Fresno Famous

It probably doesn’t need to be said, but it’s been a long while since anyone associated the words “inauguration day” and “party” — at least in that good-times, get-down kind of way.

But here we are on the eve of the swearing in of the first black president (figuratively speaking, it’s Tuesday if you want to get literal) and people are looking to celebrate in a big way.

“It really is day one,” says Devoya Mayo, a woman who is political for sure and knows a thing or two about throwing a party. “We can start right here.”

Mayo is part of the Day One Committee, a group of musicans, designers, promoters and all-around doers who have been working for the last six weeks to put together the Day One celebration, 9 p.m., Jan. 20 at Starline, 833 E. Fern St.

This is a momentus occasion, Mayo says.
For the first time since she started voting, this election spoke to, (put this in italics) and for (end italics here) her. And she didn’t think it was possible.
Even when Obama got the Democratic party nomination. Even as it was happening election night. The group she was with that night was mostly quiet, just soaking it all in, she says. “We didn’t want to jump the gun.”

So, Day One will be that celebration, a nightlong mix of music and poetry — even some multimedia suprises.
Armen Nalbandian has put together an all-star lineup of musicians who will play live versions of music from Obama’s iPod. One of the perks of having a president-elect who’s down with the tech generation is this sort of info is readily available. Mayo won’t say exactly who’s playing or what songs (there will be some Stevie Wonder, no doubt), but there will be enough to keep the party going after midnight.

If you know Mayo, you know Obama’s message of change — more on point being a part of that change — is something she can roll with. That’s the idea of the event, and the Day One Committee.

It won’t be stopping on Day Two. As soon as this event is done, they’ll meet to figure out what worked, what didn’t and what they might want to do next, Mayo says.

Other happenings around town:

* We Are the Change Celebration

Here’s an inauguration party for anyone who’s never been to a museum downtown.
Several museums are opening their doors and offering free admission, starting with the African American Historical Museum, which is hosting a get-together that includes food, entertainment and a replay of the inaugural ceremony. That’s from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday. At 5:30 there will be an informal program, led by FCC professor Kehinde Solwazi.
Also participating are Arte Americas and the Fresno MET, which will be open and free from 6 to 8 p.m. Further down, the Downtown Community Arts Collective, 754 P Street, will be open from 5 to 8 p.m.

Why it’ll be fun: You can get a picture taken with the prez. OK, it’s a cutout, but still. Arte Americas will have a cardboard Obama all ready. Just bring a camera.

* Breakfast at the Barrell Room

This one is early, for all of you who want to take some time off work (put in italics) and (end italics) enjoy the inauguration in the company of others. The Fresno County Democratic Women’s Club is hosting the breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon, at the old Cabo Wabo spot in Granite Park. Tickets are $15. For more info go to: fresnodemocrats.com

Why it’ll be fun: When was the last time you watched the president get sworn in on 34 giant-screen TVs?

* Presidential Inauguration Day zydeco/blues dance party

Blues, plus zydeco, plus politics, equals ... we’re not sure exactly. But it’s happening 8 to 11 p.m. inauguration night at Audie’s Olympic, 1426 N. Van Ness. A.C. Myles provides the blues and Bad Boys Zydeco will provide the ... duh.

Why it’ll be fun: When has a night of blues and zydeco NOT been fun?