Spread the Jam

Money4Jam - The Results!

2011-09-23T16:53:00.000+12:00

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE
IN LAS VEGAS
WE HAVE A WINNER

All you had to do was Jam... Video it, YouTube it and get all your family and friends to Support it! And that is exactly what you did in your droves. We had a swell of donations in the run up to competition close. The excitement was immense.

Thanks to all who took part in Money4Jam and donated to win these once-in-a-lifetime prizes. Now, if you’ll give me a drum roll please. We have a winner …

PRIZE ONE

In first place with an incredible video and stunning fundraising total is:

Our b-boy breaker – Jaden. Let’s all “Do the Jaden”! He is truly an inspiration and like one of his sponsors said, “Justin Timberlake would sure be lucky to meet you”. Hey Jaden, if you don’t choose to go into the entertainment business in a few years, please come and use your fundraising talents for StarJam. A remarkable fundraising total of $5931, yes! that’s $5931.

You have a choice of one of three prizes, and we know you’re a mad Justin Timberlake fan so pretty sure which prize you are going to go for. Two tickets to Las Vegas (thanks Air New Zealand!) to meet Justin Timberlake at a VIP meet and greet before taking your seats at the Justin Timberlake and Friends Concert on Saturday 1st October 2011. PLUS! Go wild with $US3000 spending money donated by our friends at Kiwibank. Wow, what a prize!
Thank you our kind sponsors!

PRIZE TWO

In second place with a fine fundraising total of $2175 is Stop! Jammer Time. What a cool name and video. They were like a thoroughbred racehorse approaching the finish line and with a massive donation in the final hour grabbed second place – many congratulations! Now, what is it to be, a trip across the ditch to meet Stan Walker or meet our kiwi legend Neil Finn in Auckland? Enjoy the prize Stop! Jammer Time. and thanks so much for the fundraising efforts.

PRIZE THREE

In third place are the coolest and craziest dancers Hamilton has ever seen, their dancing Jam was certainly dazzling and their fundraising efforts reached a fantastic $1583. Well doneHamilton East Dazzling Dancers! Now, all we want to know is which two of the thirteen of you gets to claim the prize? That will be an interesting discussion between you.

PRIZE FOR THE BEST VIDEO

The judge of the prize for best video is JAM-bassador Ray Woolf. Ray is a show business icon with almost 50 years performing under his belt, so is perfectly placed to award this prize. Check back here as we’re soon to announce the winner of this much coveted prize. The winner takes away an Apple iPhone 3G S 16GB.

SPOT PRIZES

And our final prizes who all receive a years supply of Barker’s Jam are:

That Yo Yo Guy
Michelle Williams
Grace Ikenasio and Malcolm Lakatani
Princess Tessa’s Jai Ho Dance
Hey Soul Sista

ALL YOU JAM SPONSORS
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Our heartfelt thanks go to all you Jam sponsors for getting behind some great Jams and kindly donating money to help the kids of StarJam.

Our kids or “Jammers” as we call them have found pure positivity through StarJam’s performance programmes. Your support will help get kids off waiting lists and into StarJam workshops.

Final congratulations to our prize winners and thank you to all our other Money 4 jam participants. Your sense of fun by entering Money 4 Jam will make a huge difference to our work.

Money4Jam is a fundraising initiative for StarJam, a super-charity which creates empowering performance opportunities for young people with disabilities, who in turn, provide inspiration and motivation to their audiences. All funds raised go entirely and directly to StarJam

If you’d like to support a Jam and donate to StarJam, click Support a Jam page.

For more information on StarJam please visit our website.

Money4Jam - 3 hours left!

2011-09-23T08:55:00.003+12:00

There are only three hours left of this years Money4Jam. The teams are doing fantastically so far, and it's very exciting. Don't forget you can still donate until 12pm today!

Below are are list of all our teams, each unique and amazing people. Thank you all so much for taking part.

The Micro phonics
The George
Hamilton Easy Dazzling Dancers
The OMG'S
Fingerwolf
Introducing Work Mates
Melon Maw Maw's
Bashaldë
Fireheart
Moves like Jagger
Tyler White
Stan the Star
Michelle Williams
The light - Christian Colman
Magic Movers
The Balzats
Kousitc Konnection
That Yo-Yo Guy
Jaden
Sam Verlinden
Princess Tessas Jai Ho Dance
Grace Ikenasio and Malcolm Lakatani
Girl Meets Uke -- Does Opera
Velvet Vocals
Stop Jammer Time
Hey Soul Sista
Jessie Wootton

It's not too late to make a donation, if you haven't done so. Check out the video wall and choose your favorite, even as little as $5 can make a difference in the life of a young person living with a disability.

Please visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us onTwitter @StarJam!

Money4Jam - Hey Soul Sista

2011-09-21T21:11:00.004+12:00

Hey Soul Sista is 8 year old Oceana and is proud to be raising Money4Jam, she was born with pseudoachondroplasia, a genetic bone disorder & has already undergone multiple surgeries at Starship Hospital which left her in a wheelchair for months but this has not dimmed her dream of being a singer. Oce has her own YouTube channel with over 180,000 hits, takes singing classes at TAPAC & sings as part of a National Tour for TEAR Fund to raise support for children in developing countries around the world. She is an amazingly inspiring young lady and very deserving of our support!

Please watch her video below then head on over to herteam page and donate as little or as much as you can, every dollar is appreciated.

There is ONE day left for you to get involved so please visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us on Twitter @StarJam!

Money4Jam - Stop! Jammer Time

2011-09-21T12:54:00.003+12:00

This is what Stop Jammer time has to say about themselves!

"Straight from the streets of Kura comes this performing duo of retro-hop dancing. From the hip, the hop, to the hip hop a – hippety, drop top to the hippety beat!?"

They are passionate about raising money for the kids of StarJam, check out their video below then head on over to their team page and donate as little or as much as you can, every dollar is appreciated.

There are TWO days left for you to get involved so please visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us on Twitter @StarJam!

Money4Jam - Velvet Vocals

2011-09-19T21:15:00.004+12:00

Olivia is in the Velvet Vocals. They have been together for 4 years and in this video they are singing an original song.

Once you have watched the video please head to their team page and donate as little or as much as you can, every dollar is appreciated.

There are TWO days left for you to get involved so please visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us on Twitter @StarJam!

2011-09-19T20:52:00.005+12:00

Girl meets uke does Opera is another return act from last year where she undertook to learn the Ukulele in the 30 days of Money4Jam last year. You can still watch all her videos on through her account Girlmeetsuke YouTube.

This year however she is focusing on her singing ability and performing Opera. She has uploaded several videos now but her first one will remain my favorite due to it's amusing nature of using herself as her own cranky duet partner.

Please watch her video below and then head on her over to her team page to support her. Please donate as little or as much as you can, every dollar is appreciated.

There are THREE days left for you to get involved so please visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us on Twitter @StarJam!

Money4Jam - Grace Ikenasio and Malcolm Lakatani

2011-09-19T20:41:00.007+12:00

This talented twosome have a whole host of awards under their belts. To name a few Grace was named 'Most promising artist 2011 Pacific Music Awards' holds a Bachelor of Music and is currently teaching Music at Secondary School. Malcolm has been nominated for 3 categories 2010 Pacific Music Awards holds a Bachelor of Education (Secondary Music teaching) and currently teaching Music at Secondary School.

They have put together a cover of Alicia Keys 'Doesn't mean anything'. Grace does this song justice, and I would love to hear more from them. Once you have watched the video please head to their team page and donate as little or as much as you can, every dollar is appreciated.

Money4Jam - Princess Tessa's Jai Ho Dance

2011-09-19T20:24:00.003+12:00

'Princess' Tessa LOVES to dance, as demonstrated by this video of her dancing to Jai Ho. I have to say I for one am very impressed by her dancing, especially since there is what looks to me to be SNOW on the ground? It's a good thing she is dancing so well, as I am sure it helped to keep her warm.

Please watch Tessa's video for Money4Jam and then head to her team page to sponsor her, donate as little or as much as you can, every dollar is appreciated.

There are FOUR days left for you to get involved so please visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us on Twitter @StarJam!

Money4Jam - Sam Verlinden

2011-09-19T19:40:00.006+12:00

Sam is from Auckland and his sister Emily attends StarJam's Hip Hop dance class, she meets with them once a week, where they learn some amazing choreography, and then performs at the end of the year at the StarJam's annual onstage show. He tells us that the reason he thinks StarJam is 'Awesome' is because it encourages kids with disabilities to sing, dance and perform. He says his sister Emily is really shy, but loves to dance and StarJam has been a great place for her to do that with her friends.

Sam says he is very proud of his sister and that he is inspired by her achievements, which is one of StarJam's founding principles ... Standing Ovations, Disabled Kids, Changing Lives.

The video below is an original song that Sam recorded last year called "Break These Walls". Listen for yourself and I am sure you will agree that Sam come comes from one very talented family. Please visit Sam's team page and donate as little or as much as you can, every dollar is appreciated.

There are FOUR days left for you to get involved so please visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us on Twitter @StarJam!

Money4Jam - Jaden

2011-09-16T20:45:00.004+12:00

Jaden is one of our very own "Stars" and is doing his part to help raise much need funds for Money4Jam. At the young age of 7 years, Jaden has already proven to be an ambassador for life itself, inspiring others to lead their lives with determination, courage and positivity. Despite his disabilities and endless medical procedures, he embraces life to the fullest and loves to get involved with fundraising campaigns that are close to his heart.

Jaden has been an active member of the StarJam Family for the past 2 years and would love to help raise more money so that other kids get to experience the empowering performance opportunities that StarJam allows.

This video features Jaden's break dancing abilities in a live performance of "Do the Jaden" in front of an audience of 300+.

Once you have watched it head over to his Team Page and sponsor Jaden so he can help StarJam help other children like himself.

There aren't too many days left for you to involved so please visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us on Twitter @StarJam!

Money4Jam - That Yo-Yo Guy

2011-09-16T20:35:00.004+12:00

Now this is a 'Guy' that has truly gotten creative for Money4Jam! He is certainly thinking out side the box with his performance. Justin is a 21 year old uni student from Wellington and just over a year ago developed a bit of an obsession with yo-yos. He finds them very fun and urges us all to turn our hand to it, Perhaps though I am a bit of a lost cause as I have only ever managed to tie yo-yo's up in to knots. I hope you find a buddy to yo-yo with soon Justin!

Watch his Video and then go and donate on his Team Page. (By the way - My son thinks you are amazing! So you may have a convert in our house after all!)

There are 6 days left for you to get involved so please visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us onTwitter @StarJam!

Money4Jam - Koustik Konnection

2011-09-16T20:24:00.004+12:00

Koustik Konnection consists of Lauren Donne-Gregory & Timothy Pekamu. They have been performing & recording as a duo for 3 months, covering a variety of genre – strictly unplugged. Lauren has a beautiful voice, so you are sure to enjoy watching their cover of Adele's "Someone like you".

You can then go and sponsor them on their team page to help them raise Money4Jam.

There are 6 days left for you to get involved so please visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us onTwitter @StarJam!

Money4Jam - The Balzats

2011-09-16T19:57:00.005+12:00

The Balzats are an amazing family of seven very talented young people. They are return Money4Jammers from last year, where I personally got to hear them live (they are amazing). Together with their parents all nine members form a musical band, playing a variety of genres of acoustic instrumental music, such as violins, guitars, keyboard, flute, cello and drums.

Their repertoire of folk rock, and their own compositions are growing and with it their popularity. They continually impress audiences with the high level of individual and combined musicianship demonstrated from the youngest to the oldest.

But you don't have to take my word for it, view their video below and decide for yourself. Then you can head over to their team page to sponsor them!

There are 7 days left for you to get involved so please visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us on Twitter @StarJam!

Money4Jam - 7 Days and counting

2011-09-15T20:18:00.003+12:00

As the end of Money4Jam draws near the excitment and competition mounts. There hasn't been a better time for you to get involved! You can still enter for your chance to win one of three excellent prizes.

The winner of the overall competition will have the choice between a trip for two to Las Vegas to meet Justin Timberlake (worth NZ$10,000!), or a trip for two to Australia to meet Stan Walker, or stay in our own beautiful New Zealand and meet Neil Finn.

Visit www.money4Jam.org now, and either register yourself and your own special talent or sponsor one of the amazing people who have already signed up!

Please visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us on Twitter @StarJam!

Money4Jam - Magic Movers

2011-09-14T12:45:00.002+12:00

Money4Jam Entrant The Magic Movers are front by Hasini De Silva. She is 23 years of age. She has attended StarJam for six years, performing in various concerts and loving every minute of it. She enjoys the hip hop dancing the Magic Movers, she has made many friends their which continues to motivate her to be more confident, passionate and gives her an improved self esteem.

Like all the kids who who participate in StarJam's performance programs they are encouraged to fulfill their potential in a supportive, and inclusive environment.

Hasini has also participated in Groovy Guitar, where I first had the pleasure to meet her. It has been my complete honor to watch her grow from a quiet girl in to a remarkable young woman who inspires others.

Watch the Magic Movers and other StarJam members video taken at the 2011 Halberg Awards. These kids truly are amazing and totally worth the support we can give them.

Now please go to the Magic Movers team page and sponsor them!

There isn't too many days left for you to involved so please visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us on Twitter @StarJam!

