Join in Free Festivities to End Violence Against Women Sat. Feb. 13th promptly at 11am 8383 Santa Monica Blvd at Holloway Dr.

Hundreds will gather on Saturday, February 13th at 11am for a community rally at Sal Guarriello Veterans Memorial (at the intersection of Holloway Drive and Santa Monica Blvd.), 8383 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069, hosted by the City of West Hollywood.

West Hollywood Mayor Lindsey Horvath, actors Frances Fisher (Resurrection), Sufe Bradshaw (Veep), Michael Anthony Perna (Rockin’ The Legends star), musical artist Bitch, and dance performance company, Levitere, are scheduled to participate.

The celebration is centered around the One Billion Rising Flash Mob Dance and will serve as a platform for women’s empowerment and advocacy against violence in our communities.

Last year 250 countries joined in and one billion people danced the flashmob dance and rallied for justice.

The famous One Billion Rising Flashmob Dance is choreographed by LA’s own Debbie Allen and will be taught for free Saturday February 7th at noon in Plummer Park in West Hollywood in front of the Community Center

This One Billion Rising event is MTA Friendly. Santa Monica Blvd. buses #4 and #704 run past this location. Many buses connect to these Santa Monica Blvd. buses. Street parking or parking at Kings Road Parking structure is available. The first hour is free.

For more info contact Maxie Solters 818-929-0043; Kristina Mitchell 612-237-6544; Debra Graff 818-326-9003; Tina Banchero 510-435-4825

Kristina Mitchell has been an LA area organizer since OBR’s origin four years ago. There are countless ways OBR has impacted her life, but the most meaningful is “feeling the wonderful energy it creates in its worldwide cause to end violence against women and girls. It makes me feel more connected to the sisterhood in a global community.”

Kristina’s looking forward to 2016 being a “beautiful culmination of non-profits, OBR risers of the past, and new risers, who are now engaged in this powerful movement.”

Beyond her strong belief in and dedication to the principles of OBR, Kristina feels that “collective energy has power to create change and safety.”

Since OBR began, Kristina has seen changes happening across the world for the better, e.g. they’ve finally banned female genital mutilation in Nigeria.

“When we started 4 years ago, there was a law in Morocco that stated that if a rapist said he would marry his victim, the charges against him were dropped, and she would have to marry him.”

“Can you imagine? Having to be wed to the person who raped you and not even having a choice in the matter? This law has been eradicated in the last three years.”

Kristina has a personal connection to the cause. “I’ve been in a couple of abusive relationships, and was sexually assaulted. I’m passionate about not letting any woman or girl experience that. This is why we rise. To end it.”

Many people ask Kristina how to get involved. She says, “It’s really simple. Find what you care about, and give it your all. Give your time, your talents, whatever you can.”

Kristina “cannot wait to RISE with you all...until the violence ends!!!!”

Co-Organizer Maxie Solters, has also been involved with OBR since its inception in 2012. “Ending violence against women is a cause that is so near and dear to my heart,” she reveals.

In 2008, Maxie produced and performed in The Vagina Monologues for the first time at the University of Southern California. In 2009, she founded V-Day Studio City, and continues to coordinate and co-star on an annual basis.

“When I heard about One Billion Rising, I immediately jumped on board. I’m a creative and expressive person, and the thought of dancing and visually RISING with billions of people, was absolutely awe-inspiring.”

Maxie is amazed at the fact that so many gather together on a single day for such an incredible purpose. She admits, “Physically moving, dancing, and being with one another is powerful on multiple levels.”

“Watching videos of people in the Philippines, Africa, France, India...seeing them dance right there with us in spectacular ways is mind blowing,” according to Maxie. “Quite literally, everyone across the entire world is dancing to end violence in the same moment. And THAT is truly a phenomenon.”

Maxie stresses the importance of getting involved. “SPEAK. Don’t be afraid to tell your story. The more you share, the more you give hope to those who feel silenced. Surround yourself with a strong support system encouraging you to speak out and stand up.”

“You don’t have to be silent or feel ashamed,” Maxie expresses. “You have the right to tell your truth. One Billion Rising is a wonderful occasion to start practicing that...and an incredible way to find inspiration.”

Featured artist, Michael Anthony Perna is the star of Rockin’ The Legends, a high energy cutting edge yet family musical journey rockin through the ages from Sir Duke to Lady Gaga and much more.

Perna’s an amazingly talented singer, pianist, composer, producer, songwriter, and international recording artist with a worldwide following, having performed in over 18 countries.

Michael was Musical Director for the Academy Awards (sci/tech) for four years with many film, television, and concert credits. His charisma goes beyond the stage. He lives and breathes music and rock and roll. Michael’s the real deal.

Words can’t adequately describe Perna’s stunning performances, but you can watch him on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRp7TLu-PuQ and find his magical mind blowing music at map@imumusic.com or facebook.com/rockinthelegends

“Most of the music I produce and compose are akin to the human condition of triumph over adversity and peace, love and harmony. I am happy to lend my time and talent to such worthy causes as One Billion Rising because if you don’t stand up for something, you could fall for anything.”

Michael reminisces about the state of the music industry. Music used to be a force of peace and power. It brought people together. They danced as one. In the 60’s and 70’s music was the voice of the generation. Now it’s become polarizing. It’s easier to get your own reality show than a tune played on the radio.”

Perna remembers how “One lyric could change the world and end wars,” using Imagine as an example. “Music used to be about making people laugh and heal.”

“If you really have a passion for music and don’t just want to be famous, then stick with it,” Michael advises. “Everything good in life is hard. It’s true that you may have to suffer for your art.”