StarJam June News – Very Groovy
“StarJam is my most favourite place in the whole world ” Dylan Bellett

Adeaze, Moana Mani, Lily Harper, Michael Dunn and other Jammers at ‘Rocks 05′

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Jammers invited to Star at major concert in USA

Dionne Warwick, Dr Trevi Sawalich, Jonathan Heaps and Renee Maurice

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Jamming extravaganza in California – Jammers meet Oprah Winfrey!

Oprah Winfrey and Jeni Stepanek at book signing in Santa Barbara

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And Volunteering opportunities for CoolJam workshops

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Ticket sales open for Rocks 2006 – yeh!

What do you need to know?

1. That the night not to miss is on Saturday 26 th August 2006 – StarJam Rocks 2006 at Langham Hotel, Symonds St, Auckland
2. That you will see exclusive footage of Julie Andrews and other celebrities we jammed in USA
3. That you will meet dozens of stars like the ones you see on TV and the big screen and our very own Jammers
4. That tickets sales open on Tuesday 6 th June , at 9 am
5. That seats for this year’s show are in high demand are very limited

To book contact Melissa Fletcher on email melissa@fletchernz.com or phone (09) 585 1195 or 021 424 888 from 9 am on Tuesday 6 th June

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Jammers invited to star at Major Concert in USA in 2007

Our Jammers’ many talents, charm and total unpretentiousness did not go unnoticed in USA. Our Jammers spread their loveliness all around California and also ‘jammed’ two of America’s best known ‘names’, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Oprah Winfrey. On our last day of jamming, we all attended a book signing of Mattie Stepanek’s book “Just Peace”. Renee Maurice tells you more about this further down the page – please read on.

We met wonderful people everywhere, including some from the Starkey Foundation. You can read of the wonderful work they do at www.sotheworldmayhear.orgDr Trevi Sawalich, from the Starkey Foundation attended the mini concert our Jammers put on for some of the people who had helped us out in USA. It was there that she got ‘jammed’ and so StarJam has been invited by the Starkey Foundation to perform at their annual Gala Fundraising concert in Minneapolis in June 2007.

Jane Downs , Janni Brenn, and Dr Trevi Sawalich getting jammed at the mini ‘thank you’ concert in Santa Monica.

Musicians who have performed at their Galas over the past few years include Elton John, Michael Bolton, Donny Osmond, Chubby Checker and Billy Dean. In preparation for this great honour, two our of Jammers, Jono Heaps and Daniel Gourlay will travel to Minneapolis to attend this year’s gala performance so they can start planning. They will, no doubt, meet this years’ performers including…..

John Mellencamp, Dionne Warwick and Petula Clark

We are so grateful to Air New Zealand who provided 9 flights to California for our recent Jamming USA trips and are providing 4 return flights to Minneapolis for the two Jammers plus two carers to attend the Starkey Foundation Gala on June 17 th 2006.

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CoolJam – get involved!

Jammers are thriving in the four Cool Jam workshops that we’re piloting this term, but we need your help to expand the programme! Volunteers are needed to supervise each workshop. Can you give just two hours either once a week or once a fortnight, usually 6.15 to 8.15pm? This is a great way to support Star Jam – highly rewarding, tons of fun, and the chance to have a peek at some of the things we’re preparing for future shows!

Luke Fraser listening intensely to Cool Jam tutor at ‘Groovy Guitars’ workshop.

Workshops are held in the evenings/weekends at locations around Auckland. Contact Cool Jam Manager, Victoria Anderson, today on (09) 624 4555 or victoria@starjam.org for more information on how to get involved.

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The Explosion of Jamming….. continued

We are keeping your June news a little brief so you will have time to read Renee Maurice’s account of the Jamming trip to USA.

Go for it, Renee…….

Renee goes Jamming - USA

On April 19th 2006, my friends Jono, Ese, Isaac, Olivia and I, along with seven others, took off in a 747 bound for Los Angeles, California, USA.. I had no expectations in mindset as I was trying not to become too jittery so early on in the trip and also I don’t think it had sunk in; where I was going and was about to happen. After a loooong flight, we gladly got off the plane and headed to pick up our rental van and then to the hotel. The hotel was very lovely and we were fortunate to be in the vicinity of many shops and food halls and even the Santa Monica pier, right outside the doorstep!

The things that happened over the next thirteen days were some of the finest and most precious memories I carry and will carry for the rest of my life- in short; I got jammed GOOD.

For the first couple of days, it was nice to just relax around the hotel and do a little tiki-touring and I even got to go to my ultimate favourite places: Walk of Fame/Kodak Theatre, Hollywood Blvd/ Beverley Hills; these places are very special to me because of my love for film and music and the celebrities that are in the entertainment industry.

The first two interviews that were held, prepared me a little for my own; it was really nice to see what went on and what the celebrities’ reactions were to our performing and our interview questions - just so you know, they were very sweet! One thing that amazed me was how things just seemed to work out and fall into place while we were there. We arrived in the States with just a few interviews planned and by the time we left, we had jammed 10 celebs!!!

It was great to go to Disneyland and Universal studios - had a lot of fun there and it was awesome that Jono got to go to Dallas and meet Michael Bolton and attend his concert.

A lot of memorable things happened and of course one of the most special for me would have to be, meeting my idol; Julie Andrews. On the last day we had in the states, I went to the University of California to meet and interview Julie Andrews; she was so sweet and friendly and a very charming woman, it is very easy to see why so many people adore her and how she’s lasted all the time she has in the spotlight. That day, the craziness continued as Roy drove my Dad, Baz (The Cameraman) and me rather quickly to Santa Barbara to go to a very special book signing and meet up with the rest of the gang and see Oprah; another very surreal moment for me.

After all of this excitement, you may be wondering if I could pick a favourite aspect of it and I very easily can state that yes I can; this favourite part of the trip for me was sitting in the van, driving around the State of California with my very special friends. The atmosphere in the van was so beautiful to be surrounded by; whenever we were in it, we would be laughing, talking and singing to our heart’s content; including almost ALL of the eight hour drive to Sacramento and back.

Other highlights for the trip would be, seeing all of my good friends do fantastic jobs interviewing some really great celebs and especially meeting Arnie (He’s the buff Governor of California!), and jamming him to tears!

My trip to America was one I will never forget and the chemistry, enthusiasm and love of my travel buddies will be feelings that will never fade away.

God Bless America - God Bless Julie, Roy, Marion, Baz, Penny, Lauren, Ese, Jono, Isaac and Olivia - God Bless StarJam.

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Thank you Renee, all the Jammers and volunteers who made the trip such an outstanding success. Our sincere thanks to Air New Zealand and Rotary Club of Newmarket. Without your generosity, the trip would not have been possible.

Watch out for news of more Star Jam ’s amazing Jamventures. Jamming you for good!