Money4Jam - Moves like Jagger

2011-09-12T14:14:00.005+12:00

Ashley, Emily and Amelia are BFF's and they like to move like Jagger. They also belong to StarJam and attend Central Rockin’ Hip hop. They say "It's awesome" and all three of them love it. Which the video they have entered for this year's Money4Jam proves!

Why don't you watch it now then head over their team page and donate to them so that they will be in with the chance to win one of the amazing experiences, either meeting Justin Timberlake in Las Vegas, Stan Walker in Australia or Neil Finn in New Zealand. They are very passionate about raising funds to help StarJam, as members they know first hand the amazing work StarJam does helping people like themselves achieve their full potential while inspiring others to do the same.

If you want to get involved please visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us on Twitter @StarJam!

Money4Jam - Michelle Williams

2011-09-11T17:52:00.004+12:00

Michelle Williams is the M4Jer for today. She has a beautiful voice and is performing 'Tracks of My Tears' by Smokey Robinson which is her favorite song. Michelle is 'Jamming' for Rebecca Wake.

You can support Michelle by visiting her team page, every donation counts and goes towards a fantastic cause.

If you want to sign up and get involved Please Visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us on Twitter @StarJam!

Money4Jam - Tyler White

2011-09-11T16:35:00.004+12:00

We welcome Tyler White to Money4Jam today. She is a very talented young lady who sings, dances, models and acts. She has been in the NZ Variety Show Dec 2010, a singer with orchestra for live audience filmed for TV One. A Winner of North City Plaza Shooting Star Talent competition 2010 and represented New Zealand at the 2011 World Championship of the Performing Arts competition in LA, USA. http://www.wcopa.com/.

For this year's Money4Jam Tyler has entered an original song that has been written by herself and Barbara Griffin.

It is called "Living in the Past", you can support Tyler on her team page, every donation counts and goes towards a fantastic cause.

Watch Tylers video now.

If you want to sign up and get involved Please Visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us on Twitter @StarJam!

Fast ascent from Runway and another Standing Ovation

2011-08-31T10:27:00.020+12:00

What a truly amazing evening

A-list celebrity called Tuesday’s Annah Stretton fashion week show, “Playfully cute” and rated it 10/10.

And that is how we’d also describe the second part of Annah Stretton’s show, the Celebrity Fashion Fundraiser. Models intermingled with Jammers to create an awesome spectacle. Simon Dallow, JamBassador extraordinaire, set the scene for a night to remember, seamlessly merging the Annah Stretton catwalk segment with the StarJam version.

Pastel colours, silks, bows and velvet voices

Jammers followed the professional models out onto the runway, looking stylishly feminine in Annah Stretton’s latest collection. There were skirts, sleeves, tights and plaid dresses. The twelve Jammers were beautiful, gorgeous and courageous.

In safe hands

Some of the Jammers were assisted down the runaway by three New Zealander’s netball stars, Kayla Cullen, Cat Latu and Bailey Meis and they each played their part in making the show memorable.

Dreamers anthem, Side by side, Green fluffy hats, and Amazing Grace

The audience was truly wowed when StarJam’s Velvet Vocals took to the centre of the catwalk to jam everybody with their songs, Dreamers anthem, Side by side, Green fluffy hats, and Amazing Grace. The standing ovation that followed, led a backstage TV reporter to comment that she’d never seen a standing ovation in seven years covering NZ Fashion week.So, that’s another amazing achievement for StarJam and our Jammers.

Not a dry eye in the house

If the emotion stirred from the Jammers courage and talent was not enough for the audience. Many tears were flowing when Jammer Olivia Shivas, burst into tears when awarded the well deserved honour of becoming a JamBassador.

Jambassador’s are someone who our Jammers look up to, and someone who we think has gone beyond the call to support our Jammers.

Our budding Journalist Olivia was lost for words and could only comment that her tears were ruining her make-up. Olivia we’re so proud of you and what you’ve achieved. You encapsulate what StarJam is all about – congratulations!

So, it was a fantastic end to day one for NZ Fashion week. Our thanks go once more to Annah Stretton and her team, to our sponsors Barfoot and Thompson, The Mad Butcher and Mainfrieight. And to all of you who bought a ticket to the show. We cannot hold events like this without your kind support. You made it an extremely special evening, we hope you enjoyed the show and above all that you were, “jammed!”

Check out TV3’s coverage of the show including backstage interviews with our Jammers

Donate now to help kids move of the waiting lists and into StarJam workshops.

Click back soon to see more photos from the show.

Money4Jam - Fireheart

2011-08-30T21:25:00.004+12:00

Good evening readers of Spread the Jam. Today's post is for 'Fireheart' aka Karleigh Jones. She believes that all people should have the opportunity to show what they can do. Karleigh is an amazingly active girl who enjoys swimming, volunteering, and roller derby! (I have always wanted to try this Karleigh! But I have no balance or co-ordination). She has Asperger's Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder so helping support StarJam is very close to her heart.

She is yet to post a video, so I will bring that too you hopefully very soon. She asked for ideas a few days ago so you can visit her Facebook Page and lend her your suggestions, I am thinking some Roller Derby would be great!

You can support Fireheart but vising their Team Page.

Keep an eye on the blog, over the next few days I will bring you more on the wonderful people who have signed up to help raise Money4Jam.

If you want to sign up and get involved Please Visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page.

Money4Jam - Bashaldë

2011-08-29T21:11:00.005+12:00

Hello again Blog Readers!

We are off to a marvelous start this year with four new teams joining us to raise Money4Jam. Firstly we have Ben Matthew's Band Bashaldë. He is a one man band (for now) and a return entrant from last year. He writes all his own material, which he sings and performs on the guitar. Ben is heavily influenced by artists such as The Smashing Pumpkins, Green Day and Husker Du and describes his style as 'fast but catchy pop punk'. Here is a video of Ben performing at the StarJam Hamilton launch last year. We are hoping he posts some of his new work on YouTube, its sure to be a treat.

Ben has started his own Money4Jam Facebook Page and like us. This is a great way to stay up to date with all the news about Money4Jam.

Over the next few days I will posting on the other four entrants we have so far, Fireheart, Moves like Jagger and Tyler White.

Money4Jam 2011

2011-08-17T22:07:00.003+12:00

And it's back! The biggest fundraising event of the year and this year Money4Jam is bigger than ever, with some completely amazing prizes. The first prize being flights for two too Las Vegas where you get to meet Justin Timberlake,or flights to Australia where you meet Stan walker,or the chance to meet with Neil Finn here in New Zealand. There are also lots of other prizes up for grabs and all you have to do is Jam... Video it, YouTube it and get all your family and friends to Support it!

Jam a song, rap, dance, jam an instrument, poem, scene or even jam some creative comedy. Simply enter yourself or a team and perform any way you want. Then get it on YouTube and start sharing your Money4Jam link with all your family, friends and workmates.
Spread it through your Facebook circles, tell people about it over the work water cooler, and remember to make sure your aunties and uncles are in the loop too. Encourage everyone you know to support you to help StarJam. The person or team who raises the most money (as at 12pm NZST, Friday 23rd September) has the choice of one of three prizes. The person or team who raises the second highest amount of money will be given the option to choose from the two remaining major prizes and the person or team who raises the third highest amount of money will be awarded the remaining major prize.

I would really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and you can find out all the details about the prizes and how to sign up this year on the website.

Hamilton's Sensational Singers Add Love

2011-08-13T20:55:00.003+12:00

It was a good roadtrip for the Jammers from Hamilton's Sensational Singers to head east and over the Kaimai ranges to Whakatane to serenade a very special bride, their tutor. Kat who has been with this workshop group of Jammers since it started in April 2010, was married to Andrew today, Saturday 13th August. The Jammers sang Love Love Love, the Avalanche City's song of love. It was a beautiful occasion and I'm sure something the Jammers will remember for a long time to come. Congratulations Kat and Andrew and thanks for inviting the Jammers to sing at your wedding.

Annah Stretton Celebrity Fashion Fundraiser

2011-07-13T16:23:00.015+12:00

Wow, this is an exclusive and unique event offering fashion fans and, in fact everyone, a unique experience; a first-ever at New Zealand Fashion Week. Hosted by Simon Dallow, enjoy the spectacular show where models, celebrities and StarJam’s young people share the catwalk. An interlude of beautiful songs written and performed by some of these first-time models, will follow the catwalk show.

Tickets will be snapped up so please be quick. This is where you go to get your tickets Grateful thanks to Eventfinder who have waived the booking fees to both tickets buyers and StarJam.

Watch out for more exciting news soon.

Anthony Jellyman Waikato Times' Article

2011-05-03T09:44:00.003+12:00

Hi Everyone

Anthony Jellyman's StarJam JamBassador status hit the Waikato Times in his hometown of Hamilton yesterday - Page 5! He was conferred as a JamBassador via video by Sir Peter Jackson at the Wellington launch on Saturday 30th April. Click here for the link to the online version - unfortunately this doesn't have the lovely photo that is in the print version though.

Congratulations Anthony!

StarJam Wellington is officially launched!! Yay

2011-05-02T12:13:00.013+12:00

Hi Everyone

Wow! What a weekend for StarJam - Saturday's official Wellington launch was a real blast! There were so many magical moments. The performers - Hamilton's Sensational Singers, Auckland's Magic Movers, Wellington's Renee Maurice and Hamilton's Anthony Jellyman & Holly Irvine - were total professionals and certainly wowed the Wellington audience. MC Simon Dallow did a fantastic job keeping everything running smoothly and Wellington's Deputy Mayor Ian McKinnon and the Hon Annette King were eloquent as always .

Sir Peter Jackson filmed a special congratulatory video for the launch and an extra special video bestowing JamBassadorship on StarJam's Anthony Jellyman, who originally interviewed Sir Peter in 2003. The JamBassadorship was a complete suprise for Anthony in recognition of his committment to StarJam and its Jammers.

Extra Special Thanks go to the following StarJam supporters...

For financial and other assistance in getting StarJam up and running in Wellington: Air New Zealand, AXA Hearts in Action, Pub Charity and the Springhill and Frimley Trust.

For making the launch happen: Multi-media, John Maurice and Jermiah Straker, Debra Kelleher and the team from TVNZ Avalon, Mandi Lynn - from a la mode photographic boutique, Sue Bascand for leading the decorating team and Karen Nowell-Usticke for leading the catering team.

For coming along to our special day: Deputy Mayor Ian McKinnon, Hon Annette King, Children's Commissioner Dr John Angus and all our wonderful tutors, volunteers and Wellington families.

If you are interested in finding out more about our Wellington workshops or monthly get to gethers please email info@starjam.org or phone 0800 4 STARJAM (0800 478275).

More exciting news....Wellington workshops start week commencing 16th May 2011!

2011-04-04T13:36:00.009+12:00

Hi Again

More exciting news - the StarJam Wellington weekly workshops are starting the week commencing 16th May 2011. We have six workshops in and around Wellington which are all held from 6.30pm to 8pm one night a week during the school term. You will find the timetable below. For further information or to enrol in one of these workshops please email info@starjam.org or phone: 0800 4 StarJam 0800 478275.

Timetable

Monday:

AXA Sensational Singing @ Hutt

The New Dowse

45 Laings Road, Lower Hutt

AXA Groovy Guitar

The New Dowse

45 Laings Road, Lower Hutt

Tuesday:

Jazzy Jamming (Dance Workshop)

Te Whaea: National Dance and Drama Centre

11 Hutchison Road, Newtown

Wednesday:

AXA Dazzling Dance

Miramar Community Centre

27 Chelsea Street, Miramar

Dynamic Drumming

Johnsonville Community Centre

3 Frankmoore Avenue

Johnsonville

Thursday:

Sensational Singing @ Newlands

Newlands Community Centre

9 Batchelor Street, Newlands

Exciting news...StarJam Wellington New Jammers Day and Official Launch

2011-04-04T12:50:00.012+12:00

Hi Everyone

We are really excited to announce that there is a Wellington New Jammers' Welcome Day on the 16th April and a launch party in our groovy capital city on the 30th April (please RSVP to louise@starjam.org if you are coming to the launch). Details are on the flyer on the right - click it to enlarge. If you have any queries on any Wellington activities then email info@starjam.org or phone 0800 4 StarJam 0800 478275.

Sri Lankan Food Fair

2011-01-31T16:21:00.004+13:00

It's amazing what happens when people get Jammed. Hasini has been involved with StarJam for more than five years and when we met her she was very shy. Five years later here is Hasini giving her speech at the opening of the Sri Lankan Food Fair held on Saturday 29th Saturday at Panmure School. Her family rallied dozens of people from the Sri Lankan community to create a simply wonderful Food Fair to raise funds for StarJam. There was so much yummy food and heaps of people.

Here is Hasini's speech.

"Hi everyone. A very good morning to you all! I wish to say a very big thank you to you for coming to this Sri Lankan food fair, in support of StarJam. It is my great pleasure to share with you to what StarJam means to me. I am very proud that StarJam is the place which gave me the opportunity to perform on stage with confidence.

Thanks to StarJam and the help of our tutors, I got to experience in performing at several events with magical experiences.

We jammers, rock the stage when we perform, we put our hearts and souls in to it because that's what we love doing. At the end, when the crowds cheer us, we feel so proud of our selves, that's the best feeling in the world!

So this is what StarJam does to special kids like me, by organising several workshops where we meet friends, develop our talents, experience the joy of performing and feel like super stars!

