hilltown Families… and we have a family 4-pack of tickets to giveaway to one lucky family! Deadline to enter to win is 02/08/12. Find out how to enter to win below.
Families from throughout the Pioneer Valley will don their dancing shoes at this benefit for Nonotuck Community School. Come join kids of all ages under the disco ball and groove to a mix of classics, new tunes, and kids favorites at this all-for-the-family dance party!
“I’ve loved music since I was an infant (a peace and love British invasion child of the 60s!),” says Joan Holliday. “As a radio DJ at 93.9 WRSI The River, and an events DJ for almost ten years, I am especially excited to get the kids dancing to benefit Nonotuck! It’s fun for a great cause, and we’re gonna fill that dance floor!
ABOUT THE NCS 2012 WINTER FAMILY CONCERT SERIES
Hilltown Families is a proud sponsor of the NCS Winter Family Concert Series, an annual three-part Winter Family Concert Series hosted by Nonotuck Community School. The 2012 season started off with The Nieldsin January, followed by A Family Dance Party with DJ Joan Holliday this month, and Rani Arbo and daisy mayhem will conclude the series in March. Proceeds from this concert series will go to benefit Nonotuck Community School, a nonprofit parent cooperative that provides early education and care for children aged 15 months to 5 years old, and is located in Florence, Massachusetts (221 Riverside Drive, 586-5996). For more information visit: www.nonotuck.org or call 413-586-5996.
HOW TO WIN
Your chance to win a family 4-pack of tickets to Joan Holliday’s Family Dance Party at Northampton Center for the Arts on Saturday, February 11th, 2012 from 10am-12Noon, is as easy as 1-2-3 (4)! To win simply:
CONSIDER SHARING ON FACEBOOK by selecting “Like” below
TELL US YOUR FAMILY’S FAVORITE SONG (NAME OF SONG/ARTIST) FOR SHAKING AWAY THE WINTER BLUES FOR OUR COMMUNITY PLAYLIST below (one entry per household) and be sure to tell us your
FULL NAME (first/last) and where you
LIVE (TOWN/STATE) must include your town to be eligible.
ACCURATE EMAIL (we never share your email address).
We’ll randomly draw a winner and will share the results below
IT’S THAT SIMPLE! — Deadline is Wednesday, 02/08/12 @ 7pm (EST).
Family Concert with The Nields
Saturday, January 21st, 2012 @ 10:30am
at The First Churches of Northampton
Enter to win a family 4-pack of tickets to see The Nields in Northampton on Saturday, Jan. 21st at 10:30am. Deadline to enter to win: 01/18/12 by 7pm (EST). Details below.
For the third year in a row, Hilltown Families is a proud sponsor of the Nonotuck Community School Winter Family Concert Series. This year the school is kicking off their concert series with The Nields, and we have a family 4-pack of free tickets to giveaway to one lucky family! Proceeds from the performance go to benefit Nonotuck Community School, a local non-profit preschool! Deadline to enter to win is 01/18/12. Find out how to enter to win below.
ABOUT THE NIELDS
Nerissa and Katryna Nields grew up singing folk songs in the kitchen and in the back seat of the family car. Katryna learned to sing melody with their father, eventually making her an ideal front person for the band. Nerissa, on the other hand, tackled the harmonies; with that skill, she provided a natural counterpoint to her sister’s vibrant lead. As a duo, the sisters have toured nationally for years and been the darlings of the coffeehouse/festival scene, with tunes ranging from off-the-hook idiosyncratic to kicking to heartbreaking. They were a part of Lillith Fair, and have shared the stage with Natalie Merchant, Suzanne Vega, Sarah McLaughlin, Dar Williams, The Indigo Girls, James Taylor, Joan Baez, the Band, 10,000 Maniacs, Billy Bragg, Dan Zanes and countless others, all of whom informed and enhanced their musical repertoire.
A most recent influence on their music is children. “Having children has brought us back to our roots in a powerful way,” says Nerissa. “I’m much more drawn to the honesty of folk music, the simplicity of it. My kids love singing songs from Sister Holler. And I love how, when we sing these ‘Nerissa’ songs in concerts, everybody sings along, even though it’s the first time they’ve heard them. They’re songs that really invite the listener into the music making process.” Find more information about the band at www.nields.com.
ABOUT THE NCS 2012 WINTER FAMILY CONCERT SERIES
The NCS Winter Family Concert Series is an annual three-part Winter Family Concert Series hosted by Nonotuck Community School. The 2012 season starts off with The Nields in January, followed by A Family Dance Party with DJ Joan Holliday in February and Rani Arbo and daisy mayhem in March. The family concerts take place at The First Churches of Northampton (129 Main Street) and the Dance party will be hosted at the Northampton Center for the Arts. Proceeds from this concert series will go to benefit Nonotuck Community School, a nonprofit parent cooperative that provides early education and care for children aged 15 months to 5 years old, and is located in Florence, Massachusetts (221 Riverside Drive, 586-5996). For more information visit: www.nonotuck.org or call 413-586-5996.
HOW TO WIN
Your chance to win a family 4-pack of tickets to see The Nields in concert at The First Churches of Northampton on Saturday, January 21st, 2012 @ 10:30am, is as easy as 1-2-3 (4)! To win simply:
CONSIDER SHARING ON FACEBOOK by selecting “Like” below
TELL US HOW HILLTOWN FAMILIES CONNECTS YOUR FAMILY WITH LOCAL EVENTS below (one entry per household) and be sure to tell us your
FULL NAME (first/last) and where you
LIVE (TOWN/STATE) must include your town to be eligible.
ACCURATE EMAIL (we never share your email address).
We’ll randomly draw a winner and will share the results below
IT’S THAT SIMPLE! — Deadline is Wednesday, 01/18/12 @ 7pm (EST).
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.
Established in 2005, Hilltown Families has been supporting community-based education through community engagement for over a decade! With your support we can continue to connect community members of all ages with learning and value-based opportunities throughout the four counties of western Massachusetts! Make a tax-deductible donation to Hilltown Families today! - Hilltown Families is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
“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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PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS: Uncle Rock – AKA Robert Burke Warren – has lost count of the number of parents who have expressed relief and gratitude that a CD has been created that they can enjoy WITH their kids. The former globe-trotting bass player stumbled onto his most satisfying creative endeavor yet as a teacher’s assistant at the rural School Of The New Moon in Mount Tremper, New York, where Uncle Rock was born.
UNCLE ROCK U: Uncle Rock U, a collection of 17 songs, explores the joy, excitement and imagination of childhood. The album also reflects Uncle Rock’s indie-rock background (former bassist with The Fleshtones), his theatrical gifts (the lead in the London production of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story) and his knack for connecting with children (being a Dad himself, as well as a preschool teacher).
THE BIG PICTURE: Shel Silverstein meets Buddy Holly! The eco-rock on Uncle Rock’s fourth CD is a salute to his musical heroes, with stylistic nods to Bowie, the Stones, Cat Stevens, and Johnny Cash. Cross-generational toe-tappin’ tunes for kids from 2 to 92!
NUMBER 1 DVD: “Uncle Rock is a musical Icon in the Woodstock area,” reviews Amazon. When you go to one of his live concerts, the smiling faces and energy flows as much from the parents in the audience as from the kids. Number 1 DVD captures positive, hopeful energy through a live concert shot at the famed Utopia sound stage in Woodstock, NY, plus five videos.
EXPRESS YOUR ELF: Express Your Elf is a holiday CD with a few surprises, including Uncle Rock’s versions of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” plus some rockin’ originals! Sure to be a welcome addition to your holiday CD collection!
