Media Release
November 17, 2005

Jammers’ Style Stuns Audiences

A new style of entertainment where New Zealand amateur performers “jam” their audiences with unexpected experiences is taking off.

StarJam performers are upturning the perception of how disability is defined providing gifted performances with shows featuring celebrity interviews, debates, music and dance.

Founder Julie Bartlett says StarJam is unique in the world 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.”

Broadcasters hold StarJam interviewers in high esteem:

“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 was very fortunate to have been a part of StarJam.” Kelly Swanson-Roe.

“It is a highlight of my year to walk the same stage as these young people, and watch them providing delightful and inspiring performances for their audiences.” Simon Dallow.

StarJam is producing its 6 th show at the Langham Hotel on Saturday December 3.

It features interviews with celebrated mathematician and cosmologist, Professor Stephen Hawking, New Zealand Olympic star, Hamish Carter, Sticky TV presenter Sam Wallace, and TVNZ television personality, Cocksy.

For the first time Jammers will join celebrities in a debate featuring Michael Barrymore, Georgina Beyer, Jason Gunn, Kerre Woodham and four Jammers.

StarJam performers and interviewers have in the past three years conducted exclusive interviews with top international celebrities including Tom Cruise and Lucy Lawless.

StarJam Rocks also features Jammers in a dance choreographed by Mary Jane O’Reilly and singers join top R and B performers, Adeaze.

More than 50 celebrities have participated in StarJam events including Danny DeVito, Peter Jackson, Neil Finn, and John McEnroe, as well as top New Zealand television personalities.

The evening will be hosted by Kate Hawkesby and Jammer Daniel Gourlay with a cast of 42 interviewers, dancers, musicians and celebrities.

For further information, please call Andrew Melville (09) 6292272/021 360075 or

email: andrew.melville@spoke.co.nz

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November StarJam News for Fast Scrollers
and Rock n Rollers
StarJam Rocks 2005 – To be there!!
Power Jamming
Last Saturday of the month StarJam meeting – this Saturday

StarJam Rocks 2005, Sat 3rd Dec – To be there

If you must be there……. at StarJam’s famous interview event, you will have to spring into action –few seats are now left. For the fourth year in a row, see unique, exclusive live interviews and much more.

What a line up – some names are household ones, but there are some of our stars the paparazzi have yet to discover…… Adeaze, Michael Barrymore, Keke Brown, Natalie Brunzel, Hamish Carter, Daniel Gourlay, Kate Hawkesby, Red Nicholson, Isaac Toafa, Kerre Woodham , - actually you will be jammed by a cast of 50 plus so this is just the beginning …….. Here’s a ’sneak meet’ of three of the Jammers who will make their stage debut at StarJam Rocks 2005. Introducing, Katrina Williams, Samuel Hull and Michael Dunn.

Katrina will be dancing her heart out, Samuel is one of our interviewers and Michael, like Katrina definitely has the moves .

Auction items Last year many said that the highlight of StarJam’s ‘Stars Thru Their Eyes 04′ was the very brief auction. Can you imagine two top business men in a bidding war to secure a cricket bat donated by Martin Crowe, (signed by himself and the late Sir Donald Bradman.) Neither realised as the dollars went sky high, that both were trying to secure the bat so that they could give it to Jonathan Heaps, the Jammer who wanted it so badly. When the successful bidder handed the cricket bat to Jonathan, there was a rush for tissues as emotions overflowed in the entire audience. The picture below shows Martin Crowe (cricket bat in right hand) with Jonathan Heaps.

Peter Jackson has again overwhelmed us with his generosity. Last year it was Lord of the Rings – this time an exclusive King Kong item, available to you just days before the World Premier in New York of Peter’s latest movie . There’s also a luxury getaway weekend, Steve Vai’s guitar and more …….. and more…..

To view StarJam Rocks 2005 online brochure go to http://www.starjam.org/_starjam_rocks.htm To secure one of the remaining seats phone (09) 624 4555 or email julie@starjam.org urgently.

Our sincere thanks to sponsors Air New Zealand and Langham Hotels. We also acknowledge the generous support of the New Zealand Community Trust for StarJam Rocks 2005.

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Power Jamming for Air New Zealand , Vodafone NZ Foundation and Sky City Community Trust

You’ve heard of power dating – more exciting by far is Power Jamming! Over the recent school holidays our Jammers excelled themselves by performing 3 gigs in ten days. Their stamina was outstanding but more than that, they gave more than their best at every gig - very impressive. They organised themselves and supported each other in thoughtful and special ways. This is what I call team work to the max.

Too much fun at Vodafone NZ Foundations’ World of Difference gig - the Jammers and Stacey Daniels

The Jammers rev up the crowd at Vodafone and the whole crew celebrates at Sky City

Renee Maurice from Picton is dwarfed by the expanse of the stage at the Air New Zealand gig in Auckland but the powerful performance of one of her songs “Tonight We’re Going to Shine” stunned the audience.

Last Saturday of the month StarJam meeting – this Saturday

Although we’re often bursting at the seams at our monthly meetings, we welcome everyone with open arms. This Saturday there’ll be dancing, songs, interview practice and as usual, party time. And t here are always surprises. If you think your Saturday 29 th is looking to be a little dull, consider getting Jammed at the StarJam meeting. Contact details are just below.

See you soon

With excitement building for StarJam Rocks 2005 on 3 rd December, we sign out with a big smiles of anticipation. The StarJam cascade of goodwill has generated a very long list of supporters and friends. We send thanks to each and every one of you.

Warm regards

Julie & Roy Bartlett
Founders