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This is not a drill. Widespread Panic has just announced a string of live shows, starting next month, and new archival live album.

Following the latest release from the Southern rock outfit’s multi-track archive series, Albany 2000, the band begins its fall run in September with a couple of sold-out shows in North Carolina, with seven more through the end of October.

According to Ultimate Classic Rock, longtime keyboardist and vocalist John “JoJo” Hermann will also make several solo appearances. For dates, tickets, and venues, head to their official website.

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Formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1986, Widespread Panic grew out of a musical partnership between University of Georgia students John “JB” Bell and late guitarist Michael Houser, who began playing together several years earlier. The band became known for its fusion of Southern rock, blues, funk, and progressive influences—and for a relentless touring schedule that earned it “road warrior” status.

The band’s current lineup features Bell, Hermann, Dave Schools, Domingo “Sunny” Ortiz, Jimmy Herring/Nick Johnson, and Duane Trucks.

With several of their newly announced shows already sold out, Widespread Panic seems to be staying loyal to their past. A look back at their history reveals their legendary attendance records with nearly 80 sold-out shows at the Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado, per the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. And in Athens, they drew an estimated 100,000 people for a 1998 live album release party. The show was free, but still.

Beyond headlining Bonnaroo eight times and being inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 2008, the guys have 16 albums that have charted on the Billboard 200, with Dirty Side Down, their 2010 record, climbing as high as No. 27.  

Their latest archival release, Albany 2000, is the 21st installment in the band’s multi-track archive series. Recorded April 9, 2000, at the Albany Civic Center in Albany, Georgia, it’s set for digital and streaming release this Friday, Aug. 28.

“If you can allow yourself to be absurd, you can generate ideas that can be groundbreaking or unique … and also, you throw the rulebook out the window,” Widespread Panic bassist Schools told Live for Live Music about the band’s philosophy behind making music. “When you throw the rulebook out the window and allow for absurdity, suddenly your ego vanishes.”​

If history is any indication, booking tickets and purchasing records via these guys sooner rather than later—ego or not—is advised.

Related: ’70s Hard Rock Legends Announce ‘No Speed Limit Tour,’ Their First in 2 Years

Kehlani has issued an apology after being forced to cancel two of her upcoming shows due to health issues.

The singer, who won the Grammys for Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song for her hit song “Folded,” shared an update on Instagram on Aug. 26—just hours before she was scheduled to go on stage.

“After two off days feeling completely normal, I’ve been up all night unable to swallow & in so much pain,” her Instagram post read. “I just left the hospital & am not cleared to sing for the next two shows. I’m so sorry Camden & DC. My team is working on a solution. Breaks my heart to ever do this. I do everything I’m supposed to to ensure my health stays up to par & it still isn’t guaranteed. We will pick back up in Virginia.”

Some fans who had tickets for Kehlani’s show were upset with the late notice, but others understood and wished Kehlani a speedy recovery.

“Yes come back and see us in DC in the fall when the mosquitoes are gone!! Feel better!!” one person wrote.

“May you be able to rest and recover your vocals. I’m sure everyone will understand,” someone else said.

“Kehlani i love you but the show was supposed to start in like 3-4 hours,” a third comment read.

In an interview with Billboard earlier this month, Kehlani discussed her mental health.

“I am clinically diagnosed as bipolar. I take medicine. I have to go to the gym; it’s not an option,” she told the outlet. “I have to do yoga, take walks. I have to spend time in nature: sit in the park or go wiggle my toes in somebody’s grass. I have to build a relationship with God. I have to pray.”

“You get in this cycle where you wake up at 6 p.m. because you were at the studio until 7 a.m. You’ve missed a whole day of sunshine. There’s no meal. You go back to the studio at 8 p.m. You grind or die. I have to have a routine supporting my wellness so I can freaking survive,” she added.

Kehlani’s next scheduled tour date is Aug. 29 in Richmond, Virginia. She has upcoming shows worldwide through February 2027.

