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For all StarJam media enquiries please contact:
Julie Bartlett, StarJam CEO & Founder
Mobile: 021 782 752
Email: Julie@starjam.org
Monday 29 October 2007
For Immediate Release
Dream comes true for StarJam dancers
Two StarJam dancers are preparing for the performance of their lives as they take to the stage with Megan Alatini and Johnny Williams, the runners-up from this years’ “Dancing with the Stars” TV show.
The StarJam dancers, Rebecca Everard (25) and Michael Bridgeman (26) will perform with Megan and Johnny in StarJam’s ‘Go on, Shine’ Show. Rebecca and Michael, who have a passion for dancing, say that having the chance to dance with Megan and Johnny will be a “dream come true”.
For the past two months, 90 of StarJam’s young performers have been rehearsing weekly for the show, which will also include celebrities such as Ben Lummis and Simon Dallow.
This will be StarJam’s eighth major show. In StarJam shows, gifted young people with disabilities stage celebrity interviews and music and dance ‘jams’. Frequently the StarJam performers outwit, out-dance and out-sing their celebrity counterparts. StarJam founder and CEO Julie Bartlett says the organisation aims to overturn and redefine perceptions of the disabled.
“The young people, given the opportunity to express their talents, exceed even their own expectations of what is possible,” she says.
Since its launch in November 2002, StarJam has put more than 400 young people with disabilities on stage. In 2005, StarJam opened the new TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre to much acclaim.
Ms Bartlett says StarJam is unique in the world for the way performers ‘jam’ audiences with an authenticity that leaves people doing a real ‘double-take’ on what’s important in life.
The StarJam ‘Go on, Shine’ Show will take place on Saturday 17 November at TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre in Manukau.
ENDS
Biographies of two dancers follow.
Contacts:
Sheryl Takayama (09) 624 4555/ (0274
Julie Bartlett, (09) 624 4555 / (021) 782 752
About the two StarJam Stars Selected to dance with the “Dancing with the Stars” stars
Rebecca Everard
Rebecca who lives in Te Atatu, joined StarJam in early 07 and quickly impressed everyone with her expressive dancing. She is a champion swimmer and has won gold at international Special Olympics events.
Michael Bridgeman
Michael Bridgeman lives in Mt Roskill and loves basketball, swimming and bowling. He is a big hip hop star and works at the Unitec gym.
3 July 2007
For immediate release
StarJam CEO named as ‘Living Legend’
StarJam CEO and Founder Julie Bartlett has received Auckland City Mayor Dick Hubbard’s ‘Living Legend’ award.
The Living Legend awards are presented by the Mayor four times a year and recognize outstanding contribution to the community.
Ms Bartlett was nominated for the award by the Mayor in recognition of her work as founder of StarJam and her involvement with other charity groups including the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Alzheimers Foundation, IHC, Autistic Association of New Zealand, Save the Children and Variety Club.
Mayor Dick Hubbard said he was thrilled to acknowledge the outstanding efforts made by Ms Bartlett in creating StarJam and changing the lives of so many young people and their families.
“I was lucky enough to attend one of StarJam’s biggest stage shows in 2005 and see the impact it had –not only the obvious joy of the young people involved but also many members of the audience who were visibly moved by the performances.”
“Julie’s work with StarJam has created amazing opportunities for disabled young people. There is no doubt that her efforts have had an enormous impact on the community and added to the cultural diversity of Auckland City,” he said.
StarJam was launched by Julie and Roy Bartlett in November 2002. Since then more than 300 young people have participated in StarJam’s large stage productions and events. In the past year, StarJam also started weekly music workshops ranging from dance and singing to drumming and guitar. What started as four workshops in the central city has quickly grown to 11 workshops across the greater Auckland region.
Previous recipients of the Living Legend award include Don McGlashan, Sir James Fletcher and Bob Kerridge.
Ms Bartlett’s award was presented at an Auckland City Council meeting on Thursday 28 June.
- Ends -
For more information about StarJam please contact:
Julie Bartlett, CEO
Tel: 021 782 752
Email: Julie@starjam.org
Monday 11 June 2007
For immediate release
StarJam documentary wins international film festival award
A documentary about the StarJam Stage Show has won an award at the annual U.S. International Film and Video Festival competition.
