StarJam is very happy to announce the appointment of Mr Dick Hubbard as a new trustee to StarJam’s board. For those living in Auckland, he will need no introduction. Supporters living in other parts of the globe may not know that Dick Hubbard was the Mayor of Auckland City for three years from 2004 to 2007. His company Hubbard’s Foods is also well known in this part of the world, especially by those who enjoy starting the day with Hubbard’s breakfast foods. Dick has not only been a great supporter of StarJam but has really entered the Jammers’ world.

Dick performing with the Jammers

Dick talking to Jammer, Moana

Dick performed a cameo role in the show StarJam staged to open the Sir Woolf Fisher Arena at the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre in 2005 in Manukau City. He accepted an invitation to be in the wheelchair dance section of the show, “I believe I can fly”, and got dancing with our Jammers. As well as attending rehearsals for the show, he attended our post-show Certificate of Stardom presentation and our end of year disco party. Our trustees are very much looking forward to working with Dick in the future.

In our green fluffy slippers, and green fluffy socks, Our big fluffy coats, and our green fluffy frocks, our long fluffy ears, and to top all that, our beautiful fluffy hats!
Don’t worry, StarJam hasn’t gone completely fluffy! These are some of the lyrics of The Fluffy Hat Song written by Jammers that received an encore at the inaugural concert of StarJam’s Velvet Vocals.
The talented singers treated a select group of lucky friends and family to a night of entertainment featuring group songs including We are the World, and the WORLD PREMIERE of Side by Side….check out these amazing lyrics from the song written by StarJam tutor and original Jammer, Jonathan Heaps:

“Tonight, there’s something in the air,
As I stand upon the threshold of my life,
At the peak of everything.
I can’t explain the feeling,
Like a thousand dreams have come to life, they call to me,
All I have to do is live them…”

The Velvet Vocals performing at their inaugural concert.

Moana sings a beautiful rendition of ‘One Day’ by Kiwi band Op Shop

Ben Matthews ROCKS
StarJam already knew Ben Matthews was destined for big things after some stunning group and solo performances at StarJam’s monthly gatherings, but it has also just been confirmed by one of the biggest nationwide music events in New Zealand –the Smokefree Rockquest. Every year this music extravaganza reaches over 100,000 people in audience numbers. Ben recently made it through the heats to perform at the Manukau regional finals!
The audience packed in for a stunning night of music, rock and entertainment. Ben was quite nervous, but his sisters and parents went along for support and to cheer him on. Ben was the 3rd act on the night, and played and sung two of his own original songs called Runaway With MeUninspired Melodies.

Ben performing at the Manukau regional finals.

Ben (3rd from left) with the StarJam Groovy Guitarists.

‘The Pretenders’ - Jammers filmed for upcoming TV series
Our Jammers were recently invited to be part of a TV series to screen later this year. ‘The Pretenders’ is a bit of a spoof on election campaigning. Main character, ‘Dennis’ the politician comes to visit the Jammers who are doing various fun things. He’s trying to score points in his campaign to gain popularity, but when he meets the Jammers he gets more than he bargained for. The story will unfold when it goes to air but for now, most of the Jammers are basking in their first on screen acting opportunity.

The cameras rolled up and the Jammers had a ball.

Dylan Levien and Freedom Harrison.

The cameras capture awesome acting.

As soon as we know when it will hit the TV screen, we will also let you know. Thanks to everyone at Great Southern TV for this opportunity and a great day.

StarJam Hero Awards
On 31st May at our monthly gathering in Auckland, we had our second ever presentation of Hero Awards. Even though it was a three day weekend luring many people out of town, over 100 Jammers and their supporters came to enjoy the Awards presentation, the CoolJam Show Offs and enjoy each other’s company. TV2 presenters Dayna Vawdrey and Matt Gibb kindly came to present the Awards. Again, as with the first series of awards, each member of the StarJam office team, nominated a hero.

Joshua Dainty was the first up in our new batch of heroes. Josh was nominated by Julie Bartlett for bravery and courage. He has done extremely well at school recently despite some big physical challenges and lots of changes in his life.

Josh receives his award from Matt & Dayna.

In 2007, Josh (bottom right) during the recording of Queen of Hearts.

Katrina Williams was ‘dobbed in’ by Jessie Harris. At the West Auckland Sensational Singing workshop, the Jammers bring along their favourite CDs for their solo and duet items. Katrina noticed that fellow Jammer, Matthew Brent-Jones, who recently joined the workshop, wasn’t bringing along any CDs. So she figured out what his favourite music was and following week brought along a CD of Matthew’s fave music for him. Her thoughtfulness was noticed…and very much appreciated.

Matt & Dayna congratulate a smiling Katrina.

Katrina in StarJam Rocks ‘05 (Picture by Patrick Bellett)

Daniel Gourlay nominated Callum Attwell for his courage to fly stunts in a tiny plane. It is true that many were envious of Callum winning this prize but they were put to the test during the awards presentation. We screened the video of the flight, which was shot by pilot Richard Hood. Everyone watching made loud ooooh and ahhhhh noises as the planed turned upside down and the land swapped places with the sky over and over. Fasten your seatbelt and watch the video here

Callum receives his Hero award from Matt & Dayna.

At Whangarei airport, pilot Richard Hood with his two ’suspects’, Mark and Callum.

Sheryl Takayama nominated volunteer, Janene Laughton. Janene has gone an extra hundered miles in providing support for the ‘Westie’ Singers who are a super-energetic and enthusiastic bunch of Jammers. This workshop is bursting at the seams and there have been more than a few tears shed when it comes to enrolment time each term and the places are all very quickly taken up.

Hugs all round as Janene receives her Hero award.