READ NEXT: Dolly Parton Has Died—And There’s an Eerie Connection to What’s Coming Next

Josh Radnor, who played Ted Mosby on How I Met Your Mother, recently spoke about his feelings about the iconic character. When appearing on the August 16 episode of the “Half the Picture” podcast, he revealed that playing the character for so long created “a feeling of like slight claustrophobia.”

When speaking about his character, a hopeless romantic who occasionally took his gestures too far, Radnor said, “I think of him as my younger, slightly annoying brother, where I love him, and I want the best for him, and I also go, ‘Why would you do that? Like, why would you behave that way?’”

He added, “There were times where, you know, it’s kind of the thing of like, ‘Is this romantic or is this illegal? Is this like stalking?’”

Related: ‘M*A*S*H’ Actress Dead of Natural Causes at 93

Radnor also discussed the difficulties of playing the same character for such a long period of time. How I Met Your Mother ran for nine seasons, spanning from 2005 until 2014.

“You get into it because you want to play this role and then this role and then this role, and then you get cast in a show that goes nine years, and it’s like your psyche was not programmed for that,” he explained. “You didn’t think you’d be playing one guy for 208 episodes, nine years.”

However, Radnor had nice words about the character as well. “I do think that Ted as a character has aged pretty well because I think that he was ultimately like a very well-intentioned, sweet, kind, loyal person,” he said. “I often think his best qualities were not as a boyfriend, but as a friend. I think he would drop anything for his friends.”

Related: Lori Petty Revealed Actors Would Faint All the Time When Filming This Legendary 1992 Movie

Since starring on How I Met Your Mother, Radnor has performed in stage productions like Hit Machine and shows like Mt Mystic Rangers. Radnor is also the co-host of the “How We Made Your Mother” rewatch podcast, along with co-creator Craig Thomas. In it, they “look back on this adventure that occupied a pivotal decade of their lives: how the show changed them, how it changed its fans, and how it changed the culture.”

As crisp autumn air rolls in and the first hints of gold and crimson begin touching the trees, the annual chase for peak fall foliage is officially underway. But rather than battling bumper-to-bumper mountain highway traffic or hunting down sold-out country inns, leaf-peepers have an effortless, oceanfront alternative this season.

Royal Caribbean is giving travelers a front-row seat to the changing season across New England and Canada, anchored by the rare deployment of one of its most popular Freedom-class vessels, Independence of the Seas.

Sailing out of Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey, Independence of the Seas is heading north for a dedicated autumn run, joining Vision of the Seas, which departs out of Baltimore, Maryland. Together, the ships unlock a seamless coastal journey through some of the most picturesque historic waterfront cities and dramatic wilderness areas in the Northeast.

Related: Holland America Line Zuiderdam Fall Foliage Cruise Review

The fall itineraries are tailor-made for travelers who want to blend classic leaf-peeping with vibrant coastal culture.

In Boston, Massachusetts, history enthusiasts can stroll the cobblestone corridors of the Freedom Trail, tracing landmarks of the American Revolution beneath canopies of golden city leaves. Further up the coast, Portland, Maine, delivers quintessential maritime charm with historic brick sidewalks, world-class local microbreweries, and sweeping ocean views framed by iconic lighthouses, with easy access to rugged coastal hikes.

Crossing the Canadian border into the Atlantic provinces, sailings call on ports like Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Saint John, New Brunswick. In Halifax, travelers can walk the lively boardwalk, explore maritime museums, and sample ultra-fresh local seafood, while outdoor lovers can venture toward rocky beaches, granite cliffs, and colorful coastal forests.

Related: Why Québec City Is the Perfect Quick Fall Trip

What makes experiencing autumn from the water so uniquely appealing is the ability to trade the stresses of road-tripping for the comforts of a floating resort.

Between days spent exploring historic ports, guests aboard Independence of the Seas have access to the ship’s signature amenities. Travelers can catch panoramic views of the turning shorelines from the top decks, stroll the indoor Royal Promenade lined with cafés, bars, and shopping, take in Broadway-style stage productions, scale the onboard rock-climbing wall, or simply relax poolside with a warm drink while watching the scenic Northeast coastline glide past.

