The Neighborhood Ball

We were lucky to score tickets to the Neighborhood Ball through one of Patrice's connections from her volunteer experience in Minnesota. The Ball was the highlight of the Inauguration for me -- the Obamas made their first Ball appearance at our ball and danced their first dance of the evening to a serenade by Beyonce. It was a star studded event (Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Faith Hill, Maroon Five, Jay-Z, Sting, Denzel Washington, Vanessa Williams, Leonardo diCaprio, etc, etc, etc.) There was so much positive energy and palpable excitement, especially when the President and First Lady appeared.
With my UNC friend Martin at the Neighborhood Ball.

A candid shot that I find amusing for some reason -- the expression on my face perhaps? (I am wearing a vintage USA pin from the attic on Church street and a ceramic Obama pin I bought at an Obama fundraiser at an art gallery in Chicago. )

Tynnetta, Patrice and I. (Unfortunately again with the tacky plastic drink cup.)

There was so much excitement in the room when President Obama and the First Lady appeared on stage. They looked stunning and everyone went nuts.

The President and First Lady's first dance of the Inauguration Evening.

Beyonce singing "At Last" for the Obamas' first dance. This is without any zoom -- she was right next to us.

The Obamas and guests on stage (with me hamming it up for the camera).

Another shot with me and Obama in the background (he is the tall figure standing right above my part).

Jay-Z singing in front of a montage of images from late 20th Century history, the Civil Rights Movement, and ultimately Obama's campaign. He kept urging us to hold up peace signs. "Peace signs....up."

The Bidens paid a visit to the Neighborhood Ball as well.