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Block party is a swan song for termed-out mayor

Comedian Wanda Sykes, right, performs alongside Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa during the Celebrate LA! Block Party at downtown's Grand Park. The boisterous bash was mostly about celebrating Villaraigosa's two terms as mayor.

Comedian Wanda Sykes, right, performs alongside Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa during the Celebrate LA! Block Party at downtown’s Grand Park. The boisterous bash was mostly about celebrating Villaraigosa’s two terms as mayor.   (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

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Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa took over downtown’s Grand Park on Friday night for a boisterous bash -- called the Celebrate LA! Block Party -- that was largely about celebrating him. On a giant podium erected on the steps of City Hall, a group of elected officials stood and praised Villaraigosa, who steps down this month after serving two terms as mayor.
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Stoking the crowd

The crowd cheers as Stevie Wonder performs during the block party, which included former President Bill Clinton and Los Angeles Mayor-elect Eric Garcetti among the guests.   (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

A longtime political ally

Stevie Wonder, left, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former President Bill Clinton pose for a photo before walking onstage.   (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Young singers

Singers with the Silver Lake Conservancy Chorus perform at the party, which was estimated to cost about $265,000.   (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Colorful movement

A dancer with the United American Indian Involvement Pow Wow Dancers and Drummers performs at the block party, a farewell to termed-out Mayor Antonio Villraigosa.   (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Multi-tasking mayor

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa dances and takes photographs as Stevie Wonder performs at the bash. Placido Domingo also sang a tribute.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

A lot to sing about

The Silver Lake Conservancy Chorus performs at the party. “Today’s a day to party and celebrate us,” said the mayor.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Enjoying the show

People take in the festivities at the party, whose upbeat atmosphere stood in contrast to years of spending cuts at City Hall.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

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