Cruisers on Cruise Critic regularly express deep affection for “Indy,” praised as the perfect “Goldilocks” option that hits the sweet spot between traditional ship design and mega-resort scale. According to community feedback, the vessel has developed a massive loyal following for its high-energy atmosphere and standout crew, its action-packed “big ship” amenities like the ice-skating rink, and its cantilevered, adults-only Solarium hot tubs that hover directly over the ocean.  

With sailings scheduled right through the heart of the autumn foliage season, it is one of the coziest, most scenic ways to watch the Northeast turn to gold without ever having to repack your suitcase.

Related: No Weekend Plans? No Problem! Here Are the 25 Best Weekend Getaways in New England

Charles M. Schulz wrote thousands of Peanuts comic strips over nearly five decades, giving the world more Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the rest of the gang than any single childhood could contain. Still, there are those funny pages that have a way of sticking with you over the years.

And according to MovieWeb, one 1967 newspaper classic stands above the rest. The outlet recently ranked its 10 best Peanuts strips of the 1960s, with “Snoopy Received Valentine’s Day Cards” taking the No. 1 spot.

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Published in the Feb. 12, 1967, paper, the comic strip features “Good ol’ Charlie Brown” eagerly checking the mailbox as Valentine’s Day approaches. Pleasantly surprised by the massive amount of letters that come swooshing out, he begins sorting the mail, first with a valentine addressed to his loyal beagle, Snoopy.

“Here you are, Snoopy … There’s even one for you … How about that?” he says. “Well! Here’s another one for you … This is your lucky day.”

As Chuck continues going through the mail, Snoopy’s stack of valentines grows. By the time readers get to the final panel, Snoopy has collected all the envelopes, leaving Schulz’s iconic “blockhead” empty-handed.

“I can’t stand it,” he says. “I just can’t stand it.”

The half-page, full-color funny was adapted in the 1975 holiday special Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown, 2002’s A Charlie Brown Valentine, and in the episode “A Little Love” from the 2014 TV series Peanuts. See the strip in full here.

The beauty of Peanuts is its simplicity. And how something as simple as a multi-panel comic strip can take readers right back to their childhoods.

Debuting in October 1950, the strip had firmly established its characters by the 1960s, becoming a massive pop culture phenomenon that leaped from the page to the screen, the stage, and the merch shelves—somehow never losing its popularity across generations.

By the end of the Peanuts strip’s original run, the comics appeared in more than 2,600 newspapers in 75 countries. Now, 76 years later, the magic of Peanuts continues.

Apple TV+ recently released a brand-new Peanuts special, Snoopy Presents: There’s No Place Like Home. The half-hour program features Sally holding a yard sale and accidentally selling Snoopy’s pride and joy–his doghouse–prompting Chuck and the gang to help him find it and bring it home.

The streaming platform also announced Snoopy Unleashed, an animated feature film scheduled for 2027. According to streamer, the movie will introduce Charlie Brown’s mysterious longtime pen pal, Mia, who has never been seen in the strip.

Related: Best-Selling Author’s 1952 Novel, Now a Netflix Series, Ranked Best American Novel of the Last 100 Years

“Back Stabbers” was a popular soul song released by The O’Jays in 1972. The song reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and rose all the way to No. 1 on the Hot Soul Singles chart. It was officially certified as a gold single 54 years ago.

In an interview with National Public Radio, pianist Leon Huff said, “’Back Stabbers’ sounds like something eerie, so that roll was like something horrible, because that’s what back stabbers are. It reflected that type of drama.”

Huff added, “Our dream was to play so many counter-melodies that came with those songs, and the orchestra was able to put that together. Plus, stereo radio had just come around, and you had a lot of space to fill up. Stereo was much more soothing than mono, so we thought about the mixes we could do. The music was funky and classical at the same time.”