Julie foundered StarJam for us, but she needs support from volunteeers like us to keep StarJam alive. So, on behalf of all jammers, I wish to say thank you very much to our community, for supporting StarJam by organising this big food fair to raise funds for StarJam.

Please enjoy a huge variety of our delicious Sri Lankan food.

Thank you all and have a good day.

Cheers Hasini

New Zealander of the Year Awards - Finalist News

2011-01-13T21:48:00.004+13:00

Last Year StarJam was selected as a finalist in the New Zealander of the Year Awards in the community category. This year, Roy Bartlett, Co-Founder of StarJam as been chosen as a finalist in the senior category. That's pretty amazing! There have been more than 500 nominations for these awards.

Roy's been working in the 'good' sector since 1986 and so helped countless people along the way at the Alzheimers Foundation, Presbyterian Support, MS Society and Home and Family Society. Congratulations Roy!

The Offical Results!!!!

2010-11-01T10:54:00.004+13:00

Offical Results

Thank you for showing your support!

The inaugural Money for Jam Charity Busking Challenge was a huge success. It’s over for 2010 but will be back bigger and better in 2011. If you are interested in entering a team in 2011 please click the Start a Team button at the top of the page and enter your details. Meantime check out the video wall and all the other great fun from Money for Jam 2010.

Our 36 incredibly brave and talented Money for Jam teams have had a fun time busking for a great cause!

They have raised heaps which will make a real difference providing more performance places for more kids with disabilities in more New Zealand regions. Thanks so much for the huge effort, guys.

Many of the teams have had some challenging and magical experiences along the way….

“We were humbled to perform for the kids yesterday,you haven't lived until you see a child in a wheelchair smiling & dancing to your performance.”

- 4’O’Clock Jammers

The judging closed at midnight on the 31st October and the winners are…

Two of the Amazing Busking Machine team are jetting to Hollywood! They have won the hard-fought race for the most money raised online grabbing the top prize of two return premium economy tickets to Los Angeles - generously donated by Air New Zealand - with a visit to the set of hit TV show Criminal Minds.

The Balzats’ video was judged Best Video by our panel of celebrity judges Temuera Morrison, Ray Woolf and Ben Lummis. Their fantastic prize is two return Air New Zealand tickets to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.

Best Photo goes to Jamie and Bianca. They score a weekend of luxury family accommodation on Waiheke Island.

The Worst Singing on a Video prize: This one was tough as the calibre of singing was so high! We decided to award this prize to the youngest performers on a video who didn’t sing at all! The Ponsonby Pipers win a big Nestle chocolate hamper too!

The Craziest Location for a Video prize goes to 3/63 with their super-mario-style video filmed in a kid’s playground. They also receive a Nestle goodie hamper.

Danny Cope’s team, Danny and the No-Copers, took out the Best Team Name prize. They also receive a Nestle Hamper.”

Finally our fabulous Facebook winners and their prizes are:
A performance by a group of StarJam kids (Auckland only)
Elena Siljic
A StarJam t-shirt signed by Dominic Bowden
Amanda Brown
A Hollywood t-shirt signed by Dominic Bowden
Jen Mann

Five prizes of a year’s supply of Barker’s jam or other products (6 items per month) go to:
Emma Stone
Daniel Organ
Gracie Annabell
Hannah Rose Pilcher
Vee Lupo Sua Tovia

The Offical Results!!!!

2010-11-01T10:54:00.000+13:00

Offical Results

Thank you for showing your support!

The inaugural Money for Jam Charity Busking Challenge was a huge success. It’s over for 2010 but will be back bigger and better in 2011. If you are interested in entering a team in 2011 please click the Start a Team button at the top of the page and enter your details. Meantime check out the video wall and all the other great fun from Money for Jam 2010.

Our 36 incredibly brave and talented Money for Jam teams have had a fun time busking for a great cause!

They have raised heaps which will make a real difference providing more performance places for more kids with disabilities in more New Zealand regions. Thanks so much for the huge effort, guys.

Many of the teams have had some challenging and magical experiences along the way….

“We were humbled to perform for the kids yesterday,you haven't lived until you see a child in a wheelchair smiling & dancing to your performance.”

- 4’O’Clock Jammers

The judging closed at midnight on the 31st October and the winners are…

Two of the Amazing Busking Machine team are jetting to Hollywood! They have won the hard-fought race for the most money raised online grabbing the top prize of two return premium economy tickets to Los Angeles - generously donated by Air New Zealand - with a visit to the set of hit TV show Criminal Minds.

The Balzats’ video was judged Best Video by our panel of celebrity judges Temuera Morrison, Ray Woolf and Ben Lummis. Their fantastic prize is two return Air New Zealand tickets to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.

Best Photo goes to Jamie and Bianca. They score a weekend of luxury family accommodation on Waiheke Island.

The Worst Singing on a Video prize: This one was tough as the calibre of singing was so high! We decided to award this prize to the youngest performers on a video who didn’t sing at all! The Ponsonby Pipers win a big Nestle chocolate hamper too!

Finally our fabulous Facebook winners and their prizes are:

A performance by a group of StarJam kids (Auckland only)
Elena Siljic

A StarJam t-shirt signed by Dominic Bowden
Amanda Brown

A Hollywood t-shirt signed by Dominic Bowden
Jen Mann

Five prizes of a year’s supply of Barker’s jam or other products (6 items per month) go to:

Emma Stone

Daniel Organ

Gracie Annabell

Hannah Rose Pilcher

Vee Lupo Sua Tovia

Registration of Interest Form – links to Start a Team Button.

Registrations for Money for Jam 2010 are now closed. If you want to join us in 2011 please fill in the attached form and we will be in contact when registrations open. If you have any queries in the meantime please email info@starjam.org or check out www.starjam.org or phone 0800 478275.

The home run!

2010-11-01T00:08:00.003+13:00

It's NOT official I'm just basing this on the fact that I sat up to midnight k but from what the website was telling me at about middnight it was The Amazing Busking Machine
in the lead with 3,992.00!

Well done too ALL of our amazing buskers who donated their time to such a deserving cause. We couldn't have done it without you :)

I'm off to bed now for some well earned rest!

We let you know more as soon as it's announced!

Em x

less than 3 hours to go!

2010-10-30T18:41:00.002+13:00

EEEEK!!! Jeez, if I thought I was excited yesterday it's nothing compared to today! we have less than THREE hours to go to the finale of the busking challenge! As of right now The Latenighters still have the lead with $2,501.70 butThe Amazing Busking Machine still have have time to make a come back at the last moment, maybe? You still have time to open your wallet for a GREAT cause, AND support the team you like the best!

Don't forget to hit the 'Like' Button to support us on Facebook to go in to the draw to win some great prizes!!!

The 'Final' count down!

2010-10-29T22:19:00.005+13:00

Wow we have broken the $10,000! We only have Two days left to the finale of this Busking Challenge and 'by golly' (that seems like the best phrase at the moment) the competition is heating up between the Teams in the top two spaces. Now, The Latenighters were in First position when I went to bed last night, and when I got and checked this morning it was The Amazing Busking Machine in poll position. And now after refraining from checking ALL day it's The Latenighters once again in that top spot. You can keep an eye on all our Fantastic Fund Raising miracle workers here at www.fundraisingonline.co.nz
while you there you might even want to part with a few dollars of your own for a very good cause. It's only cost $5 per day to enrich a child with disabilities life and whats more if you are in New Zealand your donation is tax deductible (you will be issued a receipt)

Here's a screen shot of the fund raising so far (if you weren't tempted to click on the link I just posted) just so you can see how well we are doing and how proud I am of all our Buskers. Just click on the picture to go right to Fund Raising on line.

On top of all the success we have had with the Busking we have also had five more teams throw their busking hat in to the ring, and of course we welcomed their generosity with open arms.

Check them out and support them!

Don't forget to hit the 'Like' Button to support us on Facebook to go in to the draw to win some great prizes and follow us on Twitter to keep up with all the updates!

The Amazing Busking Machine out in front!

2010-10-28T14:37:00.009+13:00

As the big 10k mark seems closer than ever I couldn't be more excited! And with only a week left until the end of the Money for Jam busking competition there hasn't been a better time for YOU to also be involved! The competition between our teams seems to be gaining momentum too and our top fund raiser is now in the lead with a whooping $1,935!!! WOWSER! They promised Amazing and boy oh boy did The Amazing Busking Machine deliver! Not only in the form of a rather comical Video but they are also pulling all the stops to support the kids of StarJam. I have pulled down a couple of screen shoots in case you have yet to watch that video I was just talking about!!! This should entice you in and open your wallet *winky face*

Are you a fan on Facebook yet? if not go hit the 'Like' Button to support us, plus go ahead and follow us on Twitter!

Money for Jam at Aotea Square

2010-10-26T23:42:00.017+13:00

Greetings Jam followers!

Please accept my apologies for this not having got to you earlier, but life (and labour weekend) interrupted. However I DO have the photos from last Thursdays Busking Event.

Like I said in the previous post The weather didn't exactly behave, but despite the periodic down pour we all had a fantastic time.

I didn't realise this at the time, because true to form I was late but the brand new Mayor of the new 'Super City' Auckland Len Brown also rocked it out on the mike! Here is a photo of him in action.

Now, if you came along on the day or happened to be passing by I imagine you would have noticed all the balloons! And they were all blown up by our fabulous AUT PR Girls. Heres a photo of them posing with them all blown up.

Now here is a beautiful photo of Moana, one our Jammers with the 4oClock Jammers singing on the 'stage' together. The 4oClock Jammers did fantastic on the day and collected $128 from spectators! That's a great effort guys!

The Latenighters are another team who have done really well so far! And only just recently knocked off the top stop as far as the fund raising is concerned. Here's a photo of Andrew Tanyon with our Star Jammer Jaden.

Ben may have gotten up and rocked the crowd last but he certainly did a fantastic job. As you know from my previous post I was shaking his Bucket and I managed to collect $51.40 from people passing by and stopping to have a listen. I am quietly quite proud of myself. Here he in all his glory, you could have a hard time imagining that he has Aspergers in this photo and finds social situations very awkward. However he seems to adopt another persona when 'on stage' and well, the crowd really can't help but love him. (He writes all his own music and lyrics too!) And I can honestly say that if it wasn't for StarJam and the patient mentoring and belief of Bob his StarJam Guitar Teacher, he wouldn't be where he was today. Not only getting up on stage to DO IT but ENJOYING himself in the process!

Next up we have four of our cutest buskers. Lew and Eddy and ROCK U, who are two teams of VERY talented boys! I was blown away at how well they could play and sing! Jeez, I wish I had even a tiny amount of the talent they possess.
Here's Lew and Eddy

And here is ROCK U

The Balzats are a WHOLE family of amazingly talented people, and if it wasn't for the fact I had a bucket to shake I would have happily spent the whole afternoon listening to them. I hope my kids want to play insturments when they are bigger, this family are complete stars! They collected a whooping big $240.50 and I can totally understand why!

The Foxy Stars preformed before I arrived, but they looked very business like all dressed up in their work attire. They also have raised heaps busking! And have you seen their video? Very cool and worth checking out. Here is a picture of them posing with Moana.

Jessica was second to last on the stage on the day so I thought, hey lets put her in the same position! Jessica aka Girl Meets Uke WOWED the crowed with her opera singing abilities (She sang Ava Maria the song she preformed at my wedding). I may be a tad bias but this girls can SING! So well in fact she got a $100 from ONE single Man! I'm so so proud of her! This is a photo of her while singing, with my boy Captain Chaos as her music stand.

And just to see you out for the evening, here is a photo of Julie with Len Brown, Jaden and Daniel!

Don't forget to hit the 'Like' Button to support us on Facebook plus go ahead and follow us on Twitter!

We also have some more teams! So I'll tell you some more about them tomorrow!! Don't forget that the competition phase of Money for Jam ends at Midnight on the 31st October so get donating!

MONEY4JAM EVENT!!!!! WOOT

2010-10-21T22:52:00.004+13:00

Just a quick post tonight, because I want to delve in a bit better once I have the photos to accompany it. BUT Today we hit the streets (Aotea Square) And SPREAD the JAM big time! And it apart from the rain it was enormously successful! In fact I Was in such a good mood even the rain couldn't bring me down. (In my head I was humming 'Singing in the Rain' - Thanks Ham'n'Jam for that one! If you are wondering what I am going on about then please do go to their team profile and watch their video!)

Anyhow, as I was saying. Yes it did rain but by golly did we make an impact. People did indeed flock to watch which made it very easy for myself to accost them with our StarJam Buckets with my biggest most friendliest smile and ask if they had yet to donate "Money for Jam". Turns out I am rather good at that! Not exactly sure how much I raised with that method for Ben (it was his bucket I was shaking) But I DID take a photo! (I'll post it tomorrow once I process the few photos I took between bucket shaking)

I can't say THANK YOU enough to all the kind and generous people who donated not only time by their hard earned money to such a good cause.

All our Buskers were AMAZING! I was so impressed with the level of talent! I hope the video is uploaded soon so we can share it will all of you who might have missed it and didn't get a chance to donate to your favourites on the day.

I'll be back again tomorrow with the photos I hope! As I always say, have you liked us on facebook yet? If not, get over there and do it now! Lot's of prizes up for grabs if you do :)

Em ❤

Some late night You Tube Video watching is in order!

