STUDIO CITY’S MAXIE SOLTERS ORGANIZES “JAZZ FOR JUSTICE” A FREE ONE BILLION RISING EVENT AT CBS STUDIOS ON VALENTINE’S DAY AT 6:30PM SHARP!

Maxie is honored to contribute to V-Day/One Billion Rising, alongside the remarkable women who are committed to stopping the violence and abuse.
She’s excited to organize “Jazz for Justice,” in her beloved hometown.
“Studio City is especially important and near and dear to my heart.  It’s the icing on the cake that we get to RISE at CBS Radford…I grew up watching July 4th fireworks there!!”

Maxie is proud to have been able to plan and create the Studio City One Billion Rising (OBR) campaign with her mom.  “V-Day/OBR has become a passion and delight for both of us and it’s a gift that we get to share these experiences together.” Her mom adds that “spending time as a team makes it all worthwhile.”

Last year, Maxie participated in the OBR celebration at LA Live downtown, describing it as “mind-blowing, breathtaking, and inspirational!”  To actually see hundreds rise and dance for justice is a “powerful way to rock the world and I think it’s safe to say we did.”

Maxie urges eager folks to become involved by signing up at www.onebillionrising.org and www.vday.org. “Tell your friends, family, co-workers, people on the street. In order to end the violence, we need everyone…including the men. This is not only a 'women's issue.' It's a men's issue. We need men's voices. They need to rise with us and stop the violence.”

Maxie revealed, “OBR is an incredible movement that I feel so blessed to be a part of.  I’ve had the opportunity to connect with strong women who continue to inspire me.”
  
V-Day has been a huge influence on Maxie ever since she was introduced to the group in 2007, while attending USC School of Theatre.  “From the moment I began, I knew it would be a lifelong pursuit. I’m ecstatic to be a Vagina Warrior and share my enthusiasm with the community.  I’ve gained confidence and am not afraid to speak out.  I don’t worry about what others may think. I own my body and mind and know that I’m worthy of love and happiness.  I have V-Day to thank for giving me the courage.”

Maxie is also founder of V-Day Studio City, which annually presents “The Vagina Monologues,” written by V-Day’s creator Eve Ensler, to raise awareness and funds for the cause. She will produce and co-star in the provocative and stimulating show on March 28 and 29 at The Federal Bar in the NoHo Arts District.  Tickets and Info at maxie.solters@gmail.com.

Maxie conveyed the importance of dance and how it generates such an effective feeling of unity. “We dance because it creates joy and a common bond. There is power when we come together to claim our space, our voice, standing side by side, to say the violence has to stop."

Eve Ensler sums up perfectly why dance is at the root of OBR:"Dancing insists we take up space, and though it has no set direction, we go there together. Dance is dangerous, joyous, sexual, holy, disruptive, and contagious and it breaks the rules. It can happen anywhere, at anytime, with anyone and everyone, and it's free. Dance joins us and pushes us to go further and that is why it's at the center of ONE BILLION RISING."

Maxie has been working diligently since October to coordinate an amazing array of artists and activists. Jane Fonda and Former LA City Controller, Wendy Greuel are keynote speakers.
 
Talented jazz performers include top crooners: Anita Robles, Danielle Skalsky, Cathy Segal-Garcia, Jody Jaress, Laura Pursell, Linda A. Smith, Perlene Thurston, and ace musicians: Clarence Robinson, bass; David Smith, guitar; Joel Scott, piano; Michael Rosen, drums.
 
There will be belly dancing, free T-shirts, and a flash mob dance to “Break the Chain,” choreographed by Debbie Allen.  Join in by learning the dance at the how to video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbiVOEk1R08.