Singer Eddie Levert also spoke about the song in an interview with John Doran. “Now ‘Back Stabbers’ was one of my favorite songs,” he said. “We started out with the sheet music. We started out with the piano and me, Walter, William and [Gene] McFadden and [John] Whitehead [composer] standing around the piano. And then when they did the rhythm track, it became special. And then when we recorded the vocals, it became extra special. And then when they put the top on it, it became extra, extra, extra special. And then when I heard it [for the first time] on the radio in the middle of Colorado, and it became extra, extra, extra, extra super special.”

When asked whether it was autobiographical, he said, “No, I just think we were just relating to the world and what goes on in the world and what still goes on.”

Related: 1966 Hit Soft Rock Song, From the Association, Had Producers Lying To Get It Played on the Radio

The O’Jays had several more hits throughout the years, including “Love Train” and “For the Love of Money.” The band was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame.

Henry Winkler has long been an idol for TV fans due to his long-running role as Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli on Happy Days in the 1970s and 1980s. But the man who played the Fonz is a bit of a fan boy himself.

During an August 2026 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Winkler, 80, spoke about his music idols, some of whom he has been lucky enough to meet.

“I love Brandy Carlile,” Winkler told guest host Jelly Roll. “I have [seen her in concert] twice. And, you know, I can’t leave the venue without giving her a hug. So I wait like a nine-year-old girl. And then see her friend was Joni Mitchell that night. So I’m hugging Brandi, and I see Joni Mitchell, and I said, ‘Excuse me.’  I went in, and I said, ‘Hello, my name is Henry Winkler.’ She said, ‘I know who you are.’”

Winkler noted that he then introduced the music legend to his wife, Stacey Weitzman.

“Then I said, ‘Oh, this is my wife Stacey,’” Winkler shared. “And she went, ‘Oh, so you’re the one who married the Fonz!’”

Bettmann / Getty Images

Winkler once admitted he gets nervous when he meets celebrities he looks up to.

“I have a hard time with musicians,” the actor told NME in 2024. “I get tongue-tied. They’re my heroes. …I went backstage and met Brandi one time – and then I got to meet her friend, the majestic queen that is Joni Mitchell, who was in a room next to her.”

“I met John Lennon,” he added. “He brought his son Julian to the set of Happy Days. It’s one of the most important pictures I have in my house… I tried to have a conversation with John and he was very shy. It was really hard to pry a sentence out of him until I mentioned the song ‘Mother’, which was a primal scream on his first solo album [1970’s ‘John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band’]. Suddenly he opened like a garden. I think of it as one of the great memories of my life.”

ABC Photo Archives / Getty Images

Winkler’s love for music goes back well before he met Lennon on the Happy Days set in the mid-1970s. On Jimmy Kimmel Live, he recalled the very first concert he went to back in the late 1960s when he was in college.

“I went to the [Yale] drama school in New Haven, and I went to see Janis Joplin in the rain,” the Happy Days star shared.

Related: ‘Happy Days’ Fictional Band Was Actually a Real-Life Rock Group Fans Remember 50 Years Later

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If your home could use a little fall reset, Amazon has a storage solution that can help you tackle the clutter that’s been piling up all summer. The Goplus 5-Tier Metal Shelving Unit has five adjustable levels and can hold over 1,000 pounds, giving you plenty of room to corral everything from shoes and pantry staples to tools and small appliances. 

Right now, this unit is on sale for just $40 at Amazon, down from $50 for a two-pack. You can also shop the shelving in single, three- and four-pack configurations, with black and gray options available to match your space. The shelves are made from powder-coated metal that’s designed to resist water and rust, making them a practical choice for garages and basements where moisture may be a concern.One shopper called the shelves “very practical and sturdy.” 

Courtesy of Amazon

At 27.5 inches wide, 66 inches tall and just 12 inches deep, this five-tier rack gives you tall, narrow storage without taking up much floor space. Its narrow design is especially handy for a crowded garage, small laundry room, or packed closet where there may not be space for a bulky cabinet. The unit also comes in larger sizes, up to 35.5 inches wide and 72 inches tall, if you need more room to work with. 