‘The StarJam Stage Show’ documentary was one of 1,200 entries received from 23 countries. The documentary was awarded a third place ‘Certificate for Creative Excellence’ in the Arts: Performing Arts category. It was one of only two awards given out in the category.
StarJam CEO Julie Bartlett says the documentary features the Stage Show event which took place in July 2005, with 100 young people with disabilities performing 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 StarJam Stage Show in 2005 was the biggest production we have ever put on. The documentary highlights not just the hard work that went into the event, but also the personal stories of some of the kids involved, as told by their parents. It’s a moving account of the lives of these young people,” she says.
The documentary was produced and directed by Graham Elliott of Picture Talk Productions. It is the second award Mr Elliott has received from the U.S. Film and Video Festival and Mr Elliott says he is thrilled with the result.
“Working with the young people of StarJam and their families was a fantastic experience. We are delighted to see our efforts recognized by the judging panel of the festival,” he says.
The award was presented to StarJam founders Roy and Julie Bartlett at a ceremony in Hollywood on 1 June. More information regarding the U.S. Film and Video Festival can be found at www.filmfestawards.com.
ENDS
Copies of The StarJam Stage Show documentary are available by request.
For more information on StarJam please contact:
Julie Bartlett, CEO, StarJam
Tel: 09 624 4555 or 021 782 752
Email: Julie@starjam.org
For more information on Picture Talk Productions please contact:
Graham Elliott
Tel: 09 360 0879 or 0274 760 146
Email: picturetalk@xtra.co.nz
Website: www.picturetalk.co.nz
Thursday 24 May 2007
For Immediate Release
Kiwi music icons support song for Diana
Neil Finn, Eddie Rayner and Dave Dobbyn have lent their support to a group of talented young StarJam performers releasing their first single today.
The song, entitled Queen of Hearts, was produced by Eddie Rayner and recorded at Neil Finn’s Auckland studio in January this year. Dave Dobbyn is MC at the song release function, taking place at Air New Zealand House tonight.
Queen of Hearts was written by two StarJam performers, Jonathan Heaps and Renée Maurice, and celebrates the life of Princess Diana and her impact on the world.
StarJam CEO, Julie Bartlett, says the song was inspired by news of the upcoming Concert for Diana which will take place on 1 July 2007 to celebrate what would have been Diana’s 46th birthday.
Eddie Rayner says the song has a powerful message of hope and compassion, conveyed through the heartfelt performances from the singers involved.
“I was thrilled to work with the gifted StarJam performers on this project. It is fantastic to see these kids showcasing their musical talents and dreaming big,” he says.
Songwriter Jonathan Heaps says the project has given him invaluable experience and the chance to see a dream become reality.
“Working with Eddie Rayner and his team of musicians was an awesome experience for all our StarJam team. We are so excited the song will now be released,” he says.
Ms Bartlett says the groups’ efforts are made more poignant by the fact that Jonathan Heaps is blind, while Renée Maurice has a congenital heart defect. Nine fellow StarJam participants joined Jonathan and Renée to sing the song. These young people have disabilities ranging from autism and fragile X syndrome to cerebal palsy and spina bifida.
“Queen of Hearts embodies the hope, dreams and compassion that were a part of Diana’s life. It’s a message clearly conveyed by StarJam’s young people,” she says.
Queen of Hearts is being released by EMI Music NZ and will be available on CD, mobile and digitally.
An online version of ‘Queen of Hearts’ can be viewed at the following link:
http://www.starjam.org/_queen_of_hearts.htm
ENDS
The Queen of Hearts CD is available at the following outlets:
- The Warehouse
- Sounds
- The CD & DVD store
Queen of Hearts can be downloaded from the following websites:
- Vodafone: www.vodafone.co.nz
- digiRama: www.digirama.co.nz
- iTunes: www.itunes.com
For more information regarding StarJam please contact:
Julie Bartlett, CEO, StarJam
Tel: 09 624 4555
Mobile: 021 782 752
20 April 2007For Immediate Release
New workshops give local young people chance to shine
Auckland teenager Jonathan Heaps may be blind, but that is not stopping him from sharing his love and knowledge of singing with other young people.
Jonathan, 19, is the tutor for the new StarJam singing workshop about to start in Manurewa. The workshop is one of two new innovative workshops being run by StarJam, offering local young people with disabilities the chance to polish their performance talents.
StarJam CEO Julie Bartlett says the workshops will offer local youth the chance to develop their performance skills in a specialised, welcoming and fun environment.