2010-10-20T16:48:00.008+13:00

As the Latenighters pull in to the lead by more than $700 other teams are pulling out all the stops. and HERE is their video! Since they are SO far in the lead I thought I'd put there video first :) So please go watch it!
We hope that you will be joining us for Busking at Aotea Square this coming Thursday from 12pm until 1pm! We will be there as will many of the other teams mentioned in yesterday's post.

We have had quite a few videos going up over the last days and they are all fantastic, so in no particular order here they are.

Spreading the Jam for StarJamSpreading the Jam like crazy in the deep south!

The Unknown (Girls Band) Making it famous on TV!

Prior Knowledge(Boys Band) Also Making it famous on TV!(Some very talented kids from their school!)

Old Love - 4 O'clock Jammers Rocking at a live gig :)

Danny and the No-Copers Preforming Elvis in the most energetic way!

Day 15 amazing Grace Girl Meets Uke (my baby sister) still going strong despite the odds! (Of being sick that is!)In fact she has done SO many videos now I am going to give her, her very own blog post! Because after that mammoth effort I think she deserves it!

Busking for StarJam, Ham'N'Jam singing to the bright lights of Hamiltron! LOVE the way those Baker's Delight guys 'JAM'!They may have been singing 'In the Rain, but the sun certainly came out for them!

Lewis Eady StarJammers "Lew & Eddy" 17 Oct 2010, Lew and Eddy are seriously cute! Check out their busking Video!! Singing an original song no less, called "Mutiny" on Auckland's Queen St during a 90 minute busking session for StarJam. Watch out for the gorilla!

Meadowbank Rock Band also known as the Meadowbank Buskers sound FANTASTIC! And a whole band of them!

Singstarz sing Bedouin Soundclash - Hush and sound very melodic indeed!

Impossibly cute and very talented Rock U sing 'Don't look back in anger' by Oasis and nawwww I want to take them home and keep them!

Valentina and Gabriella Rocca also known as the Ponsonby Pipers Play in perfect harmony in their video

Jamie and Bianca had me dancing about in my office chair! They sound awesome on the piano and Bass thingy?? erh ... Chello maybe? Sorry! Your Jazz sounds honestly awesome!

3/63 have wowed us all with their version of Super Mario, and I fell down in giggles! Great work guys!

I honestly think I want to eat JELLY BEANS now! Thanks to Poppy Dust who floored me with their fantastic performance!

The Amazing Busking Machine has also just uploaded their video 'Everybody (StarJam's Back!)' and YAY honestly it had me transfixed for all 3 minutes 20 seconds so GO NOW and watch that one even if you managed to make it thus far with out clicking on any of the other link.

All of these wonderful people are deserving of our support as are each and every child that StarJam supports! My mantra right now has been GO GO MONEY FOR JAM! I couldn't be more proud of what all these wonderful people have achieved so far. You can go check out all our wonderful teams HERE, browse their teams profiles and most importantly donate a few dollars to your favourites. Remember, it only takes $5 to change a child's life, and the positive work that StarJam does for children with disabilties speaks for itself.

PLEASE don't forget that we will be at Aotea Square tomorrow between 12pm and 1pm. There is going to be heaps of us there busking our hearts out. Well maybe not so much me as far as the singing is concerned, but I WILL be there with Captain Chaos and those trouble monsters and if you REALLY do feel the need to listen to me sound like I am quite possibly killing a cat of some sort then you can watch me feature as one of Girl Meets Uke's guest singers when the Bronchitis got the better of her.

One more thing before I go, have you joined us on Facebook yet? If you “like” Money4Jam on Facebook you go in the draw for:A performance by a group of StarJam kids for your event/party (Auckland only)

Five prizes of a year’s supply of Barker’s Jam
A StarJam T-shirt signed by Dominic Bowden
A Hollywood T-shirt signed by Dominic Bowden
Lots of chocolate hampers donated by Nestle NZ Ltd
And many more...

So Get LIKING!

21 October -- Get ready to JAM!

2010-10-19T14:13:00.005+13:00

Now if you are living in Auckland and are free at lunch time on the 21st October (This Thursday!) Then this is something you will NOT want to miss!

All our Buskers are putting their talent out on display at Aotea Square from 12-1pm.

Come along to see a selection of the teams busking, and you might get some goodies too.

Here are a list of the teams that may be busking:

So come along and support your favourite team. It's going to be a blast! And a little birdy tells me that ZM's Black Thunders will be there as well as Ray Woolf and Ben Lummis! So what more excuse do you need to take a long lunch.

www.money4jam.org

AGORA GOES LIVE

2010-10-18T22:09:00.003+13:00

Consider this your formal invitation to AGORA GOES LIVE, so if you live in the Hamilton Region make sure you don't miss this!

Time	12 November · 19:00 - 22:00

Location	Cafe Agora 13B Kent Street, Frankton Hamilton, New Zealand

Created by:	Agora

More info	Featuring Debbie Shepherd and Band, Harmonium and special guests STARJAM. $5 donation at the door all goes to help STARJAM: standing ovations, disabled kids, changed lives.

Em ❤

MORE BUSKERS!

2010-10-18T20:16:00.003+13:00

We asked for more Buskers and by golly did you deliver! Since my last post on this we have had SIX more entries. One of which has sped in to the lead as far as fund raising is concerned which sees me with a smile from ear to ear!

So since they are off to such a great start I'll start with them. They call themselves The Latenighters and are bursting with musical talent. Which they are keen to share in support of StarJam. There guitarists are from NZ's uprising rockband "Crimson Rain" and the rest of them just can't live without music!
Andrew, Daphne, Prasanna, Yoges, Avi, Clare, Grace and Ronald are all jamming in support of nine year old Helen-Mary Healey-Pratt, who loves playing the drums with her tutor, Gary and also loves going to her auntie's house.
Here is a photo of The Latenighters taken this Sunday while busking at Mission Bay. They look fantastic!
If you want to support The Latenighters then visit their team profile!

Next up we have The 4 O'Clock Jammers. They acutally signed up before The Latenighters, just before I signed up my brood. but yeah, this is the order that you get today. They have posted a fantastic video of themselves on YouTube playing 'Old Love' an Eric Clapton Cover at the Telecom talent night. They refer to themselves as 'Gen-I's cruisiest jamming team full of drinking sing-along favourites and a hearty dose of improvisation and fun.'
Bruce McSheffrey,Levin Skipps and David Roberts who make up The 4 O'Clock Jammers are Jamming in support of one of our cutest six year old Jaden Movold. Jaden loves horse riding, swimming, and he loves coming to StarJam of course!
Support The 4 O'Clock Jammers. by visiting their team page.

Now we have Danny and the No-Coper's. Danny is said to be 'as the great Elvis Presley', and even comes with a backing band of 'No-Coper's, busking with Suspicious Minds'.
This team consists of Danny Cope, Philippa, Vanessam, Karin, Loma, Maggie, Judith, Aurora, Toby, Cecilia and Roger. View their videoandSupport this team.

Next up we have The Unknown from Marian Catholic School.
The Unknown are a band of year 7/8 Girls from Marian Catholic School. They started just this year and are fabulous already. They prove just how fabulous in their video!
Brigit Mackenzie, Braxton Dinnan, Shaye Nobilo, Katie Pigou, Maddison Abraham, Lovenrose Ramos, Sacha Kau, Jasmine Milton, Cecelia Parke, Amelia Joshy, Juanita Raman, Maia Brown, Maia Kidd and Madeleine Muldowney make up The Unknown and you can suppor them by visiting their fund raising page.

Now we have ANOTHER team from Marian Catholic School. This one called Prior Knowledge. They also formed this group this year and are also very talented. Check out their video!
Band members consist of Corban Hall, Teariki Williams, Jun Jung, Michael Lamb, Rawiri Kapa-Hakeney, Lewis Colby, Jonathan Blair and Harris Abraham. So go now too their team page and support them!

Finally for today we have the Mostly Oldies. When I saw today of Facebook that we had another team and they were called 'Mostly Oldies' I thought, oh that's not very nice calling a team old. Then I looked again and saw THEY were calling themselves that!
They say they are a group that consists mostly of 'oldies' who enjoy a jam or two and helping where they can.
The team consists of Emara Feasey-Weiss, Rosetta Feasey-Weiss and Patricia Weiss.

Click here to start your own team, go on I know you want to join in all the fun! And with the chance to win a trip for two to LA to visit the set of Criminal Minds what reason do you have not too? There isn't much time left so get going! Okay, so your camera shy? You can still help out by supporting the people who have already signed up! Click here to view the teams and their donations so far.

I will leave with the usual request! Don't forget to hit the 'Like' Button to support us on Facebook plus go ahead and follow us on Twitter!

Why don't you go ahead and post this blog to your Facebook wall and share the love and spread the word about Money for Jam!! Go on, it feels good to share :)

Em ❤

StarJam Reaches Hamilton

2010-10-14T22:59:00.011+13:00

As may or may not know StarJam opened their doors in Hamilton. Offering children in the region the chance to attend performance programs that will enrich their lives and potential lend motivation and inspiration to others. The following is a list of endorsements for StarJam

Hamilton Deputy Mayor Pippa Mahood
assisting Hamilton Jambassador Anthony
Jellyman to cut the ribbon at StarJam launch
in the Waikato on 24 April 2010.
What a lovely event! I so enjoyed the fun. The sheer exuberance of all the wonderful young people that you brought down to Hamilton to demonstrate what opportunities there are to develop their talents and skills for life.
There were a lot of Waikato children who were present who could make great use of StarJam's services, and it was clear by the end of the afternoon that their inhibitions and shyness had evaporated, and they were ready to go!
To have that ability to strike a chord so quickly, proves to me that your wonderful organisation has got it right.
It was a privilege to be there, and wish you all the very bestfor the future. Keep on Jamming!!

Pippa Mahood Deputy Mayor, Hamilton City Council

FROM THE PARENTS

Your Hamilton StarJam course has delivered some exciting benefits for our son 'Te Rau Aroha'
Kennedy.
Firstly, at 14, this is his first teenage social activity. Every week he clearly announces he is going to Star Jam - another step forward in his language expression. He has made friends with boys and girls in his age group and the culture of the group has encouraged him to socialise and communicate within the group. This has had the effect of him repeating the positive and appropriate social behaviors at home, with friends and at school. You are teaching him manners!
Then there's the skill development and the associated disciplines he is exploring. He has always been a dancer, but this new environment has formalised his interest. He practices moves at home and we have a new activity to do together as a family. Not only that, he is attacking his music with a new focus and discipline, using the habits you have taught him. He maintains his focus for longer periods of time.
But for us, most of all, is that he has found something that engages him & that he really, really enjoys, that is an exciting learning environment that gives him incentives to learn in his everyday life and that is an "Outside" activity that expands his world and builds his self confidence and social skills.
Thank you from two very happy parents who believe that your program is excellent because of your clearly defined limits, your well structured program and your brilliant and responsive course leader!
Rose & Mike Kennedy

I would like to express my thanks and tell how important StarJam has become to my daughter Kate.
Due to the lack of after school activities for children/young adults with disabilities StarJam has opened a new world for Kate, this is an activity that she can take part in and achieve results unlike mainstream activities where children with disabilities attend but do not necessarily achieve as the activites are far above their capabilities.
Since attending StarJam:

Kate has become confident with attending especially with the fact she does not have any

of her peers attending with her.

The dance workshop has helped improve Kate's balance no end.

She has been able to be part of an activity that is designed for her and where she has a sense of achievement

She just loves its and that is really what is important at the end of the day.

Kate was very proud of herself after attending the last monthly get together where the different workshops performed there routines and is looking forward to performing in the end of the year show and has told everyone she knows about it.