Janene lines up for her photo with Matt & Dayna.

Darryl Pascoe is that kind of guy who’s always in the right place at the right time. Darryl who is reliably there to set up what ever needs setting up and to pack it away afterwards, was nominated by Roy Bartlett. He’s a volunteer extraordinaire!

Darryl setting up drums at a rehearsal.

Darryl seems to enjoy the hugs for heroes too.

CoolJam Show Offs
This month we were treated to a brilliant ’show off’ by Central Groovy Guitars. They have achieved so much in a short time. Newest Groovy Guitarist Nicholas Leggat gave a performance of a song he has just written after joining the workshop only a few months ago. There was pin-drop silence as he started singing but then captured by the song, everyone started clapping along. He appeared very happy with his first ever performance. While a few people were wiping away tears, the Central Hip Hoppers took to the floow to show off their latest moves. Great stuff!

Groovy Guitarist, Nicholas Leggat after his solo.

The Central Hip Hoppers with their cool moves.

Move over Justin Timberlake – make room for the Velvet Vocals workshop

We have two great tutors for the new Velvet Vocals singing workshop. Jono Heaps, one of StarJam’s original “Jammers” who has already enjoyed an exciting array of jamming adventures, is very enthusiastic about leading this new group. Jono is StarJam’s youngest CoolJam workshop tutor.

Also tutoring this group with Jono, we have Joanie Bartels. Selling over 3 million albums, Joanie is USA’s top-selling singer and songwriter of children’s music. Jono and Joanie are discovering the immense combined talent of these Jammers, some who have been StarJam stars for several years and others new to the StarJam family. They aim to release their own song this year.

Jono Heaps with Jay Leno (during a Jamming trip in USA) and Joanie Bartels with Jammer Ashley Phillips

At the Velvet Vocals workshop, Bonnie Pascoe, Grace Lee, Isaac Toafa, Moana Mani, Gavin Allpress, Katie Nash, Natalie Te Paa, Jessica Wootton, Amy Wootton and Olivia Shivas relax in between songs

Flying high thanks to Air New Zealand 

StarJam Jambassador Ray Woolf receives honour

Meet two new Jammers 

The year has certainly started on a high note with the presentation of the ginormous plane-shaped $135,000 cheque from Air New Zealand.   StarJam, along with Starship Foundation and Make A Wish Foundation was a very happy beneficiary of Air New Zealand’s “Kids at Christmas” online charity auction.   The cheque presentation took place on Monday 4^th February at Air New Zealand’s downtown Auckland offices.

This magnificent donation will help us to provide a greater number of opportunities for young people with disabilities to join our Talent Expansion Programme, get on stage and get jamming. We are enormously grateful to Air New Zealand for the support they provide StarJam and all the Jammers.

We were delighted to learn that one of our Jambassdaors, Ray Woolf, was named as a recipient of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to entertainment in this year’s New Year Honours list.  We send hearty congratulations to Ray for receiving this prestigious and much-deserved award.  We are enormously proud of Ray and the great honour he has brought to StarJam by being our Jambassador. 

Ray has performed in six of StarJam’s major productions including the first-ever show in November 2002. In the StarJam Stage Show in 2005, he played the role of “The King”. Together with his jester, played by Michael Barrymore, he helped the Jammers on their journey to the land of StarJam.

Michael Barrymore, Ray Woolf with Jammers Red Nicholson, Anthony Jellyman and Olivia Shivas. Photo by Patrick Bellett.

StarJam has five Jambassadors, Daniel Gourlay, John Hawkesby, Jono Heaps, DJ (Dean) Morath and Ray Woolf.

Sisters Amy, 10 and Jessica, 12, Wootton have recently discovered StarJam.  Both love singing and acting and would like to carve out careers in these fields.  Amy also loves gymnastics and Jessica is keen on the internet.  Both girls attend Whenuapai School and will be singing their hearts out in a CoolJam singing workshop starting this week.

 CoolJam Workshops

This week, around 100 Jammers are starting in on a new series of CoolJam workshops.   We have some very excited young people chomping at the bit to get jamming.  Some are already asking about performing in the end of year show!!   Watch out for news of great jamming achievements and of course the show.  

Thank you for all your support.

As those who were at the Go On Shine Show on Saturday 17th November would tell you, you have to be there to know what it is to get jammed. This brief newsletter could never convey to you the sights, sounds and atmosphere from the big night. It does though contain a few pix and some of the comments we received from the Jammed after the show.

Cushla Burgess, Jade Laughton and Rebecca Everard
Ramping it up during the rehearsals.

The show opened with the whole cast greeting the audience
And…, MC Simon Dallow chats with Jammer, Loren Corbett

“ It was the first time I’ve seen StarJam ‘in action’ and I was absolutely blown away. All of the Jammers were truly inspirational and I have definitely been ‘Jammed’.” Crystal Clayton

Jammers from the West Auckland Dazzling Dance workshop…and
The North Shore Sensational Singers celebrate with Megan Alatini

“What a great night Saturday was - each and every Jammer a star and an inspiration. - it was really quite special to be there.”
Leanne Tiscornia

The Groovy Guitarists belt out “I’m a believer”

“Just wanted to congratulate you all on a fantastic show and to thank you for the hours of effort that went into producing what can only be described as a Masterpiece.”
Lorraine Cummins

Sarah Hall takes flight in her dance solo and
Moana Mani is absolutely delighted to be on stage with Ben Lummis

“I was both enchanted and inspired by the enthusiasm all the children showed on stage, and I admire the courage that it must have taken for many (if not all) of them to get up and perform on stage. Overall, I was quite swept up in the joy of the night and will remember it forever.”
Lydia Hughes

Thomas Castle and Joanie Bartels with Dean in the finale song “Anything is Possible”

“Saturday was one of the most inspiring, exhilarating, fun, busy, wonderful, entertaining experiences of my life! The Jammers were absolutely AWESOME! Working with them was such a joy, I will never forget it and certainly intend to be on board for next year’s extravaganza!”

