Jimmy Kimmel, Moby to headline Garcetti mayoral inauguration party

The transition of power at Los Angeles City Hall starts Sunday evening as Eric Garcetti is sworn in as the city’s new mayor, during a free public party in downtown’s Grand Park.

The inauguration is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Sunday on the Spring Street steps outside City Hall. It’s only ceremonial: Garcetti won’t officially be mayor until midnight, when termed-out Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa leaves the post.

The public can enter at 1st Street and Broadway, with gates opening at 5 p.m. Garcetti’s staff is warning that parking will be limited and that people should arrive early. Those wishing to avoid traffic can take the Red Line subway to the Civic Center station, which has an exit near Grand Park.

Hollywood, a major backer of his campaign, will be on hand. Jimmy Kimmel is emceeing, and techno master Moby, accompanied by a choir, will kick off the event with a song.

The event will include Steampunk carnival games, multicultural music and an oath of office administered by the 13-year-old daughter of a janitor.

“We’ve been saying this transition is less about symbolism and more about work,” said Yusef Robb, Garcetti’s chief spokesman. “This inauguration is definitely about sending a message to the people of Los Angeles that the power comes from you, and that’s the way it should be.”

Garcetti’s speech will probably carry a “back to basics” theme, Robb said, an emphasis that the mayor-elect has talked about with community groups across the city as he has prepared to take power.

Besides Moby, there will be performances by Afghan American singer Ariana Delawari and two-time Grammy winner Melanie Fiona.

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Twitter: @csaillant2

catherine.saillant@latimes.com