Thank you to the StarJam crew for your time and patience to help our kids achieve and to have a fantastic time.
Roze Gilmore

Thanks so much for bringing StarJam to Hamilton! It is truly amazing to witness the change to y son Jaezers life and that of the many other 'Jammers' who attend your workshops in Hamilton. Jaezer is 'soo' excited being able to attend the weekly workshops and monthly gatherings where he can 'show off' his newly acquired talents. He has gained so much confidence, independence and happiness - and in his own words:

"cool fun, fun, fun, so many new friends, thank you mum, me a happy star now! I'm special"

Through all of this Jaezer has gained among the other attributes, 'motivation' which is great.
Thanks again with much appreciation.
Jacqui Baraket

My son Calais is enrolled in the groovy guitar workshops. Unfortunately we are going to have to withdraw at this stage as the travelling is taking quite a bit out of him each week and being that he is only 5yrs old it ends up be quite a late night by the time we get back to Tauranga. He has thoroughly enjoyed the term and a half he's attended thus far though (he has been unwell the last 2 weeks so we haven't made it to Hamilton).
I just want to thank both the Waikato and Auckland team for the amazing Loren, bottom left, with some of the Jammers who attend her performance workshop experiences that are provided by the organisation for children like my son. We would certainly like to re-enrol him maybe next year when he is a little older as he's had such a great time.
Please pass on our thanks and appreciation to Jason and Hannah for the wonderful support they have given to Calais. I have been impressed week after week by their patience and encouragement shown towards all the Jammers. Calais confidence has grown so much due to their involvement - I was amazed when 2 weeks ago Calais took his guitar to Kindergarten (and I took mine at his request) to show his teachers the groovy guitar version of "we will rock you". So many children and parents started to watch him that we were asked to do it in front the whole kindergarten at mat time. Calais was so proud and they took a video of his performance - this is a huge achievement for him as he was not previously comfortable in group situations let alone willing to perform in front of a large group.
Once again, thank you thank you thank you to all involved with StarJam.
Heidi and Calais Janes

FROM A PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP TUTOR

When I joined StarJam back in 2007 as a Jammer I had no idea that in 2010 I would be a tutor helping other young people with disabilities realize that anything is possible. It has been both challenging and exciting and an absolute joy to be able to put something back into an organisation that has given me so much.
It has been an absolute joy to work with one very shy and quiet boy who joined my dance workshop. He made it clear from the start that he enjoyed the workshops, however I got the impression that he was not learning the moves of the dance the group was learning. I left him to do his own 'dance' in the belief that as long as he was happy and as it did not seem to matter to the others in the group, there was no need to disrupt the overall 'flow and energy' of the group to try and change the situation. On the last week of the first term the Jammers were going to perform the dance that they had learnt for their parents and caregivers. To my total surprise he performed the dance perfectly. Both his parents and I were overcome with joy of his performance, but what was more touching was to see how proud he was with himself.
Another boy in my workshop uses a wheelchair and has very limited arm movement. During reach workshop there is a section where each Jammer is encouraged to dance solo and receive encouragement and positive feedback from the rest of the group. This boy never volunteered himself, so after a couple of weeks I asked him if he just wanted to bring his favourite song for usall to dance to. He agreed and promised me that he would bring it next week. When the next week came, he not only had his song but told me that he wanted to do a solo dance for us. I could not describe what it was like to watch! The dance was amazing! He wowed the whole group with his new found confidence so much, it was hard to believe how he refused to do it before!
Observing experiences like these reminds me how important it is for me to be a part of the amazing family that StarJam is. It encourages me to not only put my all into the workshops as a tutor but also my all into every area of life, just as the Jammers in my workshop are doing.
Loren Corbett

Hamilton's Groovy Guitar workshop with 5year old Calais Janes sitting in the front row of the photograph.

Well that's all for today folks! Hope you learned a little more about what StarJam means to not just the Children who partake but the entire family AND the people who take the classes.

I will leave with the usual request! Don't forget to hit the 'Like' Button to support us on Facebook plus go ahead and follow us on Twitter!

Why don't you go ahead and post this blog to your Facebook wall and share the love and spread the word about Money for Jam!! Go on, it feels good to share :)

Em ❤

'SPREADING the JAM'

2010-10-13T21:13:00.007+13:00

Yesterday, Captain Chaos, the Trouble Monsters, Girl Meet's Uke, Ben, My Mum and Nikki went for a walk in Auckland City. We visited the AUT Campus and the Auckland Uni Campus and literally 'Spread the Jam' We gave out about 200 fliers, telling anyone who would listen about Money for Jam and what is in it for THEM to go jump in feet first and get involved!

Apart from feeling rather tired by the end of the day, and the girls loosing their rag completely, I feel we accomplished something really good!

So now it's your turn, turn to you neighbour, your school teacher, friends, family or the stranger down the street and let THEM know about Money for Jam and the fantastic things StarJam does for children with disabilities!

Together we can make this thing a reality and a success! Here is a photo of Captain Chaos with the two girls in the park who donated him his first $5 for Money for Jam!! Looking rather pleased with himself :)

Don't forget to hit the 'Like' Button on ourMoney4Jam Facebook Page also go ahead and follow us on Twitter!

The Vaule of a child.

2010-10-11T11:39:00.005+13:00

Did you know that it only takes $5 a day to change a child's life? And in turn imagine what the child can do? Imagine all the other lives that child can inspire, imagine that butterfly effect reaching out and in turn touching other's lives.

That is the vision of StarJam, A mantra that founders Julie and Roy live by and part of the reason why I am so passionate about raising Money for Jam. For me StarJam is about enriching the lives and maximizing the potential of children that once upon a time society shut away.

StarJam is about inclusion, equality and advocation for children with special needs. The three words StarJam uses to describe themselves, right under the StarJam logo are 'Standing Ovations, Disable Kids, Changing Lives' and at the bottom of every email says "StarJam creates performance opportunities for young people with disabilities, who, in turn, provide inspiration and motivation to their audiences"

I couldn't think of a better cause to support, so why at the cost of only $5 what excuse do you have not to help? Check out Money for Jam's Facebook Page, check out the teams (I have written about nearly all of them so far on this blog!) And SUPPORT your favorites and in turn support StarJam and help change a life!

Why don't you go ahead and share this post on Facebook! Go on, sharing feel's good ;-)

Also don't forget to hit the 'Like' Button on ourMoney4Jam Facebook Page also go ahead and follow us on Twitter!

So I signed up a team ... What's in it for you???

2010-10-09T00:46:00.005+13:00

Obviously I can't win one of the big prizes since I am here blogging for you every day, BUT I can still help raise some Money for Jam ... Well when I say 'ME' I really mean by using some good ol' child labor. In this case my kids!

So meet Captain Chaos and the Trouble Monsters!!!!

Tearing around the house, leaving chaos on their wake ... Meet Captain Chaos and The Trouble Monsters. What they lack in talent they MORE than make up for with enthusiasm.

'Captain Chaos' is the brains on the organisation, with his melodic voice he will lull you in to a false sense of security while his young side kicks 'The Trouble Monsters' act as back up!

Kick back with this Triple Act while they raise Money for Jam!

It was rather easy to sign up a team. All you need to do is think of a Team name, in this case that was super easy as my kids have been Captain Chaos and The Trouble Monsters for some time now! Then write the team description, which could be about how your Team first got together, where you are from, what sort of music or act you have. Then fill in the Team organiser details and who is in your team! Easy peasey. Next up load an image for you team and if you are entering on behalf of a business then provide those details and your company logo. Couldn't be easier could it! Then you have have to wait a little while and you will get your email telling you that you are now officially entered and it also tell's you about all the fabulous prizes your team can win! Read below for the details because as encouragement for you to also to sign up, there are some VERY nice prizes up for grabs!

Prizes you and your team could win

Return tickets for two to Los Angeles flying Air New Zealand premium economy and visit to the set of Criminal Minds for the team that raises the most money via online fundraising.

Other prizes to be judged by our fantastic celebrity panel include:

Return flights for two to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane flying Air New Zealand
Luxury family weekend on Waiheke Island
Many prizes of a year’s supply of Barker’s Jam
And many more...

For these categories:

Best video of a Money for Jam busking session
The craziest location for a Money for Jam busking session
The worst singing on a Money for Jam video
Best photo of a Money for Jam busking team
Best name for your team of buskers

Prizes for supporters who “Like” Money4Jam’s Facebook page

If you “like” Money4Jam on Facebook you go in the draw for:

A performance by a group of StarJam kids for your event/party (Auckland only)
Five prizes of a year’s supply of Barker’s Jam
A StarJam T-shirt signed by Dominic Bowden
A Hollywood T-shirt signed by Dominic Bowden
Lots of chocolate hampers donated by Nestle NZ Ltd
And many more...

This is YOUR chance to be part of something record braking!

2010-10-08T21:37:00.002+13:00

Greetings StarJam Followers!

WE NEED YOU!
To help brake a WORLD RECORD! StarJam together with North Harbour Rugby are joining forces to set a new world record of the largest group air-guitar.

Head along to North Harbour Stadium on October 10th and let your inner rock star loose. You can be as wild or as crazy as you want, after all with 50% of the ticket price going to StarJam, it’s for a fantastic cause!

So how can you help? That's easy! By attending the ITM Cup Match between North Harbour and Wellington. We'll attempt the record at half time, so make sure to stay in your seats! Don't worry we will be there to remind you! It's just for one song so there is going to be plenty of time to rush to the food stands and toilets after hehe.

Tickets are now $15 and available from www.ticketdirect.co.nz or at the gate on the day.

The Jammers and Stars of North Harbour Rugby met up at Westfield Albany Shopping Mall to practice their Air Guitar Moves on Wednesday. They had a GREAT time and even got interviewed for the Prime Show 'The Crowd Goes Wild'.

Details are as follows.

Sunday 10th October 2010 (That's 10.10.10!!!)
North Harbour Stadium
ITM Cup Match between North Harbour and Wellington
2.00pm Gates Open
2.35pm North Harbour vs. Wellington
3.15pm World record airguitar attempt
4.05pm Approximateend of game

Don't forget that you can purchase your tickets from www.ticketdirect.co.nz or at the gate on the day.

We have a Air Guitar World Record Facebook Page for you to 'like' so come and join in all the fun and share your stories. There is even a competition to watch the game from the comfort of a Lazy-boy!

Why don't you go ahead and share this post on Facebook! Go on, sharing feel's good ;-)

Also don't forget to hit the 'Like' Button on ourMoney4Jam Facebook Page also go ahead and follow us on Twitter!

More about our teams!

2010-10-07T23:08:00.004+13:00

Greetings StarJam Fans! Thanks for taking the time to come and read this blog.

Today I am going to continue to tell you about the wonderful people who are taking part in Money for Jam Busking Challenge.

So first on the list we have The six String Love Harmony This team is made up from Brie Hill and Kane Ter Veer, who hail from Kentucky, America. They say they are here to "Make y'all aware of the wonder works of the kind kin-folk at The Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre. We want to inform yall city-slickers that us here country-folk can toot a whistle and chin wag too."

The Six String Love Harmony are Jamming for Moana Mani. Moana is an amazing songstress and her favourite singer is Adam Lambert. She really enjoys singing with her friends at StarJam.

To support The six String Love Harmony Please visit their Team Profile.

Rock U are second today. They are a team talented guitarist/singers who have been playing for 6 years and say they are really good. They are 11 years old and want to raise money for Starjam by showing New Zealand their talent! They team consists of Jamie Hall and Sam Flint.

Rock U are jamming for Bonnie Pascoe, Bonnie likes watching "chick flicks" with her friend Grace, going out to the movies, and she loves coming to StarJam.

Support Rock U on their team Profile.

Third for today we have The Jamsta who is Gabriel Stingl, she plays classical style pieces on the guitar.

The Jamsta are Jamming for Olivia Shivas. Olivia takes care of everyone in StarJam's Velvet Vocals singing group. She sings and plays the violin. One day she hopes to be a TV or radio presenter.

You can support The Jamsta by visiting her Team Profile.

Forth today we have Gypsologié. This team consists of Oscar Laven and Max Polaczuk. Gypsologié are a hot new Euro-flavoured, retro jazz duo that specialise in Gypsy Jazz; the passionate, exciting swing music of 1940's France. Blazing gypsy guitarist Max Polaczuk and sizzlin' saxophonist Oscar Lavën combine to spice up your party with tantalising European flair. Gypsologié are regular and well-received street performers with a taste for crowd-pleasing and an amazing wardrobe selection, and thoroughly enjoy performing for the citizens of Wellington on Cuba Street every Saturday afternoon.

Gypsologié are Jamming for Jessica Wootton. Jessica loves singing, acting, songwriting and dancing. She really know how to hit those top notes!

Support Gypsologié by visiting their team profile!

Finally for today we have Ham'n'Jam. Who are a group of Hamilton singers, Kat Walsh, Tess Walsh and Oriana Kershaw who love ham and jam, but not necessarily together!! They will be bringing the musical theater to the busking lights of Hamilton city, so get ready all you Hamiltonions!!

Ham'n'Jam are Jamming for Amy Wooton. Amy rocks on stage with her buddies in the Velvet Vocals. She believes you can do anything if you put your mind to it.

Support Ham'n'Jam and visit their team profile.

And that's it for today! Stay tuned for more tomorrow.

Remember that all your donations are tax deductible so what have you got to loose?!

Don't forget to hit the 'Like' Button to support us on Facebook plus go ahead and follow us on Twitter!

And I'm borrowing this line from another blog I have just discovered. why don't you go ahead and post this blog to your Facebook wall and share the love and spread the word about Money for Jam!! Go on, it feels good to share :)

More Buskers!

2010-10-07T22:40:00.004+13:00

Greetings again, for the SECOND time today! YAY for a bonus post!

First up today we have 'Spreading the Jam'. Spreading the Jam are a group of high school students (with maybe the odd exception) who believe that anyone with a passion and appreciation for music should be given every opportunity to express it. The group members are Deborah Yoon, Russell Stirling, Bruno Shirley, Yelia Schnelle, Hertzog Burger, Emily Burns, Kasey Visser, Belinda Woodward, Dahn Kim, Katharina Schaefer, Catrona Anderson, Pol Nicholson and Matt Bradford.

Spreading The Jam are Jamming for Grace Lee, Grace believes that you should "take a chance because you never know how wonderful it can be!" That's how she feels belonging to StarJam.

You can support 'Spreading the Jam' by visiting their Team Profile!

Secondly for today we have The Amazing Busking Machine. Who promise entertaining things for us! I for one can't wait to see them on the Busking Day. They say they would love to display "high flying acrobatics, in tune velvet vocals, highly emotive dramatic street acting, hip hop moves that only MC Hammer could touch and sport timeless fashions, The kind that last longer than Heidi Montag's fashion school stint" So I imagine The Amazing Busking Machine will certainly bring it!

The Amazing Busking Machine are Jamming for Ken Allen.“Ken is a Dane Rumble Fan who loves dancing and hanging out with his Hip Hop mates at StarJam and spending time with his sister.

To support The Amazing Busking Machine visit their Team profile!

Third on the list we have another of my family members! Girl Meets Ukeaka Jessica Matthews who is completing a VLog while learning to play the Ukulele. She is posting a new video and song every day on her Facebook Group Check it out! She has already had three different guest singers (due to her hacking cough that won't seem to shift) And guess what, I am one of them (heh) Don't get too excited though, my singing ability leaves a LOT to be desired. Jess however is a VERY talented singer and her Uke playing is coming a long in leaps and bounds.

Support Girl Meets Uke by visiting her Team Profile.

Forth on the list for today we have 'Songs4kids' with Kath Bee. She says she is a small team of one, a children's song writer and that you may remember some of her song's from school - "Individuality" "Dad I wanna be a Camel" "Seasons" and "Save the Planet". She lives in Nelson and is rather looking forward to Summer! Kath has a rather funny song about Road Kill - And although it might sound a bit odd it is definitely worth listening too!

Songs4kids are Jamming for Mohit Chand. Hohit is a basketball star who also loves rapping, beat-boxing and dancing with his mates at StarJam.

Support Songs4kids by visiting her Team page!

And lastly for today we have Poppy Dust. They say “We’re a band born out of musical theatre, and we’re bringing back love!!”
Poppy Dust is a Wellington based originals pop band which brings together band members with over 40 years of combined music and performance experience in corporate entertainment, bands, musical theatre, television, film and more!
They’ve been around for just eleven months now but they’ve already started to get national and international recognition and managed to cement a great fan base. They’re also proud to announce that they have just won the National 2010 Battle of the Bands competition.

Poppy Dust is made up of seven entertainers who all have day jobs. One of these is Stacey Neale whose days are spent at AXA New Zealand, so the AXA Hearts in Action team is proud to support Poppy Dust’s entry into the Money for Jam busking competition.

Poppy Dust are Jamming for Katie Nash. Katie is a member of the Velvet Vocals. They recently performed in Sydney, Australia, where Katie rocked it on stage with her fellow Jammers. Katie loves singing, dancing and puzzles.

Please support Poppy Dust by visiting their Team Profile.

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Why don't you go ahead and share this post on Facebook! Go on, sharing feels good ;-) I've even made it easy for you by addding a button off to the left there!
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Also don't forget to hit the 'Like' Button on ourMoney4Jam Facebook Page also go ahead and follow us on Twitter!

Meet more Buskers, AND what talent's do you posses?

2010-10-06T17:10:00.008+13:00

Greetings StarJam followers! Thanks for coming back and reading today.

So if you were to win the trip to LA what would you do? Apart from going on a Hollywood set there are lots of things you can do in LA, check out the Lonely Planet Guide: http://ow.ly/2P8pN

If you haven't signed up a team then you're not in the running, so get going and visit www.money4jam.org and sign up your team! It's so easy, and you don't have to be especially musical to create a busking act. What else are you good at? Can you do magic tricks? Do you have a special talent? You know, my Mum can touch her nose with her tongue, wonder if I can talk her in to signing up ;-)

My sister has been 'Busking' online now for 6 days and so far she is going great guns! She is learning to learn to play the Ukulele, but enough about that now as I will get to that more in up coming blog posts.

So, Now the part I know your dying for! More about the wonderful people who have already stepped up to make a difference in the lives of our StarJam children.

first up today we have The Balzats are a family of nine living in Auckland, New Zealand. All nine members together form a musical band, playing a variety of genres of acoustic instrumental music. These include contemporary Irish arrangements,blues, folk rock, and their own compositions. Their combined instruments include: violins, guitars, keyboard, flute, cello and drums. And WOWSER they are GOOD! Check out their AWESOME video.

The Balzats team consists of Uwe Balzat, Viv Balzat, Heidi Schmidt, Jens Balzat, Katja Balzat, Anni Balzat, Britta Balzat, Marika Balzat and Matthias Balzat.

The Balzats are Jamming for Amelia Eades. Amelia likes going out with her cousins and walking their dog. She also love hanging out with her friends after school.

Check out their page to support them!

Second for today we have Sean and Jack They both play Guitar and have Both entered into the Golden Guitar Awards in Gore. Sean Started playing at the age of 6 and Jack Started playing at the age of 10.

They are Jamming for Matakorama Waipouri “Song and dance is her thing!”
She loves shopping, playing with her Barbie and she loves the colour pink.

To support Sean and Jack go visit their page!

Now for my BROTHER Ben Matthews What can I say about Ben? .. Apparently not a lot according to him, as he put the kibosh on any stories that end up in him falling asleep on the toilet (as a toddler), crying at the Pokemon Movie (as a young child) or spending more time on his beauty routine than anyone else in this house hold, ever!
Ben has been a member of StarJam for getting on 5 years and was one of the first members of StarJam's Groovy Guitar's with Bob Flemming.
Ben has a had a passion for music his entire life, and wanted to first learn the guitar at Six. At that time he found it difficult to learn, but back then we didn't have his Aspergers diagnosis and it just didn't work. He picked it back up again at 9, but didn't fully succeed until he started Groovy Guitars.
Under the guidance of Bob with the assistance of StarJam, Ben has blossomed in to not just an accomplished singer and player of the guitar but also a music composer.and lyric writer.

Ben is obviously Jamming on behalf of himself and the Groovy Guitar's. He wants to raise money so more kids can be offered the chance to experience the dedication of StarJam's Dedicated Teachers. Support Ben HERE and view his video of him play the StarJam Hamilton Launch, a song he wrote himself called 'Worth the fight'

Next on the Agenda we have 3/63 After 6 months of flatting together, this duo is now ready to shift to the streets.
As an old-hand in the performing arts, Rees has all the skills he needs to get out there for StarJam.
Despite being less qualified, Kevin is always up for a laugh at his own expense – particularly if it involves dancing to K$sha's 'Tik Tok'.

3/63 are Jamming for Sarah Morris. Sarah loves swimming and her favourite colour is blue. She likes watching Shortland Street and Extreme Makeover:Home Edition.

You can check out 3/63 here and support them!

And last but not least for today we have Dennis from Accounts. These avid Starwars fans are always looking for a chance to pull their costumes out of the cupboard, so are pretty excited Money4Jam has come along!
Both uni students are bringing their skills to the competition. Nick has a history of making short videos and has recently taken part in the 40 hour film festival. While Matt's two years experience working in a video store have made him quite the film connoisseur – watching around three movies every week.

Dennis From Accounts are Jamming for Tore Bell, The 'Big-Brother' who shows the youngsters how to groove! Tore played 10-pin bowling at the Special Olympics. He loves hanging out with his family.

To support Dennis from Accounts Make sure you check out their page!

And as they say in some circles, 'That's a wrap' for today :)
Don't forget to hit the 'Like' Button to support us on Facebook plus go ahead and follow us on Twitter!

Why don't you go ahead and post this blog to your Facebook wall and share the love and spread the word about Money for Jam!! Go on, it feels good to share :)

Meet more of our Buskers!

2010-10-05T21:52:00.003+13:00

As promised! (Finally heh) A little bit more about the Buskers taking part in Money For Jam. We now have a whopping great big 23 groups and solo acts! And we are thrilled that these fantastic people have stepped up to help support StarJam and even win some awesome prizes in the process. So here goes, from where we left off last time ...

Meet The Velvet Vocals who are the first group of StarJam STARS to take part in our busking challenge. They describe themselves as a cool group that write lots of their own songs and also believe that they are pretty Smooth. I have to tell you, I have watched their video and I have to whole heartedly agree!

This team consists of Bonnie Pascoe, Grace Lee, Katie Nash, Moana Mani, Amy Wootton, Jessica Wootton, Gavin Allpress and Olivia Shivas who are all very talented.

Check out their team profile here, watch their video and most of all open your wallets in support.

Second on the list for today are Meadowbank Buskers This is a group from Meadowbank school, who are delightfully fabulous. They consist of the school's Ukulele Group and Rock Band and are Jamming for StarJam both with enthusiasm and talent. They must be because right now, as I speak they are IN THE LEAD!!!

The Meadowbank Buskers are Jamming for Amy Hall, Amy has some awesome dance moves, loves swimming, helping her fellow Jammers with their dance moves, and going to Unitec.

To support The The Meadowbank Buskers a href="http://www.money4jam.org/Teams/Profile.aspx?TeamID=37" target="blank" title="Visit The Meadowbank Buskers Team Page">visit their team page!

Thirdly we have The Ponsonby Pipers Who are sisters, Gabriella who is 7 and Valentina who is 10.
They say that they love to play music together and are hoping that by playing for Money for Jam, other children will be able to have as much fun as they do with their music. What a beautiful thing for two young girls to do for another group of children.

The Ponsonby Pipers are Jamming for Sarah Hall, Sarah is really good at English and Health, and loves going to the movies.

So please check out The Ponsonby Pipers and help them get ahead of the game but donating!

fourth on our list for today is Jamie and Bianca. They are cousins who list Matt Nathinoson, John Mayer, Jamie Cullum, The Cranberries, Gin Wigmore, Radiohead, Florence and the Machine, Regina Spektor, Weezer, Joe Brooks, Band of Horses, Queens of the Stoneage, Temper Trap, Kristen Macdonald, Ingrid Michealson, Jason Maraz, Addle, Paramore, The Libertines, Sarah Bareills, The Middle East, Artisan Guns, Guy Sebastian, The Fray andJack Johnson as what they are into and what they listen too 24/7, and who aspire to be like. Now, is it bad that I acutally have only heard of only a fraction of them? But they must be good because these girls ROCK!
They have been playing music together for as long as they can remember, playing guitar, ukulele, piano, bass and singing anything they can get there hands on.
play covers, and have recently started writing our own music. They would like to make a difference, and say that they live for music.

Jamie and Bianca are Jamming for Jesse Coles-Hart. Jesse loves reading, going to school and going to StarJam.

Help these girls make a difference but checking out their page and donating!

Fifth and final for today is The Three Musketeers. Laine, Kirsten and MaryAnne simply say they are 'Very Groovy' and from the look of them in this photo I'd say yes girls, you do look like you could groove! We can't wait too see what you can do.

The Three Musketeers are Jamming for Ashley Phillips. Ashley loves to sing! She is also a member of StarJam's Central Rocking Hip Hop group. She loves ALL movies.

Check out The Three Musketeers Team page and donate to a great cause.

Remember that all your donations are tax deductible so what have you got to loose?!

Don't forget to hit the 'Like' Button to support us on Facebook plus go ahead and follow us on Twitter!

And I'm borrowing this line from another blog I have just discovered. why don't you go ahead and post this blog to your Facebook wall and share the love and spread the word about Money for Jam!! Go on, it feels good to share :)

Air Guitar World Record Attempt

2010-10-04T10:48:00.004+13:00

We need you this Sunday, October 10th, to help us break the world record for the largest air guitar ensemble.

So bring the family, friends and neighbours down to the QBE Insurance North Harbour vs. Wellington Lions ITM Cup match on October 10 at North Harbour Stadium.

You’ll get to enjoy the rugby and be part of one of the most memorable half-times in North Harbour history, all while supporting StarJam, a charity which creates performance opportunities for young people with disabilities, who in turn, provide inspiration and motivation to their audiences.
Who: North Harbour Rugby Union and StarJam
What: An air guitar world record attempt
When: Half-time at the game on Sunday October 10. Gates open 2pm, kick-off is at 2.35pm.
Where: North Harbour Stadium, Albany.
How do I get tickets

To secure special pre-sale tickets for the event for just $5 email info@starjam.org or phone 0800 4 StarJam (0800 478275) by Thursday 7th

Regular price tickets at $15 can be purchased through TicketDirect or at the gate on the day

Meet our first five Buskers!

2010-09-30T21:21:00.006+13:00

So, it's time to shine a spot light on those who have already signed up to Busk, and therefore got a head start on the rest of you who are yet take the next step =op

First up, and first to sign up are The Foxy Stars

The Foxy Stars are a collection of lawyers and staff at DLA Phillips Fox. They think that StarJam is a fantastic organisation and are proud to showcase their vocal talents (even though they refer to said talent as questionable) to assist StarJam create opportunities for others. They wish the best of luck to StarJam and the other participants! Aww guys, your FANtastic! I should know, I've watched your video and you can watch their video and donate here.

The Foxy Stars are Jamming for Katrina Williams. Katrina is a Jammer in the Magic Movers, one of our fantastic dance groups. Katrina loves being on stage and performing with her friends.

Second on the Menu are Singstarz

Stingstarz ask us if we know that a Pedal Steel and a Didgeridoo sound like together, well I have no idea but I suspect we are going find out as they are going to be giving it a try! They say they might even sing a few songs too.

They say that they are a group of people ho like to make music, make laughter and make money for StarJam. Even though they say they will probably be making fools of themselves I suspect that with singing an eclectic mix of music and insturments they are going to Pop, Blues and rock their way in to your heart.

Singstarz are Jamming for Matthew Brent-Jones. Matthew is in the West Sensational Singing group where he has loads of great friends. His favourite song is “Jingle Bell Rock" Which fits well since Singstarz have said they may also treat us to some Christmas Carols!

To support Singstarz go ahead and click here

#3 on our list is AXA Hearts in Action

The team at AXA are tuning up in support of StarJam. AXA Hearts in Action is a great programme supporting many great causes including StarJam.

