It's time to party, inaugural style

If you're still kicking around the idea of going to one of the Governor-elect's inaugural parties being held today and Friday, here's a schedule of events, which didn't make it into today's paper. You can buy tickets at ncgovernorsball.org.

Council of State reception
When: Tonight, 6:30 - 8:30
Where: Marriott in downtown Raleigh
Cost: $125, but the event is sold out
Who’s on stage: Cafe Mars
Who’ll be there: 1,000 people are expected, mostly political insiders, including politicians, their staffs and supporters.

Rock the Ball concert
When: Tonight, 9 to midnight
Where: Lincoln Theater in downtown Raleigh
Cost: $20 a person; $2 surcharge for those under 21.
Who’s on stage: Dillon Fence and Pico vs. Island Trees
Who’ll be there: About 800 people, mostly a younger crowd who wants to get in on the inaugural fun but not spend the money for the more costly events.

Governor-elect’s reception
When: Friday, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Raleigh Convention Center Grand Ballroom
Cost: $150, but the event is sold out
Who’s playing: Harpist Laura S. Byrne, accompanied by Mary E. Boone, flutist
Who’ll be there: Governor-elect Beverly Perdue, of course, and about 1,000 others, many who paid extra to get up close and “personal” with the governor.

Gala Presentation
When: Friday 8 - 9 p.m.
Where: Raleigh Convention Center Exhibition Hall
Cost: $200 per person, includes ticket to the Inaugural Ball
Who’s playing: More entertainment from North Carolinians, including Eric Church, Vienna Teng, Branford Marsalis, Thomas Pope, Jazz Patriots and Minutemen
Who’ll be there: Since this is the formal introduction of the governor and the council of state, look for up to 3,000 people, including the families, staff and supporters of the council of state.

Inaugural Ball
When: Friday, 9 p.m. - midnight
Where: Raleigh Convention Center
Cost: $125 per person
Who’s on stage: Fantasy, Chatham County Line, Tres Chicas and The Rick McClanahan Trio
Who’ll be there: Between 3,000 and 5,000 politicians, political watchers, members of the Junior League of Raleigh and leaders from businesses, community groups and non-profit organizations.