“People with disabilities have so many unique talents. These workshops provide young people with the chance to develop these talents and ultimately showcase them to the wider community,” she says.
Jonathan has been involved with StarJam since the programme was launched in 2002. During this time he has performed in large stage events, traveled to the USA and interviewed Michael Bolton, and professionally recorded a song he co- wrote with another StarJam participant. He says he is thrilled to now be able to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with other young people with disabilities.
“StarJam has provided me with fantastic opportunities to showcase my musical talents. I’m looking forward to sharing my love of singing with others and also inspiring them to always follow their dreams, as I have done,” he says.
The StarJam workshops have been running in central Auckland for the past year. Ms Bartlett says the workshops to date have been a huge success, and growing demand has lead to the introduction of new workshops across the greater Auckland area.
“We have had young people traveling from as far away as Whangarei to attend the weekly workshops. We are now delighted to be able to offer south Auckland youth the chance to attend a workshop in their own community,” she says.
Enrolments are now open for the singing and dance workshops, which are open to anyone up to the age of 25. The singing workshop will take place on Tuesday evenings at Alfriston College , from 6.30 to 8pm. The first workshop will take place on Tuesday 1 May. The dance workshop will take place on Monday evenings at Otahuhu Town Hall , from 6.30 to 8pm. The first workshop will take place on Monday 30 April. Both workshops will run throughout the school term.
Enrolment packs can be obtained by contacting StarJam on 0800 4STARJAM (0800 478 275) or by email to sheryl@starjam.org
ENDS
For more information please contact:
Julie Bartlett, CEO, StarJam
Tel: 09 624 4555
Mobile: 021 782 752
Email: Julie@starjam.org
Friday 21 July 2006
For immediate release
StarJam Rocks 06 - Star Struck Line Up
Temuera Morrison, Yulia, Petra Bagast, Simon Dallow, Wendy Petrie, Kerre Woodham, and exclusive interviews filmed recently in USA of Julie Andrews, Michael Bolton , Sean Astin, and Kenny Loggins will be part of StarJam’s annual showcase next month.
“StarJam Rocks 06” gala fundraising event, in conjunction with Newmarket Rotary Club, takes place in Auckland on Saturday 26 th of August at the Langham Hotel, hosted by Kate Hawkesby and Daniel Gourlay. Over 20 young people with disabilities will once again knock socks off audiences with their inspirational interviewing and performance talents.
StarJam aims to overturn and redefine perceptions of the disabled. It was founded in 2002, and “Rocks 06” is its seventh live production.
Founder Julie Bartlett says StarJam is unique for the way performers ‘jam’ audiences and interviewees with an authenticity that leaves people doing a real ‘double-take’ on what’s important in life.
“Our interviewers and performers enlighten audiences and interviewees with unexpected and uplifting interviews and performances. They are gifted in ways that take people by surprise and audiences end up passionate about them.”
The proceeds of StarJam Rocks 06 will support StarJam and the Newmarket Rotary Charitable Foundation. Tickets from Melissa@fletchernz.com , ph. 09 585 1195.
StarJam has so far put more than 200 young people with disabilities on stage. Last year StarJam opened the new TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre to much acclaim.
Wednesday May 18 2005
For immediate release
AUDIENCE ‘JAMMED’ BY YOUNG DISABLED
StarJam’s young performers have once again inspired others with confidence, compassion and courage, and forged a new respect among the community for the disabled.
The StarJam Stage Show stole the hearts of the 1,000-strong audience at the opening of the new TelstraClear Pacific Event Centre in Manukau City on Friday night.
“ The young people, given the opportunity to express their talents, exceeded even their own expectations of what is possible,” says StarJam’s founder Julie Bartlett.
“ The audience in turn received a special gift: one of feeling humbled and determined to rise to their own challenges.
Comments made since Friday’s performance are typical of people’s reactions to the show, in which 100 young people with disabilities performed with 30 celebrities.
“ I have had the privilege of attending many special events throughout the world and the StarJam Gala has been the most special of all. In fact I said to my Chairman that I will never be able to open another venue as the opening of the Sir Woolf Fisher Arena could not be topped. This was a view shared by many on the night - not a dry eye could be seen.”
Richard Jeffery CEO, TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre
“ StarJam is one of the most important parts of my life. When I’m in StarJam I don’t feel different to everyone else because it feels like home. Being in the show was really special for me and lots of fun. Disabled people need to show other people what they can do.” Olivia Shivas, cast
“ CONGRATS for another amazing occasion where all those fabulous people could strut their stuff - and boy, did they strut. I can’t even begin to tell you how proud I am to be associated with “our” young people and what they did on Friday night.” Zol Attwell, parent
“ StarJam really did widen my world. The joy and the warmth and the love that those young people showed not only me but everyone was nothing short of remarkable. I feel I learnt so much and feel very fortunate to have been a part of the StarJam Stage Show.” Kelly Swanson Roe, celebrity participant
“ To see these kids perform with such confidence and style is such a buzz for me I can only imagine the effect it must have on you guys. Well done to you all and thank you so much for allowing me to be involved in such a worthwhile and moving event.” Ray Woolf, celebrity participant
“ There are those of us out there, including myself, that need one or two chips knocked off their shoulders. To the Star Jam children, we thank you for the special gift of making us wake up to ourselves, and like the song, putting a little love in our hearts.” Tabatha Brackstone, audience
“ Thank you so much for the opportunity Star Jam gave to Jessica and Samantha to perform with such talented children. They both learnt a lot from the experience and have a new found appreciation for disabled children.”
Kim Manning, parent Susan Pattullo, StarJam PR, (09) 523 2654 / 025 969 302
For more information please contact:
Richard Jeffery, TelstraClear Pacific, 021 521833
Thursday 3 March 2005
For immediate release
STARJAM STAGE SHOW TO OPEN NEW EVENTS CENTRE
Rehearsals start for most ambitious StarJam event to date
A cast of 200 starts rehearsals next week for what is to be a huge variety spectacular and the most ambitious StarJam project to date.
The StarJam Stage Show, being held on 13 May 2005 at the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre in Manukau City , will see 130 young people with disabilities and 30 celebrities performing with the Auckland Philharmonia to a live audience of 1,000 in a major musical event.
Presented by StarJam in association with TelstraClear Pacific, the event will also serve as the official opening of the new TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre and its first major event. The TelstraClear Pacific official opening begins the evening, followed by the StarJam Stage Show and then an after party for the performers and audience.
Supporters TelstraClear Pacific say the Stage Show was chosen as the first major event at the venue because it embodies the facility’s purpose of ‘showcasing excellence’ and is also a celebration of youth. “I have had the privilege of a sneak preview of the rehearsals and these kids have real talent and will blow the stocks off all those attending,” says Richard Jeffery, the CEO for TelstraClear Pacific.
Thought to be the only organisation of its kind worldwide, StarJam is a non-profit organisation that rolls out the red carpet for young people with disabilities who gladly step into the limelight and perform in events and activities with celebrities of their choice.
Since its launch in November 2002, StarJam has produced four live shows and has put more than 70 young people with disabilities on stage. More than 50 celebrities have participated in StarJam events to date including Tom Cruise, Danny DeVito, Peter Jackson, Lucy Lawless, Neil Finn and John McEnroe.
StarJam Founder Julie Bartlett says the Stage Show promises to be a wonderful experience for the 1,000 strong audience.
“We’re very privileged to be the first major event at the new events centre and we really do believe the audience will be wowed by the incredible talent we have lined-up.
“ We’re also extremely fortunate to have the Auckland Philharmonia and a star-studded line-up of celebrities accompanying our young stars. It’s going to be a really inspirational night.”
While not wanting to give too much away at this stage about the celebrities participating in the event, Julie says she can confirm Nesian Mystik, Tina Cross, Kelly Swanson-Roe and Petra Bagust are all involved, along with many other more sporting heroes, TV presenters,
actors and musicians. A message of support from Dame Kiri Te Kanawa will also open the show.
The production team includes Choreographer, Mary Jane O’Reilly and Music Director Mark Dennison. Production assistance has been given by Logan Brewer and Michael Hurst.
Funds raised from this event will assist StarJam to put an increasing number of eager young perfomers on stage in its next production.
Tickets go on sale Monday 14 March and will be available through both StarJam phone (09) 624 4555 and the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre phone 0508 4 EVENTS.
For more information please contact:
Susan Pattullo, StarJam PR, (09) 523 2654 / 025 969 302
Jo Bell, StarJam PR, (09) 302 7044 / 021 894 918
Richard Jeffery, TelstraClear Pacific, 021 521833
15 July 2004
For immediate release
STAR-STUDDED LINE UP AT “STARS THRU THEIR EYES”
Danny deVito and Dick van Dyke are just two of the big name stars involved in StarJam’s “Stars Thru Their Eyes”, being held in Auckland on 7 August.
The annual event sees young people with disabilities talking face to face with celebrities of their choice, and performing on stage in musical and dance “jams”.
Promising to be spectacular, this year’s showcase features interviews with celebrities including Danny deVito, Dick van Dyke and Richard Taylor from Weta (pre-recorded), and Dave Dobbyn, Camillia Temple from NZ Idol, King Kapisi and Kate Hawkesby (live).
Also in the line-up is an auction of five items donated by celebrities who have participated previously including Tom Cruise, Peter Jackson, Martin Crowe, Lucy Lawless and John McEnroe.
Julie Bartlett, StarJam’s co-founder and general manager, says the event promises to be a wonderful experience for those attending.
“We’re incredibly fortunate this year to have such a star-studded line-up and Simon Dallow as our MC. Plus we’ve got some amazing items up for auction such as a Last Samurai coffee book autographed by Tom Cruise, and a photograph signed by Chris Lewis and John McEnroe.”
This is the fourth Stars Thru Their Eyes event, with previous events held in 2002 and 2003. Ms Bartlett says feedback from previous events has been overwhelmingly positive.
“The audience and supporters of these events experience a gift they may never have received before. Many have told us it is a very moving and life-changing experience.”
Thought to be the only organisation of its kind internationally, StarJam creates opportunities for young people with disabilities to perform or participate in a variety of spectacular events together with big name stars. Its aims are to enrich the lives of young people with disabilities, and bring about inspiration, compassion and respect in the wider community for people with disabilities and their unique talents and gifts.
StarJam was established in 2002 by Julie and Roy Bartlett after reflecting upon the many spontaneous gifts they had received from Julie’s younger brother Ross Moses, who has Down’s Syndrome. They saw how people with disabilities, usually recipients of charitable services, could get to be the givers in our society and become inspirational role models for our society.
Stars Thru Their Eyes is being held at the Sheraton Auckland on 7August from 5.30pm.Tickets are $150 per person and include a three course dinner and wine. To purchase, phone (09) 624 4555 or email: info@starjam.org.
22 July 2003
For immediate release
STARS COME OUT FOR YOUNG DISABLED
In an unprecedented New Zealand entertainment event, 16 talented young people with disabilities will work and perform with top local and international celebrities of their choice in a “Stars Thru Their Eyes” event to be staged at Auckland’s Sheraton hotel on Saturday 30th of August .
Organised by StarJam in partnership with the Endeavour Charitable Trust, the show features the likes of Tom Cruise, Lucy Lawless and Dame Malvina Major who star in pre-recorded interviews which will be shown at “Stars Thru Their Eyes 2003″
Interviewed live will be local celebrities Judy Bailey, Carly Binding, Martin Crowe, Michael Galvin, Mikey Havoc, Mike King, Nesian Mystik, Craig Parker, and Susan Wood.
“Stars Thru Their Eyes ” was developed to help change attitudes towards people with disabilities. StarJam General Manager and Co-founder Julie Bartlett says that for the young people it’s a dream come true.
“Thanks to their talents and the involvement of so many celebrities, audiences will have an entertaining and heartwarming experience quite unlike anything they may have seen before.”
Julie Bartlett says StarJam isn’t a typical charity event. The young people get to be centre-stage - and for the performers, celebrities and their audience it can be inspirational and life-changing.
StarJam launched “Stars Thru Their Eyes” last year and it was a resounding success generating interest beyond all expectations from young people, “stars” and supporters all wanting to becoming involved in the project.
Two “Stars Thru Their Eyes” 2003 shows will be held in Auckland. The first is a lunch hosted by Simon Dallow and Alison Mau. A formal dinner will be hosted by John Campbell and Carol Hirschfeld.
Tickets for both go on sale from 21st of July, visit www.starjam.org phone (09) 624 4555
For more information:
Julie Bartlett, StarJam General Manager (09) 521 1052 / (021) STARJAM (782 752)
Susan Pattullo, StarJam Publicist, (09) 523 2654 / (025) 969 302
A big Thank You to Patrick Bellett for his photography which is featured on this site.
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