less than 3 hours to go!

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!

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.

• Put Together Band
  
• Team Profile
• ..."2 Twen.E 2 Crew"...
• Guns and Rosies
• The Odd Ballz
  
• Unhinged Fringe Unhinged Fringe

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!

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

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

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!

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!

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:

• Ben Matthews
• Girl Meets Uke
• Jaime and Bianca
• Lew & Eddy
• Ponsonby Pipers
• Rock U
• The 4 O'clock Jammers
• The Balzats
• The Foxy Stars
• The Jamsta
• Velvet Vocals

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

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!

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

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'

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.

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???

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!

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!

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!

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

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 :)