Joanie Bartels-MacDonald

All photos in this newsletter by Patrick Bellett

A big thank you to everyone who helped to make the show such a success……

The celebrities, Simon Dallow, Ben Lummis, Megan Alatini, Joanie Bartels, Nubian Angelz and Jonny Williams who so generously gave their time.

Our sponsors and supporters for the show:

• Lion Foundation
• Southern Trust
• Nestle NZ Ltd
• Multi-Media
• Patrick Bellett Photography
• Cut Above Academy,

The “CoolJam” Tutors, the “CoolJam” volunteers, all the volunteers who made up the show support team, the Jammers’ families and of course the Jammers themselves.

The audience who were so warm and generous

Daniel Gourlay on left with the North Shore Dancers

Daniel Gourlay’s show blog

the show went well for us all we put Iove in it and together as a team StarJam is I well never forget that moment to shine again with all my friends and family the last thing I liked that peolpe having fun and bevlie that StarJam will not forget that show went on and on belong be strong believe achieve we all did that

More news of the show will soon be available on our website.

Air New Zealand’s Kids at Christmas Auction

In early December we will send you more happy news about the Air New Zealand Online Christmas Charity Auction which will run from 10th Dec – 19th Dec.

Thanks for all your support.

From the Team @

StarJam
P + 64 9 624 4555
M + 64 21 782 752
PO Box 55 234, Mission Bay, Auckland, New Zealand

The Dynamic Drumming group were the first up; the sounds of the drums reverberated through the theatre and created an buzz throughout the audience.

Before the Whangarei Dazzling Dance group took to the stage, Simon interviewed Loren Corbett, making an adjustment for difference in height.

Whangarei Dazzling Dance then set the theatre alight with both their dance and the special effects from their costumes.

The North Shore Dancers were up next, each introducing themselves through their favourite song. Daniel Gourlay showed us what it meant to be a Seventies ‘cool guy’ and Kristina Cullen danced beautifully to “The Tide Is High”. They followed with their group dance to “Here Comes the Sun”, which was fantastic!

The Central Auckland Hip Hopper’s kicked off the second half with some awesome moves, with each Jammer shining on stage.

The Groovy Guitarists performed “I’m a Believer”. Ben Matthews was awesome on vocals and all guitarists played wonderfully. A special mention to Hasini De Silva who had to make a quick costume change and did it with flair.

West Auckland Dance completed the acts from the CoolJam workshops, each introducing themselves to the audience through music, Adam Jones showed us some awesome disco moves, with Sarah Hall bringing on a bit of “Grease Lighting”. West Auckland’s group dance took us back to the 1920’s & 1930’s, with grace and poise.

We have show fever right now! The Jammers are SO excited and are doing SO well in their rehearsals. And they’ve been getting great encouragement from celebrities, their families and of course each other

Nathan Child and Hasini de Silva, two of our rock stars on guitars and the West Auckland Sensational Singers get physical during their song

Ben Lummis rehearsing with the Sensational Singers from the Central Auckland CoolJam workshop … and everyone practicing the opening number for the show.

Time out from rehearsing for a group photo with Megan Alatini and Ben Lummis And Cushla Burgess and Rachel van de Broek embracing their duet

Matt Gibb and Dayna Vawdrey, presenters from TV2’s Studio Two programme, came along to watch the rehearsals last Saturday. They thought the Jammers were awesome (and definitely vice versa)

Thomas Castle and Jeffrey MacLean with Dayna

While all these final rehearsals have been taking place, three students from Auckland University of Technology have been making a short documentary on StarJam as a part of their studies

Sophie Schroder, Maine Perret and Nikki Wood interviewing Michael Dunn for the doco

If you would like to grab one of the last seats available for the Go On Shine Show on 17th November, you should contact the StarJam office now on 0800 4 StarJam (0800 478275)

The StarJam Go on Shine Show – Saturday 17th November 07

Three new Jambassadors

Trumpeting in the news you have been waiting for….. we have pleasure in announcing that the next StarJam Show will be on Saturday 17th November at the TelstraClear Events Centre in Manukau City, Auckland, New Zealand. There will be a cast of around 100 and a line up not to be missed!! Tickets will be extremely limited and will be available from 3rd September. Best mark your diary now for 17th November for the show and 3rd September to secure a seat. Tickets will be available from the StarJam office for a suggested donation of $25.

