AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 10:43 a.m. EDT

From her bookstore in Nashville, Ann Patchett drives the literary conversation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Ann Patchett often finds ways to help others, whether it's promoting a fellow author's book or supporting emerging writers. At 62, she’s a celebrated novelist and co-owner of the independent bookstore Parnassus. Her latest novel, “Whistler,” explores themes of connection and decency. Patchett believes most people are good, despite the negativity often portrayed in the news. She was recently honored by PEN America for her literary contributions. Patchett’s journey as a writer began early, and she’s inspired others to pursue their dreams, including fellow author Emma Straub, who opened her own bookstore.

A guide to the bookstores owned by your favorite authors

NEW YORK (AP) — Ann Patchett opened Parnassus Books in 2011 when physical bookstores seemed endangered. Now, author-owned bookstores are thriving across the U.S. Judy Blume runs Books & Books in Key West, Florida, where she often helps customers herself. Louise Erdrich’s Birchbark Books in Minnesota focuses on Indigenous literature. Lauren Groff’s The Lynx Books in Gainesville, Florida, emphasizes banned books. Jeff Kinney’s An Unlikely Story in Massachusetts is a massive literary hub. George R.R. Martin’s Beastly Books in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a haven for speculative fiction. Emma Straub’s Books Are Magic in New York has become a local favorite.

Fans of '00s Death Cab for Cutie take note: Their new album is about grief — and it's for you

NEW YORK (AP) — Death Cab for Cutie are gearing up to release a new album titled “I Built You a Tower.” It arrives Friday. The band has been reflecting on their past successes while also experiencing personal changes. Guitarist Dave Depper describes the energy from recent anniversary tours as inspiring. Singer Ben Gibbard shares that his recent divorce influenced the album's themes of grief and compartmentalization. The band credits producer John Congleton for encouraging them to embrace imperfections. They began writing in 2023, and the album was recorded in three weeks. This summer, they will tour with the new music.

YouTuber box office boom: ‘Backrooms’ and ‘Obsession’ draw Gen Z to theaters

An indie horror with internet origins has beaten the legacy franchise Star Wars at the box office this weekend. According to studio estimates on Sunday, “Backrooms” made an astonishing $81.4 million in its first weekend in theaters. It easily topped the box office over “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” which fell sharply in its second weekend, earning $25 million to take third place. Second place went to another indie horror, “Obsession,” which has continued its unprecedented run, making more money in its third weekend than it did in its first.

50 years on, Fela's legendary 'Zombie' album still resonates in Nigeria

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — In 1976, Fela Kuti's song "Zombie" became a powerful protest against Nigeria's military rule. The military had been in power for a decade, and Fela's music criticized their control. His lyrics mocked soldiers' blind obedience, resonating with those frustrated by the regime. The song's release led to a brutal response from the government. Soldiers raided Fela's residence, causing destruction and injury. Despite the crackdown, "Zombie" remains a significant cultural milestone. Fela's bold defiance and the song's impact are unmatched, highlighting the enduring struggle against oppressive authority in Nigeria.

Frankie Valli cancels the remainder of the Four Seasons’ farewell tour, citing health concerns

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Frankie Valli, whose legendary falsetto defines the sound of the 1960s rock group the Four Seasons, has cancelled the remainder of the band’s 2026 tour dates. The 92-year-old frontman and only original member still performing with the Four Seasons announced on social media that he would take the rest of the year off to focus on his health. Valli launched an extended farewell tour billed “The Last Encores” in October 2023. Eight remaining shows in cities from Scottsdale, Arizona, to Detroit have been called off. Known for keeping a rigorous touring schedule even as he has aged, Valli appeared to leave the door open for future performances.

Celebrity birthdays for the week of June 7-13 includes Kat Dennings and Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Celebrities having birthdays during the week of June 7-13 include “2 Broke Girls” actor Kat Dennings, TV personality Maria Menounos and “Juno” actor Michael Cera. Singer-songwriter Sturgill Simpson turns 48, TV personality Bear Grylls hits 52 and actor Natalie Portman reaches 45. Other celebs with big days include singer Faith Evans, actor Hugh Dancy and “The Fall Guy” actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Singer Robyn turns 47, fashion designers and former actors Ashley and Mary Kate Olsen hit 40 and “Barry” actor-comedian Bill Hader reaches 48. Others celebrating include model-actor Elizabeth Hurley and actor Michael J. Fox.

Trump vents about judge who blocked the Kennedy Center renovation and fumes over his legal setbacks

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is fuming about a court ruling that blocked his renovation plans for the Kennedy Center in Washington. He's using a social media post to brand the federal judge who issued the ruling Friday as “an anti Trump Hater.” And the Republican president is predicting that the nation’s premier performing arts center he wanted to shutter for a two-year overhaul will “soon be closed, probably never to open again.” again.” In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump's Truth Social post continued to make the case for the project but didn't clarify whether he'll keep defending the work in court.

Trump to headline 'Great American State Fair' for nation's 250th anniversary after artists drop out

WASHINGTON (AP) — An upcoming celebration of America's 250th anniversary, called "The Great American State Fair," has faced challenges as several musical guests backed out due in part to its connections to President Donald Trump. Organizers announced Saturday that Trump himself will now headline the event. The event is set to start June 25 on Washington's National Mall. Some artists, like Bret Michaels and Martina McBride, withdrew over concerns about the event's political ties. Others, including Flo Rida and Vanilla Ice, still plan to perform.