Each tier is also adjustable, so you can change the spacing depending on what you need to store. Make more room for taller items like toolboxes, appliances and storage bins, or create smaller sections for shoes, cleaning products, books and pantry essentials. It also comes with adjustable clips, so you can split the unit into two smaller shelves for even more versatility. 

Another major perk is the 1,100-pound load capacity, which means you can use these shelves for more than lightweight odds and ends. Store everything from garage equipment and boxes of seasonal decorations to stacks of books, bulk pantry goods, cleaning supplies and small appliances. Anti-slip foot pads help keep the shelves steady, while an anti-tipping device lets you secure the unit to the wall for added stability.

Assembly is designed to be easy, too. The manufacturer says you only need a hammer and the included instructions to put the shelving together.

Shoppers have already found plenty of ways to use the racks. One reviewer called them “very nice storage racks” that were “easy to assemble,” while another said the unit was “perfect for a small garage.” A third shopper shared that the shelf was “sturdy” adding that they used it to organize their shoes.

• Furinno Tidur Nightstand Set, $27 (was $30) at Amazon
• Certified International Sunflower Bouquet Deep Serving Bowl, $35 (was $45) at Amazon
• DayLightir Solar Halloween Pumpkin Pathway Lights, $17 (were $25) at Amazon

Related: Amazon’s Heavy-Duty $29 4-Tier Shelf Holds 800 Pounds and Easily Declutters Any Garage or Pantry 

Whether you’re organizing a garage, a pantry or a closet, the Goplus 5-Tier Metal Shelving Unit can help turn those cluttered spaces into organized ones for as low as $40. Head to Amazon to grab the set while it’s still on sale!

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A major Australian country music festival has added three big names to its lineup after Post Malone announced he would no longer headline the event.

Strummingbird will welcome Tyler Childers, Sam Barber and James Johnston to its 2026 lineup following Malone’s exit from the festival.

The news comes after Malone, 31, postponed his upcoming Asia, Australia and New Zealand tour dates. According to a statement shared by the festival, the singer will no longer headline Strummingbird’s October events.

While fans may be disappointed to lose Malone, organizers have brought in some serious country music talent to fill the gap.

Childers, 35, will perform at the Newcastle and Sunshine Coast festivals and is being billed as an Australian exclusive. Barber, 23, will perform at the Ballarat event, also as an Australian exclusive. Johnston, 35, will join the lineup for all three shows.

The trio will perform alongside previously announced artists including Bailey Zimmerman, Cooper Alan, Stella Lefty and Dexter & The Moonrocks.

For country music fans, Childers’ addition is likely to be a particularly exciting one. The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter is known for songs including “Feathered Indians,” “All Your’n” and “In Your Love,” and has become one of the most celebrated artists in modern country music.

Barber has quickly made a name for himself with his blend of country and Americana, while Johnston is one of Australia’s rising country stars.

Strummingbird acknowledged that the lineup change may mean the 2026 festival is no longer the right fit for some ticket holders. Fans who have already purchased tickets can request refunds through Moshtix until 5 p.m. Thursday, September 3.

For those still keen to attend, tickets remain available for Newcastle, Ballarat and the Sunshine Coast.

Strummingbird 2026 takes place across Australia this October.

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Carrie Underwood took a moment to honor one of peers—and friends—Dolly Parton just one day after her death.

The “Before He Cheats” songstress shared an Instagram carousel on Tuesday, August 25, featuring several sweet moments the two stars shared over the years. Underwood’s tribute, which kicked off with a candid shot of the pair holding hands, began: “She’s not gone. I know exactly where she is.”

“She was the epitome of faith, grace, talent, beauty and humor,” Underwood, 43, continued. “She had a humble heart for Jesus and made everyone around her feel special. She was probably the one person on planet Earth that everyone loved and could agree on.”

“She was a one of one and no one will ever come close. It’s alright to be sad that this world lost a legend, but heaven gained an angel. Well done, good and faithful Dolly. Welcome home. ❤️🦋,” the American Idol winner added.

Several fans left loving responses to Underwood’s tribute for Parton in the post’s comments section, including fellow country star Miranda Lambert, who wrote: “Amen🦋.”

Parton died on Tuesday, August 25, at age 80. She had been dealing with kidney and autoimmune issues five days prior and was hospitalized at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, where she later died.

In announcing the news of Parton’s death in an Instagram video on the family’s behalf, the singer’s nephew Bryan Seaver noted that the responsibility of revealing the grim news was something Parton “asked of me years ago before I fully absorbed it as a future reality.”

“As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father, Larry, held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment, but haven’t truly felt it until now,” he said. “It is an honor. An honor that is mixed with absolute pride and  great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly.”

“Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens,” he continued.

“As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father, Larry, held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment, but haven’t truly felt it until now,” he said. “It is an honor. An honor that is mixed with absolute pride and  great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly.”

“Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens,” he continued.

Parton leaves behind an incredible legacy. She was a country music hitmaker, thanks to beloved songs like “Jolene” and “9 to 5.” She penned the 1974 power ballad, “I Will Always Love You,” which later went on to become a massive hit in the 1990s for late singer Whitney Houston as part of The Bodyguard.

Theo Wargo / Getty Images

Parton’s many accolades includes 11 Grammy Awards and being a 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee. She was also known for her many philanthropic efforts, including Parton’s Imagination Library, which has gifted over 300 million free books to children worldwide since its inception in 1995.

Before her death, Parton told People that she was “still workin’.”

“I’ve dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve,” she concluded. “So I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.”

If you’re already daydreaming about your next overseas getaway, American Airlines is serving up plenty of wanderlust. The major carrier has unveiled an ambitious international expansion for summer 2027, introducing seven new international routes and three brand-new global destinations that connect travelers directly to bucket-list cities across Europe and Asia.

“Coming off a summer of celebration, American is growing to offer new destinations and routes, bolstering our premium global route offerings,” says Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning. “Our international network has expanded to offer destinations to satisfy every travel palate. Combined with our investments enhancing our onboard product and inflight experience, travelers have more reasons to choose American when they fly around the world.”

Related: American Airlines Is Launching New Nonstop Flights to the Laid-Back European City Everyone Wants to Visit

Travelers flying out of Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) are the biggest winners in the latest expansion, with direct access to three standout global hotspots.

Starting May 6, 2027, American will become the only U.S. airline flying nonstop to Vienna, Austria. Known for its world-class classical music heritage, historic palaces, and iconic café culture, Vienna will also feature an extended flight season running through early January 2028, giving American flyers direct access to magical European Christmas markets during the winter holidays.

For travelers craving coastal charm and rich culinary traditions, American is launching its first-ever direct service between Philadelphia and Porto, Portugal, on March 28 on its Airbus A321XLR aircraft. The route places passengers right at the doorstep of the picturesque Douro Valley wine region and Porto‘s iconic blue-and-white azulejos tile-lined streets.

Meanwhile, adventure seekers embracing the popular “coolcation” trend can book nonstop flights from Philadelphia to Reykjavik, Iceland, starting May 27, marking the airline’s first direct flights on the route since 2019. The timing puts travelers in prime position to hike rugged glaciers, snorkel the Silfra Fissure, and take in the midnight sun.

Related: American Airlines Is Giving Onboard Service a Major Upgrade

Out of New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), American is giving travelers two seamless European escapes. Starting May 6, 2027, a new direct link to Nice, France, connects Big Apple travelers straight to the sparkling waters, glitz, and lavender breezes of the French Riviera and Côte d’Azur. For museum lovers and canal strollers, daily nonstop service between JFK and Amsterdam kicks off on March 28.

New York travelers heading across the pond will also get more flexibility with the return of a fourth daily flight between JFK and London Heathrow, boosting the joint American and British Airways network to 14 daily departures between the two cities.

In the South, Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is adding nonstop flights to Barcelona, Spain, starting May 27, giving the carrier six U.S. gateways into the architectural and soccer powerhouse.

Related: Unexpected (And Affordable) European Cities Trending in 2026

For Pacific travelers, American is answering soaring demand for springtime trips to Japan. