Hilltown Families 
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Award-winning, Peruvian-American, Kindie Rocker Twinkle Time is bringing in the summer with some Fun in the Sun! Twinkle Time spins the best family music tunes teaching kids that Summertime is all about making memorable memories with friends and families. Twinkle Time will be performing at The Big E Fair in Springfield, MA, September 19-23, closing out the summer. She looks forward to seeing you there!
HFVS Bicycle Episode (Podcast/Radio Show)
This week on the Hilltown Family Variety Show, Brady Rymer invites you under the big umbrella! A place where individuality is celebrated and kindness wins the day! Come on under and sing and dance with us. There’s “room for everyone!”
HFVS Guest DJ this weekend is none other than New York City’s singing-est cowboy, Hopalong Andrew, aka Andrew Vladeck. Hopalong Andrew is playing some of his favorite stories ever sung. You’ll learn what it’s like to herd cattle, battle pirates, work on the farm or factory, and ride the rails late with the mail — all in the form of story songs traded around campfires by folks from all walks of life. You’ll also get to laugh and learn from nature itself, with anthropomorphic tales of silly horses, funny felines, amorous frogs and independent mermaids.
HFVS Occupation Episode with Guest DJ, Brandon Smith this week on the Hilltown Family Variety Show! Brandon wants to be an astronaut. What do you want to be? Listen for a variety of songs about what you can be when you grow up, any time on the HFVS podcast…
The Story Pirates take stories written by real kids and turn them into sketch comedy, songs, books, and a podcast. In today’s show, hosted by Lee from the Story Pirates, they play some of their songs based on kids’ stories, plus the songs that inspired them!
HFVS STE(A)M Episode with guest DJ’s Dan Crow and John Wood, featuring various artists singing the praises of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
Mr. Billy of the Minnesotan children’s music group The Jolly Pops is joined in studio by his two young daughters to guest DJ. The three of them spin an hour long mix of family favorites while discussing what music means to them and how the songs make them feel.
A full hour dedicated to staying healthy on the Hilltown Family Variety Show with guest DJ, Chuck Folds of Big Bang Boom! But remember, staying healthy is not just about eating healthy, its also about getting outside to exercise, being kind to each other, and taking care of planet Earth. Here is a collection of family-friendly songs that address all aspects of human health; mind, body, soul, and environment.
The theme of HFVS this weeke is “ harmony.” Our guest DJ, Renee Stahl of Renee & Friends, has been singing harmony as long as she can remember. It’s something that comes naturally to her. However, this has been a blessing and a curse, as she hears harmony in everything, from the starting of her computer to the telephone ringing. The basic definition is “ when two things come together and create a pleasant effect,” Harmony is something you need more than one person to do (unless you’re recording). She loves collaborating and singing with others and hopes listeners enjoy this episode and find someone in which to harmonize.
Animal Fun! Join Flor Bromley as she takes you on a journey through all of the different kinds of animals. We will learn about animals and dance to songs about farm animals, pet animals, jungle animals… all sorts of animals!
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!
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.
Ben Rudnick, bandleader for the band Ben Rudnick and Friends, has put together a show featuring several of his songs mixed in with songs that he just really likes. With seven Parents’ Choice Awards to their credit, Ben Rudnick and Friends have been entertaining entire families since 2000. Their broad influences bring the strains of Americana, early rock and roll and psychedelia into an original sound all their own. This week’s episode is an hour of good songs and good vibes. Fun for all!
Hey, mudbugs, get ready to romp in the swamp and boogie on the bayou! Johnette Downing and Scott Billington take you on a rollicking ride through the landscape of Louisiana dance music, from the brass bands of New Orleans to the joyous Cajun and zydeco music of the southwest part of the state, to the rock and roll “big beat” of The Big Easy in the 1950s. Featured are such iconic artists as Fats Domino and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, along with selections from Johnette and Scott’s own “Swamp Romp” album. Laissez les bon temps roulez (let the good times roll)!
This week on the Hilltown Family Variety Show, 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!
We already know our Manners, no need to teach them, but here is the perfect playlist to practice that love and caring. This week on the Hilltown Family Variety Show, Purple Fox Josh of Purple Fox and the Heebie Jeebies brings some of his favorite songs about Pleases, Thank Yous, and kindness to others, right to your ears, because Sharing is Caring!
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.
“New Year Dance Party” with Award-winning Peruvian-American bilingual kindie music phenomenon Twinkle. Twinkle brings all genres of dance music -pop, electronic dance, rock, and hip-hop as she spins the hottest dance tracks for the kindie generation.
Listen to Podcast: What’s New? Episode, with Guest DJ, Danny Weinkauf Grammy Award-winning artist and longtime bassist for They Might Be Giants Danny Weinkauf plays some of his favorite new music from various Kindie artists. – http://www.dannyweinkauf.com Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am December 1st & 2nd, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio Northampton, MA Featured Video: “Pumpkins (Are My Favorite Fruit)” from Danny Weinkauf’s album, Inside I… Read More
Listen to Podcast: 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! — www.wendyanddb.com Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am November 24th & 25th, 2018 WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio… Read More
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[embed]https://hilltownfamilies.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/songs-of-gratitude-episode-with-guest-dj-eric-herman.mp3[/embed]HFVS Songs of Gratitude Episode with Guest DJ, Eric Herman
Eric Herman gets downright happy in this show featuring songs that celebrate feeling good about yourself and about life, and being positive and grateful. — www.erichermanmusic.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am
November 17 & 18, 2018
WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio
Northampton, MA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHv6vTKD6lg
Featured Video:
What makes you happy? Have you ever wondered why? Join SoulPancake as they take an experimental approach to what makes people happier and then it a try yourself with your kids this holiday season:
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Listen to Podcast:
[embed]https://hilltownfamilies.files.wordpress.com/2016/11/songs-of-gratitude-episode-with-guest-dj-eric-herman.mp3[/embed]PLAYLIST
- James Brown – “I Got You (I Feel Good)” [James Brown – 16 Original Hits]
- Eric Herman – “What a Ride” [What a Ride]
- Schneiderman Sisters – “Three Little Birds” [That Baby CD]
- Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella – “Hakuna Matata” [The Lion King Soundtrack]
- Bobby McFerrin – “Don’t Worry Be Happy” [Simple Pleasures]
- David Tobocman – “Hello Goodbye” [Lemonade School]
- Randy Kaplan – “My Little Laugh” [The Kids Are All Id]
- Eric Ode – “Let a Little Light Shine” [When You Smile]
- Eric Herman – “The Best Parts” [Party Animal]
- Secret Agent 23 Skidoo – “Gotta Be You” [Make Believers]
-Story by Eric Herman- - The SqueeGees – “I Can I Can” [Veggie Soup]
- Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could – “The Little Band That Could” [Here Comes Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could]
- Jack Johnson with Ben Harper – “My Own Two Hands” [Sing-A-Longs and Lullabies for the Film Curious George]
- Eric Herman and the Thunder Puppies – “I Wanna Be That Guy” [Bubble Wrap]
- Pharrell Williams – “Happy” [Happy]
- REM with Kate Pierson – “Shiny Happy People” [Out of Time]
Listen to Podcast: HFVS Food Episode with Guest DJs, The Green Orbs 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. — www.TheGreenOrbs.net Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am November 10th… Read More
Listen to Podcast: 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… Read More
Listen to Podcast: HFVS Happy Haunted Halloween Episode with Guest DJ, Mr. Singer of the Sharp Cookies HFVS Happy Haunted Halloween Episode with guest hosts Mr. Singer and his 10-year-old nephew, Connor Thomas Martin, is an hour of fun, silly, spooky, songs that celebrate one of children’s very favorite holidays, HALLOWEEN! Mr. Singer plays some of his original spooky tunes and reads a story about Mary Shelley the teenaged author of Frankenstein,… Read More
Listen to Podcast: HFVS Harvest Episode with Guest DJ, Story Laurie Autumn means harvest time in the northeastern United States. But what are people harvesting in other parts of the country, and around the world? Join guest DJ Story Laurie for some lively songs (including two that were written by elementary school kids!); a crazy tale about a girl sailing around the world on a cabbage; and we’ll even check in with… Read More
Listen to Podcast:
[audio mp3="https://hilltownfamilies.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/hfvs-getting-along-episode-with-guest-djs-david-ladon-and-seth-adams.mp3"][/audio]
Getting Along Episode with Guest DJs, David Ladon and Seth Adams (a.k.a. Animal Farm)
Explore themes of friendship and community with musician-educators David Ladon and Seth Adams, the singer/songwriter team behind the children’s music band Animal Farm. David and Seth share some Animal Farm tunes from their albums Run Free and We Are One, as well as songs by everyone from Nina Simone to Kermit the Frog. These are songs that celebrate not only getting along but learning to love and share with one another. After all, we’re all riding on this rollercoaster trip around the sun! You and me are we, and we are one! — www.animalfarmband.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am
October 12th & 13th, 2018
WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio
Northampton, MA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWxS8sj1gyU
Featured Video: “Cranky Pants” by Animal Farm
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Listen to Podcast:
[audio mp3="https://hilltownfamilies.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/hfvs-getting-along-episode-with-guest-djs-david-ladon-and-seth-adams.mp3"][/audio]
PLAYLIST
- Fred Rogers “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” [Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood]
- Lisa Loeb “Say Hello” [Feel What U Feel]
- Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings “This Land Is Your Land” [Naturally]
- Mr. Dave “I Will Share” [Feeling Good]
- Animal Farm “Paws and Think” [We Are One]
- Laurie Berkner “The More We Get Together” [Buzz Buzz]
- Sly and the Family Stone “Everyday People” [Stand!]