Three new Jambassadors

On the evening of 27th July, three new Jambassadors were announced to join StarJam’s first two. John Hawkesby was the first Jambassador StarJam appointed and DJ (Dean) Morath the second. The three honoured last Thursday were Ray Woolf, Jono Heaps and Daniel Gourlay. Ray Woolf (left) being welcomed to the ranks of Jambassadorship by DJ (Dean) Morath. Also honoured were Jono Heaps and Daniel Gourlay at StarJam’s Annual General Meeting Ray Woolf has been involved with StarJam since our launch in 2002. He has been in the cast of all but one of StarJam’s shows. In the StarJam Stage Show he not only sang, but played the role of the king who allowed the Jammers to pass through his kingdom. He was a very gracious king! On top of that, the Jammers really appreciate his willingness to sing whatever songs they want to sing. His support has been awesome. Ray Woolf singing in the finale of StarJam Rocks 05 and In the StarJam Stage Show on 2005 as king, here talking to ‘court jester’ Michael Barrymore Jammers Red Nicholson, Anthony Jellyman and Olivia Shivas looking on. Daniel Gourlay first participated in StarJam in 2003. He soon started phoning up with ideas and suggestions and his dedication to StarJam became obvious. He was chosen to go on StarJam’s first jamming trip to USA where he interviewed Danny DeVito. This now famous interview has been screened on TVNZ as well as at StarJam shows and has been seen by an estimated 600,000 people. Daniel went on to co-host two of StarJam’s shows with Kate Hawkesby. Due to his outstanding dedication and persuasive powers he is now a member of the StarJam team working in the office two days a week. Daniel at a StarJam Stage Show rehearsal with Shane Cortese and Nerida Lister….and Lost for words at the presentation of his Jambassador award last week. Julie Bartlett and Sheryl Takayama watch his delight. Jono Heaps was one of StarJam’s original Jammers who participated in the launch in 2002 where he interviewed cricketer Lou Vincent. He clocked up an impressive list of interviews over the following three years; Martin Crowe, John McEnroe and Michael Bolton. Jono was the Music Director for StarJam Rocks 06 and has led many singing rehearsals. Other outstanding contributions include performing with only a couple of hours notice at a major event in Minneapolis, to an audience of 2000. Jono is StarJam’s first Jammer to become a CoolJam workshop tutor. Together with Renee Maurice, he co-wrote StarJam’s recently released Queen of Hearts song. Jono interviewing Martin Crowe at StarJam’s interview show in 2003 and with Jay Leno backstage at the Starkey Hearing Foundation Gala in Minneapolis, USA in 2006

Jamming at the AGM

Some of our new Jammers gave a great performance at the Annual General Meeting. The girls from the West Auckland Sensational Singing workshop belted out two lovely songs. Ben Matthews who has been writing songs prolifically since he started the Groovy Guitar workshop, sang one of his recently-created songs. Jade Laughton, Cushla Burgess, Rachel Van De Broek, Erin Cummins (obscured) sing “Honey I’m Home” and Ben Matthews sings ‘Uninspired Melody’ It was a great opportunity to acknowledge the wonderful work done by the volunteers who supervise the CoolJam workshops. Jammer Isaac Toafa painted gorgeous ‘canvases’ for each of the CoolJam volunteers. Volunteer Michelle Maitland receiving a canvas from Programmes Manager Sheryl Takayama Many said it was the most delightful Annual General Meeting they had ever attended. From all the team at StarJam, thank you for your support.

Two awards - Living Legend & US International Film and Documentary Award Queen of Hearts Climbs the Charts Annual General Meeting - Thursday 26 JulySupport from the Top

Sheryl, StarJam Programmes Manager, writes: StarJam has been recognized with two fantastic awards this month. The StarJam team were lucky enough to be at Auckland City Council last Thursday night to see Julie Bartlett receive a ‘Living Legend’ award from Mayor Dick Hubbard, recognizing the outstanding work she has done in creating StarJam and the impact StarJam has had on the community. Previous winners of the award have included Don McGlashan, Sir James Fletcher and Bob Kerridge .     The guys, Daniel Gourlay , Roy Bartlett , and Jono Heaps with Julie and Sheryl Takayama (me) Of course we wanted to acknowledge the award in our own special StarJam way, so at the monthly meeting on Saturday a group of singers from the CoolJam singing workshops surprised Julie with a performance of their own version of ‘Wind Beneath Our Wings’, especially re-written for Julie by Jono Heaps. It was a touching moment and there were certainly a few tears flowing! Congratulations Roy and Julie for all the hard work you have put into StarJam and congratulations Julie on this awesome award – you thoroughly deserve it. Earlier in June, Roy and Julie travelled to Hollywood to receive an award for The StarJam Stage Show Documentary at the annual U.S. International Film and Video Festival competition. Here you can see Julie and Roy looking very glam at the ceremony. They were blown away by the calibre of the other entrants and met some amazing, creative people during their trip. Apparently there was no celebrity spotting this time, although they just missed the premiere of Oceans Thirteen and the chance to see George and Brad in action! Congratulations to all the Jammers and families who featured in the StarJam Stage Show Documentary and especially to Graham Elliot of Picture Talk Productions who produced and directed the documentary. Lee Gluckman Jnr presenting award to Julie and Roy Bartlett in Hollywood

Queen of Hearts Song

Since the Queen of Hearts song was launched five weeks ago, it has captured the attention of several radio stations and hundreds of CD buyers. It’s reached No 2 on Telecom’s Caller Tunes. If you haven’t got a copy of the song yet, you can purchase it all major music shops including The Warehouse or download it on DigiRama, www.digirama.co.nz iTunes www.itunes.com and Vodafone www.vodafone.co.nz You will help fulfil the Jammers’ dream of their song reaching Number One on the charts.

CoolJam Spreads Further

It’s just over a year since CoolJam started in Central Auckland with four series of workshops. Now there are eleven workshops happening all over Auckland and the number of Jammers keeps growing. Enrolments are now open for term three of CoolJam, which starts at the end of July.

Dancers who jam at Western Springs, The Groovy Guitarists and a bunch of CoolJammers from South Auckland

Annual General Meeting

StarJam’s AGM will be held on Thursday July 26 th July at the Western Springs Garden Community Hall starting at 7pm. Some of our newest and very talented Jammers will be performing on the evening. Everyone is welcome to attend – more details available by phoning the StarJam office on 0800 478275 or (09) 624 4555.

Back to top

FreeJams at June Monthly Gathering

We sign out this month with fresh inspiration from some wondering Jamming on Saturday at the monthly gathering of the StarJam community. So many new Jammers took to the stage like they were born to it and provided a great afternoon’s entertainment.

Nathan and Paul ‘FreeJamming” on Saturday 30th

StarJam’s first single Queen of Hearts is out now!

The CD is on sale at The Warehouse as well as Sounds and the CD/DVD Stores throughout New Zealand . The CD includes the song video.

You can also download Queen of Hearts from digirama , Vodafone

Telecom and i-Tunes . On the Telecom and i-Tunes sites please search on StarJam.

You can see a preview of the song and footage of the stars on MySpace .

Funds raised from the sale of this song will help StarJam to create even more opportunities for young people with disabilities and also support song writers Jono and Renee in their future endeavours.

Release of StarJam’s first single – Queen of Hearts
StarJam Documentary wins USA International Film Festival Award
Launch of New Logo and our Logo Creator

The release of StarJam’s Queen of Hearts song was celebrated on Thurs May 24 th in Auckland and what a celebration it was. It’s hard to say who was more excited; the Jammers or all our VIP guests. Perhaps everyone had a sense of how successful this song would be. Just 72 hours after its release, the song had risen to number 15 on top download site digiRama and has also just become third most popular caller tune on Telecom!! Join the in crowd and get a hold of the song – you can buy it from The Warehouse, Sounds or the Cd/DVD Store. You can also download the song at digiRama , i-Tunes , Vodafone or Telecom which will cost less than $2!     Thomas Castle and Jane Kiely enjoy meeting each other and the Jammers go on stage, ready to rock. The official Song Release function was held at Air NZ House in downtown Auckland with Dave Dobbyn honouring us as MC for the occasion. Everyone enjoyed the mix and mingle before the big excitement started. Jammers Kimberley McLean and Alex Snedden and StarJam volunteers enjoyed serving the guests with delicacies and drinks. The Close Up crew from TVNZ left to take the hotly shot footage to the studio to broadcast it less than an hour later. If you didn’t see this feature on TV, you can view it here . After the singing, Dave presented each Jammer with a special award to mark their outstanding achievements. Dave Dobbyn presents awards to our songwriters, Renee Maurice and Jono Heaps. Sincere thanks go to Air New Zealand for allowing us to hold this significant celebration at their fabulous new building We were also overwhelmed by the generosity of many others who helped us make this a night to remember. EMI Music , Designworks Enterprise Multimedia , More than Bread , Charlies , Rampworx , Patrick Bellett , Island Films , Costume Studio , and Jodine Gribble, sign language interpreter With so much to celebrate, the StarJam community gathered on Saturday 27 th to congratulate each other. Simon Dallow re-presented the awards to the Jammers (they could never get enough of this stuff) Simon looks at Joshua Dainty’s award and shares the proud moment with Anthony Jellyman

StarJam Documentary wins USA International Film Festival Award

Our StarJam Stage Show Documentary has won an award at the 40 th annual U.S. International Film and Video Festival competition. ‘The StarJam Stage Show’ documentary was one of 1,200 entries received from 24 countries. The documentary features the very memorable Show (the opening of the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre) which took place in May 2005, where 100 Jammers performed to an audience of 1000 people. The documentary tells the story of some of the key young people involved, and the families who helped get them there. The documentary was produced and directed by Graham Elliott of Picture Talk Productions .

The award will be presented to StarJam founders Roy and Julie Bartlett at a ceremony in Hollywood on 1-2 June 2007.

Launch of New Logo and our Logo Creator

You will have noticed a new logo at the top of this newsletter. It was created pro bono by our design team at Designworks led by Geoff Suvalko working with Sam Trustrum.

Designworks are brand experience designers with a focus to put down under brands on top - internationally. Since its formation in 1978, the consultancy has worked with a broad range of New Zealand and Australian client companies in either the establishment or reinvention of brand. Across Auckland, Wellington and Sydney studios, the company has worked to develop brand stories for down under icons such as Tui, Air New Zealand, L&P, Monteith’s and AMI, while assisting in the creation of newcomers such as B_E_E, Ara and Charlies. The focus in every case, to create inspiring stories that deliver authentic experiences.

Sincere thanks to Designworks for this very valuable work. We are extremely grateful for the assistance from all our supporters and fans.

Dancing with the StarJam Stars
Behind the Scenes Support

At our monthly gathering at Western Springs on Saturday, we were wowwed by a visit from Aaron Gilmore and Rebecca Nicholson from the “Dancing with the Stars” TV show. After an impromptu ‘haka’ welcome from the Jammers, Aaron and Rebecca demonstrated a cheeky cha cha and then got all our Jammers up on the floor to join in and learn some new hip hop moves.   Our very own CoolJam tut or dancing star, Carlene Newell came along and taught us all a great new group dance, helped by new CoolJam tutor, Juanita Jelleyman. Everyone joined in the fun with gay abandonment, filling the room with laughter .   You guessed it, everyone wanted to dance with or have photos taken with Aaron and Rebecca . Move over Paul Holmes! Thanks so much for coming, Rebecca and Aaron.

Over the next few newsletters, we are going to give you a peek behind the scenes at the amazing support we receive from so many people and organisations. One chain of support started when the Institute for Strategic Leadership generously offered StarJam’s CEO Julie Bartlett a scholarship to attend a week long Strategic Leadership Course at Millbrook, Queenstown in October 05. Another participant on that course was Carrie Hobson and she launched executive search firm Hobson Leavy last year together with partner Stephen Leavy. When StarJam was the case study for the August 06 session of the Strategic Leadership Course, one of the syndicates got ‘jammed’ and subsequently, together with their coach, Anne Bond, all five have offered their time and expertise to become an advisory group for StarJam’s CEO. There are, no doubt, more links yet to join this chain. Introducing themselves, here is a little about the Institute for Strategic Leadership, the “Starlight” Advisory Group to StarJam’s CEO, and Hobson Leavy. The Institute for Strategic Leadership specialises and focuses on developing CEOs, senior managers and highly talented middle managers with CEO potential in business and public organisations. Our objective is to support our clients in building their organisation’s leadership capabilities, to encourage development and innovation, and to assist with change initiatives. We run our highly renowned Strategic Leadership Programme at the beautiful Millbrook campus in Queenstown, which provides an ideal location for reflection and development. Following attendance at either the Strategic Leadership Programme, or the Leadership Programme for High Potentials we continue to support our clients by providing on-going coaching, facilitating workshops, and with our MasterClass 2-day and ISL MBA executive development programmes. For more information on the Institute and its programmes please visit www.leadership.ac.nz or call or email David Lee (d.lee@leadership.ac.nz), our Client Relations Manager on 09 366 1560. The Starlight Advisory Group Greg Lowe, Bill Aubrey and Kevin Burnett behind Zarina Thesing, Anne Bond and Michael Hamid Bill Aubrey , General Manager, Tenix Alliance, has some 25 years experience in the power industry in New Zealand , working predominantly in the contracting services domain. Bill has a gorgeous 16 year old creative and talented drawing daughter and a handsome 12 year old basketball and rugby playing son. He spends as much time as he can with them and their friends, exploring new things they like to do and going on school camps is particularly rewarding and fun. In addition, Bill is a fishing nut who loves the All Blacks, the Black Caps and the NZ Americas Cup Team. Anne Bond is the Director of Coaching with the Institute for Strategic Leadership as well as being one of its two founders (yes, she is proud). Anne is an Analytic Psychotherapist by trade and has worked as a Clinical Practitioner as well as an Educator, Business Consultant and Executive Coach for the past 20 odd years. This year Anne has finally succumbed to the bright lights of Auckland and has made her home here after indulging many years in the bracing and beautiful South Island . Having met Julie on one of the Institute’s Programmes, Anne was struck by the importance of the work StarJam was doing. Having had the opportunity to work through the medium of early NZ television and then the stage, Anne was instantly drawn to the concept of Star J am and remains an earnest supporter of Julie, Roy and the Jammers! Kevin Burnett is a New Zealand Army officer with thirty years service. He is currently resident in Waiouru on the central plateau of the North Island working in the Army’s training organisation. Kevin was jammed during a leadership development workshop in 2006 and is keen to provide support to StarJam in furthering its vision in New Zealand and across the world. Michael Hamid is the Research and Development Executive for the Gallagher Group, an iconic Hamilton based technology export company. Michael is married with two children, five grandchildren, a cat and a dog. Michael is a keen (some would say obsessive) road cyclist and regularly competes in the Waikato . Greg Lowe is Managing Director of Beca Australia , leading the operations of the Beca Group of companies on the east coast of Australia . A passionate Kiwi living amongst 4 million supporters of a very funny kind of football in Melbourne, Greg and his family spend their spare time exploring the fascinating attractions of a hot, dry country (with occasional visits home for snow ski-ing, water ski-ing and trout fishing !). Having experienced the hidden talents of a few of the Jammers, Greg offers his support to the growth of StarJam to help take this amazing experience to a greater audience, in New Zealand and beyond. Zarina Thesing has trained and worked in the ICT Industry for over 17 years. She has held leadership positions with Technology teams and projects that have provided organisations with strategic capability. Zarina has worked for the last 6 years for Pumpkin Patch, as GM, IT. Pumpkin Patch is Australiasia’s leading children’s fashion company, and is increasingly recognised as an international brand representing innovate design and quality product. Whilst not working Zarina enjoys spending time with her husband Paul and daughter Karissa . Hobson Leavy is an executive search firm that focuses on executive level appointments across all sectors in New Zealand . Hobson Leavy also offers complementary services such as non-executive director search, talent retention consulting, talent benchmarking, individual due diligence reports and remuneration reports. At Hobson Leavy we feel giving something back to the community that supports us is not just optional, but essential. Each of our Principals is personally involved in giving their time to community organisations. Carrie Hobson was previously Chief Executive of the St Joseph ’s Mercy Hospice Foundation and remains closely involved in fundraising for the Foundation as well as giving her time to the Hospice itself. Stephen Leavy is on the Board of Trustees for the First Foundation and also participates as a mentor in the First Foundation Volunteer Programme, helping young New Zealanders achieve their potential. In addition we also commit to undertaking a number of pro bono executive searches each year for community organisations, giving our time and skill free of charge to ensure these entities can identify and attract talented individuals who will contribute to the organisation’s ongoing success. One recent example we are particularly proud of is the recently appointed Programmes Manager Sheryl Takayama who joined StarJam to expand the very popular Talent Expansion Programme known as CoolJam. Principal Carrie Hobson is also a graduate of the Institute for Strategic Leadership. On behalf of all the Jammers who benefit from all your support, thank you so very much.

The First Ever StarJam Picnic
CoolJam Expands Reach of Workshops - Enrolments Open for Term Two
Acknowledging our Financial Supporters

The First Ever StarJam Picnic

The weather was very kind to the first ever StarJam picnic held in Cornwall Park on 31 st March. Around 80 brought their picnic rugs and their smiles ready for an afternoon’s fun.   Lena Zhang-Harrup is fully focused on keeping her Easter egg balanced on the spoon while others lined up at the start line watching for winning techniques. Everyone was a winner at the end of the day with telltale chocolate smears around everyone’s lips.   The wheelchair races were for everyone. Those who’ve never used wheelchairs before were surprised how difficult it is to go ‘fast on four’. In the first heat of the motorized chairs race, Ryan and Blake Leitch stormed ahead. The last wheelchair race was between Brittany, Bonnie, Blake & Ryan. They all took off with a hiss and a roar and then it became clear that both Ryan and Blake throttled back to let the girls take the lead. It was definitely one of those hanky moments. The games ended with a treasure hunt to find the Easter egg tokens hidden up trees and under leaves. The Easter bunny’s job was to swap tokens for more chocolate but the eggs were going into pockets as many stomachs were already full to capacity.

CoolJam Enrolments Open for Term Two

Whether you want to show off your sensational singing skills or get groovy on the guitar, CoolJam has lots of workshops to help develop your creative talents and give you the chance to shine. Michael Dunn, Ben Bayer and Nathan Child having fun at Groovy Guitar CoolJam Best of all, the CoolJam programme has now expanded, with new singing and dance workshops available in west Auckland, south Auckland and the North Shore. Make sure you tell all your friends about these new opportunities, as we would love to welcome new Jammers into the StarJam community. CoolJam opened doors for many in Term one. Sian Thomas who attended the ‘Creative Concepts’ eagerly looked forward to each workshop Cushla Burgess loved the singing so much and said that she’s made lots of new friends and learnt how to sing instead of scream. Lena (pictured above in the egg and spoon race) would go home after every rockin’ hip hop workshop and show her two sisters the new moves she’d learnt. Enrolments close on Friday 13 April and there are limited spaces in each workshop, so don’t delay – enrol today! The line ups at Rockin Hip Hop and Sensational Singing

Acknowledging our Supporters

StarSpecular result from Air New Zealand ’s first online charity auction
Cutting StarJam’s first record at Neil Finn’s Roundhead Studio
First meeting for 2007 – Friends & Fans Regroup

StarSpecular result from Air New Zealand ’s first online charity auction.

Air New Zealand played Santa Claus leaving StarJam a wonderful $88,115.00 Christmas present to kick start 2007. In their first online charity auction Air New Zealand raised a total of $264,347.84. “We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the response and the amount we’ve been able to raise for Starship Foundation, Make-A-Wish New Zealand and StarJam through this auction,” said Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Rob Fyfe.

StarJam was invited to perform at the auction launch which was on 7th December. At Air New Zealand ’s new building, Four of the Jammers who had been on a never to be forgotten trip to USA last year, had a wonderful time jamming with top hip hop group Spacifix. The 200 strong audience enjoyed the amazing blend of music and balloons filled the sky marking the launch of the auction.

Twelve days later the auction closed revealing the very happy result. It had offered more than 60 lots, including travel across the airline’s entire network and a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Not surprisingly one of the most fiercely contested items was a flight simulator ride with All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, which generated the highest number of bids before finally selling at $7,250.

The boost to StarJam’s funds will greatly help to expand the number of opportunities we can provide to young people with disabilities to experience joy in their hearts and the belief that anything is possible. A HUGE thank you to everyone at Air New Zealand (and to Patrick Bellett for snapping the pix at the auction launch)

Cutting StarJam’s first record at Neil Finn’s Roundhead Studio

When Jammers enrolled in the Sensational Singing CoolJam workshop last year, they would never have thought that within months they would be making a CD for StarJam. Many of the Jammers who had sung their way through 2006, where ready to make a space in their summer holiday plans to get rehearsing and get recording. Two of the Jammers who have written songs previously for StarJam, Jono Heaps and Renee Maurice (from Picton – down south) spent several days writing and arranging the song. Nine others spent time rehearsing over two days before heading to the recording studio. Neil Finn generously donated the use of his spacious studio for this exciting adventure..

Getting down to business in the recording studio

A big big StarJam thank you to Eddie Rayner (ex Crowded House & music director for New Zealand Idol) who donated his time and expertise to be the producer

Watch this space for more news on the release of the song!!!

First meeting for 2007 – Friends & Fans Regroup

Four most of 2006 we were bursting at the seams whenever the StarJam community gathered, as more and more people came to join in the fun. Good luck seems to come in threes with the shift to a great new venue for our monthly meetings. The Garden Community Hall at Western Springs has given us some breathing space again and plenty of room for grooving, celebrating and jamming.

Even though it was Anniversary weekend with many heading to the beach, around 70 people came to see each other and catch up ready for the year ahead.

Cushla Taylor and Michael Dunn do a spontaneous performance of a “High School Musical” song,
Everyone was dancing despite the heat
Freedom Harrison dances with her Niece, Danika

CoolJam enrolments for all the workshops in the first term on 2007 are all but full, so the year is promising to be ‘ to the max ‘ , yet again. We always love to hear from you and thank you for all your support.

In a jam-packed ballroom at the Langham Hotel in early December, a rapt audience was entertained by celebrity interviews, musical performances and the first ever­ StarJam debate at StarJam ’s show, StarJam Rocks 2005 . With more Jammers and celebrities involved than ever before, this ambitious show featured young people with disabilities sharing the stage with the likes of Olympic gold medallist Hamish Carter, TVNZ newsreader Simon Dallow, and New Zealand’s own R&B superstars Adeaze. The real stars of the night, however, were undoubtedly the 29 Jammers who enthralled the 250-strong audience with their humour, talent and ability to shine.

The night began with a rousing performance from the StarJam dancers to Saturday Night Fever . The dance was dedicated to Kevan Newman, the step-father of Jammer Katrina Williams who was tragically killed just days before StarJam Rocks 2005. Kevan was immensely proud of Katrina’s involvement in StaJam , and the dancers were honoured to be able to celebrate his life through their performance. Taking turns to strut their stuff in the centre of the stage, the Jammers encouraged the audience to get into the spirit of the night by clapping and singing along.

Hosts Kate Hawkesby and Daniel Gourlay then took to the stage, displaying the camaraderie they forged after first meeting at StarJam ’s Stars Thru Their Eyes 2004 . Daniel and Kate’s banter continued throughout the night as they introduced each act and, at one point, entered the audience to coax a brilliant impersonation of Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt from John Hawkesby that left everyone in stitches.

Talented singer/songwriter Renee Maurice travelled all the way from Picton to perform Tonight We’re Gonna Shine , which she penned specifically for StarJam. Tonight captures the dreams and aspirations of all of our Jammers and eloquently conveys the StarJam message of unconditional love.

The first of the Jammer interviewers to shine was Lily Harper, who realised her dream of meeting Sticky TV host Sam Wallace. Lily’s probing questions included what Sam’s favourite tv show was when he was a child (which Sam grudgingly confessed was on a rival channel to TV 3!) and whether he had a girlfriend. Lily was rewarded with a kiss on the cheek from her hero at the end of the interview

For his first StarJam performance, computer-enthusiast Samuel Hull requested he interview the Director of Hewlett Packard’s (NZ) Imaging and Printing Group, Andrew Seerden. Andrew was very impressed by the depth of Samuel’s questions about the future of digital technology and presented him with an HP laptop and printer at the end of the interview. Samuel didn’t stop smiling for days afterwards!

Not many people can say they have been offered the chance to compete against an Olympic gold medallist, but that’s exactly the claim that Jammer Cam Calkoen can make after interviewing triathlete Hamish Carter in one of the highlights of the evening. Cam and Hamish hit it off immediately and spoke at length about Hamish’s inspiring performance at Athens, his motivation and goals, and whether Big Macs and Hamish’s favourite Eggs Benedict recipe are the real secrets behind his world-class performances.

Violinist Chris Brown and a quartet from the Auckland Philharmonia serenaded the audience as dinner was served. This inspiring performance was followed by Jammers Moana Mani and Ese Aumelasulu joining Adeaze for their top-selling single, Getting Stronger . Moana and Ese were over the moon at having the opportunity to jam with Adeaze and quickly progressed from being in awe of the brothers at their first meeting, to collaborating on harmonies and even instructing the double platinum selling artists about what key to sing in!

Earlier this year, brothers Blake & Ryan Leitch travelled to England to meet world-renowned scientist Professor Stephen Hawking. Following the musical interlude, their interview with Professor Hawking (which is believed to be a New Zealand first) was screened exclusively for the StarJam Rocks 2005 audience. Professor Hawking also graciously donated an autographed copy of his latest best-seller for the Celebrity Auction, which also featured an original poster of King Kong signed by director Peter Jackson, a training singlet worn by Hamish Carter in his preparation for the 2004 Olympics, and an autographed Steve Vai Ibanez guitar. Guests had great fun bidding for the auction items, the proceeds of which go towards enabling even more young people to become StarJam stars at future events.

In the last interview of the night, Jammer Joshua Dainty had celebrity builder John ‘Cocksy’ Cocks displaying the dance moves he learnt through his performance on TV 2’s So You Wanna Be A Popstar . Cocksy kindly offered to lend his labouring skills to the Dainty family in recognition of the fantastic interview that Joshua conducted.

Next, the moot point of ‘Women should stay in the kitchen’ was fiercely debated by two teams of celebrities and Jammers in the First Great StarJam Debate. With the all-female team of Georgina Beyer, Keke Brown, Natalie Brunzel and Kerre Woodham arguing for the affirmative, the men’s team of Michael Barrymore, Jason Gunn, Red Nicholson and Isaac Toafa defended women’s rights. Using his ‘unofficial applause-o-meter’, adjudicator Simon Dallow left the audience to declare the women’s team overall winners.

The night was drawn to a close by StarJam founders Julie and Roy Bartlett and Jammer Anthony Jellyman making special presentations to celebrities Simon Dallow, Ray Woolf and Michael Barrymore for their ongoing support of and generosity towards StarJam . Ray was then joined on stage by all of the Jammers to farewell guests with a medley of songs that encouraged everyone present to love unconditionally and without restraint. Jammer Karl Owens kicked off the medley in style with an energetic rap to the Black Eyed Peas hit Where Is The Love , followed by the entire cast (and some of the audience!) joining in for Can You Feel the Love Tonight and the Beatles classic, Can’t Buy Me Love. Jammers left the stage to rapturous applause from the audience, who were jammed to the depths of their heart and soul!

Photos by Patrick Bellett

And the winner of the StarJam Rocks 2005 door prize (a dinner for two at the Auckland Restaurant of their choice) is . . . Peter Ross! Congratulations from everyone at StarJam .

The StarJam CoolJam Show
StarJam is recipient of Air New Zealand charity auction
The Funky Fotography Workshop
Introducing Bridgette Johanson

The StarJam CoolJam Show, the last big Jam for the year was held at Western Springs Community Hall on Saturday 25 th . What a blast, to see the talents and the joy of the Jammers! For many it was their first ever stage debut. They did themselves, the audience and the whole StarJam community proud.

This is what StarJam bliss looks like for Khi Chen and Katrina Williams

The Dynamic Drummers and Sensational Singers have the audience clapping and cheering

Karla Griffiths sings for the first time on stage – move over New Zealand Idol!

StarJam recipient of Air NZ Christmas Charity Auction

In the spirit of Christmas, Air New Zealand is organising an exciting online Christmas Charity Auction to raise funds for three children’s charities, Make a Wish Foundation, Starship Foundation and US – STA