AXA Hearts In Action are Jamming for Katie Nash. Katie is a member of the Velvet Vocals. They recently performed in Sydney, Australia, where Katie rocked it on stage with her fellow Jammers. Katie loves singing, dancing and puzzles.

You can support AXA Hearts In Action and watch their video by clicking here. This singing quartet might be singing 'Goodbye' but I have a feeling they will be sticking around to raise a whole bunch more for StarJam.

Now for Team Number 4 Lew and Eddy

Lew (Matteus Rocca) and Eddy (Campbell MacKenzie) aren't ordinary 11 year olds ... they're urban musicholics with a twist. They've been performing together for 2 years and are foundation members of their band Undercover Rock. They've been involved with Lewis Eady Rock School since they met and have had numerous performance opportunities which have included fundraising concerts.

Matteus' lead guitar brings a rock edge to the duo with inspiration coming from ACDC's Angus Young and Jack Black. Campbell's vocals and acoustic sound have been influenced by Neil Finn and Jason Kerrison's unique styles. Together they have an extensive repertoire which includes both original songs and covers.

Matteus and Campbell see themselves as being the future of Kiwi music and are grateful for this opportunity to support StarJam. They believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience the joy that music and performance brings.

Now I know I shouldn't play favorites but apart from these boys being AWESOME the Jammer they are rocking for, happens to be my Little Brother Ben Matthews. Ben is in the Groovy Guitar workshop. He is an experienced guitarist who has written several of his own songs. He also loves busking!(Which he also doing for Money for Jam)

Support Lew and Eddy, and view their video by clicking here!!!

So 5th and final on the list for this evening are Love the Mount Jammers

LoveTheMount.co.nz is a lifestyle portal to Mount Maunganui, affectionately known as the Mount. The site is developed and maintained for those with a zest for life and promotes only the best of the best, written by industry leaders and those in the know.

Love the Mount Jammers are Jamming for Gavin Allpress. Gavin say's "Be 100% focussed on what you want to achieve and then you'll achieve it!"

You can show your support to Love the Mount Jammers by clicking here

Wowser, a big round of applause for our first Five Jamming Buskers! Stay tuned folks because I will be back to tell you more about Money4Jam's amazing Buskers, what you can do to help and give you some more ideas about what sort of act you could put together for yourself.

Don't forget to hit the 'Like' Button to support us on Facebook plus go ahead and follow us on Twitter!

Sign up a team and get busking!

2010-09-30T20:58:00.005+13:00

There is hype and momentum building about Money for Jam so I know it's about now that you will be thinking, how can I help? Well that's simple! You can sign yourself up to busk You might believe you have no talent but I'd bet this is as far from the truth as possible. You can sing, you can mime, you can play an instrument, you can do magic, you can whatever you want (as long as it's not offensive!) sign up a team by visiting www.money4jam.org.

There are heaps of cool prizes up for grabs including two return Air New Zealand premium economy tickets to LA, with a visit to the Hollywood set of Criminal Minds, for the team that raises the most money.

Other prizes are given out for:
* Best video of a Money for Jam busking session
* The craziest location for a Money for Jam busking session
* The worst singing on a Money for Jam video
* Best photo of a Money for Jam busking team
* Best name for your team of buskers

Still not convinced? It's ok ... you can check out all the teams, view their videos, join our facebook page and donate to your favorites. So far we have some great talent so keep it coming!

Meet our Celebrity Judges

2010-09-22T21:10:00.008+12:00

Greetings StarJam Blog Readers

Temuera Morrison, Ben Lummis & Ray Woolf will be joining us to judge all your fantastic Videos! So, lets learn a little more about them.

Temuera Morrison

Temuera Morrison is best known perhaps for his role on Shortland Street (Well in my books anyhow) But we have seen him on the silver screen in many different roles, including Star Wars, Once were warriors and River Queen.

Ben Lummis

Ben Lummis has been a massive supporter of StarJam since 1998 and has sung with and mentored many of our aspiring singers. He shot to fame as the first ever winner of NZ Idol we just love him here.

Ray Woolf

Ray Woolf has been with us from the get-go. He kindly accepted our invitation to perform at the StarJam launch in November 2002 and we have been lucky enough to have him around ever since. Ray is one of our show business icons with almost 50 years of performing under his belt. It has been great to have this household name on our programme and in 2007 we were proud to offer him a Jambassadorship. Because Ray has been around since the beginning he has seen many of our original jammers grow up and blossom. Ray says he gets quite a kick out of performing with the jammers and guess what Ray? They get a kick out of performing with you too!!

We have lots of prizes up for grabs just take a peek! Seriously, who is going to be able to resist this great prize? Return tickets for two to Los Angeles flying Air New Zealand premium economy and visit to the set of Criminal Minds for the team that raises the most money via online fundraising.

Prizes to be judged by our fantastic celebrity panel include:
• Return flights for two to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane flying Air New Zealand
• Luxury family weekend on Waiheke Island
• Many prizes of a year’s supply of Barker’s Jam
• And many more…

For these categories:
• Best video of a Money for Jam busking session
• The craziest location for a Money for Jam busking session
• The worst singing on a Money for Jam video
• Best photo of a Money for Jam busking team
• Best name for your team of buskers

We haven’t forgotten those of you who have helped to spread the Jam by joining our facebook page, prizes for Supporters who “Like” Money4Jam’s Facebook page.

If you “like” Money4Jam on Facebook you go in the draw for:
• A performance by a group of StarJam kids for your event/party (Auckland only)
• Five prizes of a year’s supply of Barker’s Jam
• A StarJam T-shirt signed by Dominic Bowden
• A Hollywood T-shirt signed by Dominic Bowden
• And many more…

What better reason is there to get involved with such a great cause? So come on, reach for that guitar, pick up the camera and busk, busk, busk! And if you can’t sing? Not to worry, just check out all our current buskers, pick your favourite and set to supporting them!

Best wishes

StarJam

2010 New Zealand Community of the Year FINALIST

Follow us on Twitter • Find us on Facebook • Visit www.money4jam.org
Phone +64 9 523 3500 • Fax 09 523 3510 • www.StarJam.org
“StarJam creates performance opportunities for young people with disabilities, who, in turn, provide inspiration and motivation to their audiences“
Copyright ©StarJam All rights reserved.

Money4Jam - Busking Challenge WIN WIN WIN!

2010-09-22T09:53:00.007+12:00

Greetings StarJam Blog Readers

I’m writing to tell you that www.money4jam.org is now live. Have a look, I think you’ll agree it is very cool.

Money for Jam is the fund raising initiative of the charity organisation StarJam. StarJam offers performance programmes for kids with disabilities in New Zealand so they can gain respect, confidence, empowerment, new friends, new hope and new purpose within a fun and inclusive atmosphere. Demand for these places now outstrips our resources. Our aim is to sign up 100 teams to go busking on the street (21st October 2010) and gather online donations now to raise $100,000 so we can create more spaces for kids with disabilities in more places around New Zealand.

If you know someone who would be up for this kind of fun I would really love you to ask them to enter a team. They (or you) can also upload a video of the busking and really get ahead of the game.

There is already quite a buzz around this and people are starting to support the buskers already signed up. If you want to join in the buzz with a donation for a team you can click here.

There are heaps of cool prizes including two return premium economy tickets to LA – kindly donated by Air New Zealand – with a visit to the Hollywood set of Criminal Mind, for the team that raises the most money. Click here for a full list of prizes.

I really can't think of a more deserving reason to pull out the camera, dust off the guitar and sing to your heart's content!

Thanks so much for your time.

Best wishes

StarJam

2010 New Zealand Community of the Year FINALIST

Follow us on Twitter • Find us on Facebook • Visit www.money4jam.org
Mobile +64 9 523 3500 • Fax 09 523 3510 • www.StarJam.org
“StarJam creates performance opportunities for young people with disabilities, who, in turn, provide inspiration and motivation to their audiences“
Copyright ©StarJam All rights reserved.

Money for Jam going crazy

2010-09-18T20:57:00.002+12:00

There's 17 teams already and we're still 12 days of the start of the real deal Money for Jamming season - October.... www.money4jam.org We already have some amazing stories so will keep you informed over the next days and weeks. Thanks for all your support. :-) With a big smile from Julie and all the team

Money4Jam is here

2010-09-02T08:47:00.005+12:00

Dum dum da. Triumphant trumpets and bugles blowing announce the online arrival of Money4Jam, StarJam's way cool Busking Challenge. I could tell you all the great opportunities and the very tempting prizes for you and your mates but best you go and have a look at the website. You'll see people from Hollywood raving about it...... not hundreds of them.... yet. You'll enjoy seeing Joe Mantegna from TV1's hit show Criminal Minds and also Dominic Bowden, our very own Kiwi star now based in LA. http://www.money4jam.org/ We'll keep you posted about all the teams who are signing up. The sooner you sign up, the nearer the top of the website you will be :-) If you make a video of your busking and load it up, it will be considered for a very special prize and even better celebrity judges Temuera Morrison, Ben Lummis and Ray Woolf will look at the videos to decide the winner. Yes, all very exciting. J

Dance4Love

2010-08-11T20:31:00.003+12:00

How exciting - the
We Like to Move-It-Move-It Show created by Dance4Love at the Dorothy Winstone Centre, AGGS is very close now - on Sunday 22nd August 5 - 7pm - check out this link http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=112046235494882

It promises to be a great night. Event organiser Marrean has done an amazing job of organising this cool event and the great news is that StarJam receives all the funds raised. So if you haven't booked your seat, follow the link and grab a ticket. See you on Sunday

First "International" Summit

2010-06-29T20:41:00.003+12:00

The crew from Hamilton arrived bright-eyed and bushy tailed On Sunday to join the Auckland tutors and volunteers for StarJam's first multi-StarPod Summit. Yes it's true we only have two at the moment but the north-south team spirit started within a few minutes. Starting with spontaneous CoolJam 'workshop' performances we saw Ali from North Shore (Auckland) Dazzling Dance singing a very entertaining version of "My favorite things." She teamed up with Kat and Charrissa from Hamilton's Sensational Singing workshop to give a fantastic performance. The words they created were something else.... all about Blue StarJam T shirts and sparkly sequins things, which they said were some of their favorite things. Each of the four group performances was stunning especially and they had only had 30 minutes to prepare. The spontaneous Dazzling Dance performance included Jessica (volunteer Central Hip Hop- Auckland), Carola, tutor West Dazzling Dance - Auckland, Loren and Laurelle, the two Dazzling Dance tutors from Hamilton workshops and Phil and Susan, volunteers from Auckland. There was more hilarity and some careful manoevering in the musical wheelchairs game. Amongst all the magical moments shared amongst the group were some really moving stories with tissues needed here and there. The group shot was taken at afternoon tea time when everyone down-tooled their drinks and scones to pose. Thanks to Patrick Bellett who took these great shots for coming to join in on the activities. Roll on next year's Summit.

Darryl Pascoe wins Volunteer Award

2010-06-09T16:55:00.004+12:00

Our now-famous Darryl was announced the winner of the 2010 Intrepid Travel Volunteer Awards last night at a presentation ceremony held at St Matthews in the City church. He was chosen out of 21 finalists. Te Radar hosted the evening - very entertaining. The Honourable Tariana Turia, Minister for Community and Voluntary Sector presented the award to Darryl. What was really cool was that she referred to his humility in her speech, in the exciting lead up to the announcement.

Bonnie looked very proud of her dad, understandably so.

Predictably Darryl didn’t even cast a vote for himself however he had over 500 fans who voted for him.

He wins a $5000 travel prize with Intrepid Travel and we receive a cash and advertising package to the value of $10,000.

May Monthly Get-together

2010-06-01T20:43:00.003+12:00

Another big bunch of Jammers rocked up for the monthly StarPod Jam In, although some may call it all sorts of other things. The truth is that the offical CoolJam ShowOff for this month was by the West Dazzling Dancers and they certainly showed off. Carola designed a 'circus' dance complete with lion taming, multi-coloured balls and flying trapeze.... well now I'm getting carried away, but there were clowns! The co-ordination of the ball handling was stunning. Then Hero Awards were presented to all the Jammers who travelled to Hamilton for the launch event last month. All the new Jammers from Hamilton certainly loved the big welcome from their brothers and sisters up the road from the big smoke, Auckland. So Hero Awards went to all the Velvet Vocals, all the Magic Movers and Ben Matthews. Patrick Bellett StarJam's photographer rode all the way to Hamilton on his motorbike to take photos at the Hamilton launch. A Hero Award for Patrick!! We'll catch up with you soon, Patrick. Another Hero for Hamilton was Charlotte, our trustee volunteer for the Velvet Vocals workshop who drove a carload of Velvets to the Tron. Daniel awarded Kristina Cullen a Hero Award for always helping set up at the monthly get-togethers. The FreeJam turned up some fantastic talent. We look forward to seeing more of it next month. Meantime stay cool all you Jammers

News from Auckland...

2010-05-28T12:54:00.002+12:00

It's monthly get-together time again for Auckland Jammers, friends and families. We've got loads of performance opportunities at tomorrow's monthly get-together. It's on Sat, 29th May...for more details contact the StarJam office by phone - 09 523 3500.

SEE YA THERE!!

Whangarei Jazzy Jamming represent!

2010-05-28T12:47:00.002+12:00

Whangarei Jazzy Jamming rock. While only two Jammers could make it, they both represented StarJam finely at the recent Youth Week in Whangarei. Check out their moves with tutor Annalise!