- Animal Farm “The Hippo Song” [Run Free]
- Kermit the Frog & Friends “Get Along” [Sesame Street]
- Odetta “If I Had a Hammer” [Live]
- Shiprock and Anchordog “Blueberries” [Shiprock and Anchordog]
- Nina Simone “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free” [Silk & Soul]
- Carole King “You’ve Got a Friend” [Tapestry]
- Animal Farm “We Are One” [We Are One]
- Sharon, Lois & Bram “Skinnamarink” [Sharon, Lois & Bram’s Elephant Record]
Listen to Podcast:
[audio mp3="https://hilltownfamilies.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/inspiration-episode-with-guest-dj-jamie-broza.mp3"][/audio]
Inspiration Episode with Guest DJ, Jamie Broza
Inspiration. What is it? Where does it come from? What inspires us to make music? In this episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show, Jamie Broza takes us through a diverse array of fantastic songs and singers that have inspired him to make music, and hopefully will inspire some of our listeners to start writing their own songs! – www.jamielawrenceproductions.com
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am
October 6 & 7, 2018
WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio
Northampton, MA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZO3binphGI
Featured Video: Waters of March
Listen to Podcast: 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 September 29th… Read More
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[embed]https://hilltownfamilies.files.wordpress.com/2018/09/pirate-episode-with-guest-dj-tom-mason-of-the-blue-buccaneers.m4a[/embed]Pirate Episode with Guest DJ, Tom Mason of the Blue Buccaneers
Captain Tom Mason of the Blue Buccaneers takes the helm as our guest DJ for an hour of songs about pirates and the sea. Listen to songs from islands the pirates visited, dance to both the peg-leg jig and the peg-leg tango, and sing along to sea shanties old and new. Captain Tom also gives a brief lesson in how to talk like a pirate, as well as a few words about fine dining on the deep sea. – tommason.net
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am
September 15 & 16, 2018
WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio
Northampton, MA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cURn__xlWXk
Featured Video: Are Ghost Ships Real?
According to TED-Ed, “In 1884, the British steamer “Rumney” crashed into the French ship “Frigorifique.” Seeing their ship filling with water, the French crew climbed aboard the “Rumney.” But as they sailed towards port, a silent form emerged from the fog – the abandoned “Frigorifique,” seemingly back for revenge. So what happened? Peter B. Campbell investigates the fascinating phenomenon of ghost ships.”
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[embed]https://hilltownfamilies.files.wordpress.com/2018/09/pirate-episode-with-guest-dj-tom-mason-of-the-blue-buccaneers.m4a[/embed]PLAYLIST
- Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers “If You Want to be a Pirate” [“If You Want to be a Pirate: Songs for Young Buccaneers”]
- Pete Seeger “Blow the Man Down”
- Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers “It’s a lot of Work to be a Pirate” [“If You Want to be a Pirate: Songs for Young Buccaneers”]
- Captain Bogg and Salty “Pegleg Tango”
- The Bushwackers “South Australia” [Australian Songbook]
- Silly Grandpa “Biscuits and Gravy” [Chicken in the Yard]
- Bill Crosby “Selfish Shellfish” [Boomerang Orangutan]
- Ralph Covert “Pirates” [Welcome to Deadsville]
- Dicey Doh Singers “Sloop John B” [Smithsonian Classic Maritime Music]
- Bruce Springsteen “Buffalo Gals” [Seeger Sessions]
- Roane “John Kanaka” [Libertalia]
- Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers “Talk Like a Pirate” [“If You Want to be a Pirate: Songs for Young Buccaneers”]
- Bob Marley and the Wailers “Jammin’” [Bob Marley and the Wailers Gold]
- The Almanac Singers “The Coast of High Barbary” [America’s Political Songwriter No.10]
- The Dubliners and The Pogues “The Irish Rover” [The Best of the Pogues]
- Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers “Sailing On” [“If You Want to be a Pirate: Songs for Young Buccaneers”]
Cultural Itineraries
- Season: January & February
- Season: March & April
- Season: May & June
- Season: July & August
- Season: September & October
- Season: November & December
