LiveJam set to be a performance extravaganza!

Legendary Kiwi entertainers Ray Woolf, Simon Dallow, Adeaze, Shane Cortese, Megan Alatini and Ben Lummis are gearing up for StarJam’s biggest party yet - our 10th birthday celebration, LiveJam.

This Live Aid-style extravaganza on Sunday 25 November, LiveJam will see large-scale events happening simultaneously in both Auckland and Wellington, and involve song, dance and instrumental performances from more than 300 disabled young people from all over the country.

LiveJam will be held at the Auckland Museum Events Centre and Wellington Town Hall with a live video-feed linking the two venues.

For those who cannot make it along to the events, a live webcast on November 25 at www.starjam.org means at-home viewers can enjoy the birthday celebrations and make an online donation if they wish. JamZones in Hamilton and Christchurch will also act as entertainment hubs where families and the public can watch the showcase unfold.

With One News presenter Simon Dallow as MC in Auckland and Close Up reporter Matt McLean in Wellington, this exciting show will also give guests a peak at footage and photos of the ‘Jammers’ meeting and interviewing Hollywood A-listers.

Stars such as Justin Timberlake, Eva Longoria, Taylor Swift, Tom Cruise and Danny De Vito have all given their time to StarJam performers over the years.

Be part of this history-making event and do your bit to help StarJam by purchasing a ticket to LiveJam now.

Priced from just $10, tickets to the Auckland and Wellington shows are available through Eventfinda and Ticketek. For more information visit www.starjam.org.

LiveJam Ticket Info

Auckland Museum Events Centre

November 25

7.30pm – 9pm

Tickets here (www.eventfinda.co.nz)

Wellington Town Hall

November 25

7.30pm – 9pm

Tickets here (www.ticketek.co.nz)

JamZone – Hamilton

SkyCity Events Centre - Hamilton

November 25, 7pm – 9pm

$5 door entry

JamZone – Christchurch

Westpac Business & Community Hub – Christchurch

November 25, 7pm – 9pm

$5 door entry

StarJam CEO is 'Woman of the Year'!

StarJam's dedicated founder and CEO Julie Bartlett is celebrating after being named the NEXT Woman of the Year last night at a special awards evening in Auckland.

Ten years ago, in a world first, Julie Bartlett founded StarJam. Julie set out to change the way we perceive those with disabilities by giving them a chance to shine through music and dance workshops. Her philosophy that we can all achieve anything if we believe in it has seen her develop the programme with no performance background of her own, and change the lives of hundreds of Kiwi kids for the better.

“The biggest challenge is taking the risks against everybody’s doubts,” says Julie. “It wasn’t about the performance aspect of StarJam helping the kids, it was about empowering the kids to go on stage and shine so people can see they’re real people who have a lot to contribute.”

Over the years Julie has enlisted the support of A-list heavyweights including Tom Cruise, Taylor Swift and most recently actress Eva Longoria to champion the cause.

The NEXT Woman of the Year judging panel - social crusader Dame Lesley Max; former Rugby World Cup CEO and now head of the Tourism Industry Association, Martin Snedden; and NEXT editor Sarah Henry - described Julie as a true leader in every sense of the word.   They called her “a visionary” who went selflessly into unchartered territory to give dignity, respect and fun to the lives of disabled youngsters throughout New Zealand.

“Julie epitomises what we are looking for in our Woman of the Year,” NEXT editor Sarah Henry says. “She is a true inspiration who has made an outstanding contribution to New Zealand through her dedication, drive and determination to succeed.”

StarJam celebrates two months of success in Christchurch

Just a short time ago StarJam launched to an excited group of StarJam’s family and friends in the South Island.

We think now's the perfect opportunity to reflect on some highlights from the official launch day!

On Saturday August 4, with Air New Zealand’s support, 15 excited Jammers, StarJam staff, a volunteer and tutor were flown from both Auckland and Wellington to Christchurch to welcome the JamTabs (Jammers from Canterbury) to StarJam.

Jammers performed in front of a large audience of around 150 at the official ceremony at The Court Theatre in Christchurch, hosted by legendary crooner, JamBassador Ray Woolf.

The Magic Movers from Auckland took to the stage to perform a dance routine to the hit Maroon 5 tune ‘Moves like Jagger’. There was also a moving performance by three talented vocalists from the Wellington workshop group Sensational Singing @ Newlands.

Wellington StarJam Tutor and former Jammer Renee Maurice was acknowledged for her commitment to StarJam at the event – she was named a JamBassador! Renee gave a stunning performance of ‘Children Will Listen’.

There were appearances by special guests at the event, including Christchurch MP Nicky Wagner who helped our ‘first Christchurch Jammer’ Alex Lang cut the ribbon.

Christchurch Regional Programmes Coordinator Lauren Merritt says there were many exceptional moments on the day.

“One of the biggest highlights was at the end of the launch when most of the prospective Christchurch Jammers got up and danced with the Magic Movers to Lady Gaga’s ‘Born This Way’. They looked like naturals on stage, with big smiles and they picked up the moves fast - they were well and truly JAMMED!”

Since the Christchurch launch, 25 children have enrolled in the inaugural South Island StarJam programme and they are learning dances and songs for our upcoming show LiveJam.

Did you attend our Christchurch launch? What was your favourite moment on the day?