As May Closes ...

2010-05-21T09:44:00.007+12:00

Cheery StarJam greetings to all. If you are anywhere near Auckland today you will realise that Winter has arrived!

What's the latest?

Waikato workshops are going strong after a great launch and Karen has well and truly settled in. Hamilton Deputy Mayor Pippa Mahood even dropped in to check us out! No pressure Loren!

Congratulations to our very own Darryl Pascoe who has made it to the finalist stage in the Arts & Culture category for the 2010 Intrepid Traveller Volunteer Awards. Thank you to the StarJam community who voted hard out. Category winners and an overall winner will be announced on June 8!

Head over to our facebook page for the latest pics from Waikato and much much more!

xxx The StarJam Team

back to starjam.org

Hamilton ... StarJam is HERE!

2010-04-26T09:25:00.004+12:00

A brilliant Saturday in Hamilton saw about 200 people turn out to support StarJam in the Waikato. Deputy Mayor Pippa Mahood was very kind in her introduction and welcome and a little birdy tells me she will be checking in on some of the workshops as the term progresses. Thank you for your support Pippa!

Doug Arcus & Gay Shirley from the DV Bryant Trust, MP Tim MacIndoe, Sandra Larsen from Trust Waikato, Denise Harding from the WEL Energy Trust and representatives from many of the organisations that have been so welcoming to us came along to watch our Auckland Jammers welcome the Hamilton crew to the StarJam family in true StarJam style.

The Velvets, the Magic Movers and Ben Matthews entertained the crowd and then everyone got up on their feet for a Dance Jam that almost brought the house down!

A big thank you to everyone who made the day possible and good luck to our brand new Waikato Jammers for the start of your workshops this week.

xx Team StarJam

back to starjam.org

April Happenings

2010-04-13T08:48:00.029+12:00

A bit of a chill in the air in the morning signals that Winter is just around the corner folks. Seems like just yesterday it was bikinis and barbeques!

Here at the StarJam office we are counting the days until our Hamilton launch on Saturday April 24th.

We have a joyful display up at the Hamilton Library,

our new Waikato Co-ordinator, Karen, is in place and we have a bunch of young people enrolled in new work

shops which begin April 26th.

At StarJam we try to make sure we thank all the fabulous people that help us every day with a host of different things.

So we were delighted to receive our own little 'thank you' card from Jammer Katrina, thanking the team for something we recently helped her out with. Thanks K!

But wait, there's more ... back in December, our CEO & Founder Julie Bartlett was nominated as a 'Local Hero'

in the 2010 NZer of the Year Awards. While Julz didn't quite make it to the finals in the face of some pretty tough competition, just last week she and a handful of other Aucklanders were presented with medals in recognition of their achieve-ments in the community. Way to go Julz!

So ...... roll on the end of the month when we are looking forward to more of the awesome hospitality that the Hamilton community has already shown us!

xx Team StarJam

back to starjam.org

March Get-Together

2010-03-29T09:57:00.008+13:00

It was Egg Extravaganza time at the March monthly get-together on Saturday with a treasure hunt and egg & spoon races. About 65 people turned up to get their Jam on and support the StarJam community.

To avoid things getting too messy, the races were run with orange ping pong balls instead of eggs which did prove quite a challenge on a windy day. Contestants showed some "creativeness" with the rules which kept "head official" (Roy!) on his toes. Slow and steady was how to win this one!!

The treasure hunt was a big success with Cadbury supplying the chocolatey marshmallow goodness.

The afternoon ended with a FreeJam and some lovely performances that had the crown joining in.

Another great get-together!!

xxTeam StarJam

back to starjam.org

Gigs and Launches

2010-03-22T12:44:00.004+13:00

Thank you to the Taiwanese in NZ Association for their performance invite at the weekend. A handful of the Velvets sang at the Association's Auckland AGM after a member was blown away by our gig at the 2010 NZer of the Year performance.

The Velvets stayed for a lovely lunch as well!

Thanks to Yutong & Roy for all their organising.

xx Team StarJam

back to starjam.org

Feb Open Day - Auckland

2010-02-27T20:20:00.012+13:00

What a super day! Great to see so many of you and brilliant to meet all the new people and their families.

We presented a couple of very special family HERO Awards and four lovely young people brand new to StarJam got up at Open Jam and showed off their talents .... AWEsome!

Bonnie brought her new puppy who is in training to help her do lots of things like take off her socks and pick things up off the floor. He is GAWjus ... and Liane didn't read the sign that says "Don't Pet me Please" so apologies AGAIN!

A big thank you to Isaac and Simon for their MC duties, Gavin & Roy for keeping the sounds straight & Old Fashioned Foods, Pete's Packaging, Cerebos, Coffee News & our friends at nbr.co.nz for helping us make it such a beaut day.

xx The StarJam Team

back to starjam.org

Who is Sian Davies?

2010-02-18T16:29:00.004+13:00

The lovely Sian Thomas was in the North Shore Times this week ... or was she?

This cute pic of Sian and Thea and a great little story all about what Sian is up to talked about a Sian Davies! OOPS!

Lisa from the North Shore Times has rung Sian and apologised for the mix-up ... but the wrong name is not going to stop Sian from sending copies of the paper to her Grandad and Uncle who live in Christchurch.

xx Team StarJam

back to starjam.org

2010 NZer of the Year

2010-02-05T09:37:00.011+13:00

The Dynamic Drummers & the Velvets WoWed the audience at the 2010 NZer of the Year Awards.
A big thank you to everyone who helped us pull this off as well as the organisers for inviting us! Our team of Gary, Darryl, Jen, Keni, Ngaire, Arwen, Phillip + Tess and her Cut Above crew were, as usual, too cool for school.

Julie and Roy were in the audience with some of our trustees who all enjoyed the performance. And when Jessie & Liane were making their way back from the Green Room after the gig, all sorts of people were saying how much they enjoyed it. One gent said it was the highlight of his evening!

Don't forget we have our very first ever StarJam Open Day on Saturday Feb 27th at Western Springs Garden Community Hall ... Simon Dallow and our very own Isaac Toafa will be our MCs. Stay tuned for more deets.

xxTeam StarJam

back to starjam.org

First 2010 Monthly Get-Together

2010-02-02T12:03:00.007+13:00

About 100 people turned up to the Summer Spirit Games. Jessie put some awesome games together including the sounds-good-on-paper-but-watch-your-trousers-don't-get-wet Water Balloon Splat!

A few new faces as well which is super cool.

xxTeam StarJam

back to starjam.org

Big Week Ahead

2010-01-29T16:11:00.006+13:00

Hey Folks ... for the 9-5ers in the upper part of the North Island a three day weekend is about to begin!

Big week ahead in the world of StarJam ... we have the gala dinner for the 2010 NZer of the Year Awards on Wednesday night with the Dynamic Drummers and the Velvets performing and us a finalist in the Community category, back to school for many of our crew, Jammer Sian Thomas is being interviewed for the North Shore Times and Jessie is off up to Whangarei on Thursday to check in with the Whangarei gang.

If you are traveling this weekend, please do so safely and remember to keep your ears to the ground for prospective Jammers, tutors and volunteers for our move to Hamilton in Term 2.

And did you guys chk out Moana in the paper this week?

xxTeam StarJam

back to starjam.org

Everyone's a Winner

2010-01-18T14:27:00.008+13:00

Yes they are! In four parts up on YouTube now. Check it out!

xxThe StarJam Team

Back to starjam.org

Join a 2010 StarJam workshop NOW!

2010-01-13T14:01:00.005+13:00

Enrolments for 2010 are open!!

Contact Jessie at StarJam to find out how to request a workshop place.

Here's a gorgeous pic from tutor Ellen-Moana Smith from Central Sensational Singing at the end of last term to get you back into the StarJam swing of things!

xxThe StarJam team

back to StarJam.org

VVs on the TV!

2010-01-10T11:30:00.004+13:00

Prime TV turned up today to catch the StarJam team in action. Jono and the Velvet Vocals working out the pipes before the performance on Awards night on Feb 3rd.

Everyone's very excited about this finalist thing. Roll on the 2010 NZer of the Year Awards!!

YAY for us!!

2010-01-07T18:52:00.003+13:00

Well people it's official.

StarJam is a finalist ... yes a FINALIST in the Community Category of the 2010 NZer of the Year Awards. Check it out

But wait there's more! We have been asked to perform at the awards ceremony as well!

We have asked the Dynamic Drummers and the Velvet Vocals to help us out this time around and we are all STOKED at the opportunity.

We always seem to be thanking you guys and once again ... thank you MUCH to everyone who makes StarJam such a force to be reckoned with.

More news as it comes to hand ...

xxThe StarJam Team

back to Starjam.org

Hello 2010!

2009-12-31T11:27:00.000+13:00

Wishing everyone out there a fabulous year of fun, joy and laughter.

Remember ... anything is possible!

xx The StarJam Team

back to StarJam .org

Happy Holidays

2009-12-22T12:39:00.000+13:00

Well ... the StarJam year is almost at an end and what a big year it has been.

We said goodbye in February to a beautiful guy called DJ. DJ, wherever you are, you are always in our thoughts.

We said hello to heaps of new Jammers, two new staff members, a new board member, a bunch of new volunteers & tutors, loads of new supporters & some new Jambassadors.

We Jammed thousands of people at events like the Halberg Sports Awards, the Grocery Charity Ball, the Barfoot & Thompson annual conference, Chelsea Sugar's 125th Birthday & more...

We made the decision to take StarJam to Hamilton in 2010.

We appointed our first ever International Jambassador.

Julie won an Attitude Award for her commitment to the community & celebrated her 10th wedding anniversary with Roy.

We celebrated one year in our new building in Greenlane and StarJam's 7th birthday.

A huge thank you to all those in the StarJam community for helping us to get where we are. We simply couldn't do it without your support.

Back to starjam.org

xx The StarJam team.

Welcome

2009-12-18T15:44:00.000+13:00

Welcome to our new site and our new way of giving you all the latest happenings from StarJam.

Chk out our CEO's brother Ross who picked up an Attitude Award on her behalf last week. Go Julz!

Our bestest news is that StarJam is a semi-finalist in the 2010 NZer of the Year awards in the Community Organisation category! More info on this as it comes to hand.

Also we heard Kelly Clarkson is coming to town so we got the Velvet Vocals to beg her to come sing with them! Chk it out!

Keep checking back cos we have heaps of stuff to upload to the new site!

xxThe StarJam Team.

Spread the Jam

Money4Jam - The Results!

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKEIN LAS VEGASWE HAVE A WINNER

PRIZE ONE

PRIZE TWO

PRIZE THREE

PRIZE FOR THE BEST VIDEO

SPOT PRIZES

ALL YOU JAM SPONSORSTHANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Money4Jam - 3 hours left!

Money4Jam - Hey Soul Sista

Money4Jam - Stop! Jammer Time

Money4Jam - Velvet Vocals

Money4Jam - Grace Ikenasio and Malcolm Lakatani

Money4Jam - Princess Tessa's Jai Ho Dance

Money4Jam - Sam Verlinden

Money4Jam - Jaden

Money4Jam - That Yo-Yo Guy

Money4Jam - Koustik Konnection

Money4Jam - The Balzats

Money4Jam - 7 Days and counting

Money4Jam - Magic Movers

Money4Jam - Moves like Jagger

Money4Jam - Michelle Williams

Money4Jam - Tyler White

Fast ascent from Runway and another Standing Ovation

Money4Jam - Fireheart

Money4Jam - Bashaldë

Money4Jam 2011

Hamilton's Sensational Singers Add Love

Annah Stretton Celebrity Fashion Fundraiser

Anthony Jellyman Waikato Times' Article

StarJam Wellington is officially launched!! Yay

More exciting news....Wellington workshops start week commencing 16th May 2011!

Exciting news...StarJam Wellington New Jammers Day and Official Launch

Sri Lankan Food Fair

New Zealander of the Year Awards - Finalist News

The Offical Results!!!!

The Offical Results!!!!

The home run!

less than 3 hours to go!

The 'Final' count down!

The Amazing Busking Machine out in front!

Money for Jam at Aotea Square

MONEY4JAM EVENT!!!!! WOOT

Some late night You Tube Video watching is in order!

21 October -- Get ready to JAM!

AGORA GOES LIVE

MORE BUSKERS!

StarJam Reaches Hamilton

'SPREADING the JAM'

The Vaule of a child.

So I signed up a team ... What's in it for you???

This is YOUR chance to be part of something record braking!

More about our teams!

More Buskers!

Meet more Buskers, AND what talent's do you posses?

Meet more of our Buskers!

Air Guitar World Record Attempt

Meet our first five Buskers!

Sign up a team and get busking!

Meet our Celebrity Judges

Money4Jam - Busking Challenge WIN WIN WIN!

Money for Jam going crazy

Money4Jam is here

Dance4Love

First "International" Summit

Darryl Pascoe wins Volunteer Award

May Monthly Get-together

News from Auckland...

Whangarei Jazzy Jamming represent!

As May Closes ...

Hamilton ... StarJam is HERE!

April Happenings

March Get-Together

Gigs and Launches

Feb Open Day - Auckland

Who is Sian Davies?

2010 NZer of the Year

First 2010 Monthly Get-Together

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE
IN LAS VEGAS
WE HAVE A WINNER

ALL YOU JAM SPONSORS
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!