As Carol Channing, clad in a Bob Mackie sleeveless pantsuit, chinchilla (?) wrap, bright red lipstick, and a 77-karat diamond said last night: "Musical theater is a strictly American art form." The ladies who helped forge that - along with movies and television - were being feted by The Smithsonian, who were specifically honoring women who have woven their way into the American cultural fabric, welcoming their treasured memorabilia into the Smithsonian's permanent collection. more ›

The father of Chicano music has died. Eduardo "Lalo" Guerrero, Jr. was 88. The man should be considered a Los Angeles icon having spent most of his adult life living in and around the city. 20 years ago, he and his son, Mark Guerrero, performed "Two Generations of Mexican-American Music in L.A." at the Southwest Museum in Highland Park and have done similar performances throughout California ever since. more ›