Kamala Harris says hip-hop is ‘the ultimate American art form’ as she hosts a 50th anniversary party

WASHINGTON – Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday hosted a celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary with appearances by some of the music genre’s pioneers and stars. Common, Jeezy, MC Lyte and Roxanne Shante were among the hip-hop artists invited to join Harris for the party at the vice presidential residence. Hip-hop’s 50th birthday has inspired … Read more

From piñata to postage stamp, US celebrates centuries-old Hispanic tradition

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The U.S. Postal Service on Friday rolled out its latest special edition postage stamps, paying homage to a tradition with global roots that has evolved over centuries to become a universal symbol of celebration. The release of four new stamps featuring colorful piñatas coincides with a monthlong recognition of Hispanic heritage in … Read more

Artists want complete control over their public exhibitions. Governments say it’s not that simple

PHOENIX – If things had gone as originally planned, Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum would be launching its fall exhibition Friday. But officials postponed the show six weeks before the opening over concern that a painting by activist-artist Shepard Fairey could be seen as “disparaging toward some City of Mesa employees.” Now, the Phoenix suburb is … Read more

Hayao Miyazaki invites moviegoers to dream with him one last time

TORONTO, ONT – The loudest applause on opening night at the Toronto International Film Festival was for Totoro. When the Studio Ghibli logo of the magical creature from Hayao Miyazaki’s “My Neighbor Totoro” appeared on the screen Thursday night, it meant to the audience the premiere of Miyazaki’s latest and perhaps last film, “The Boy … Read more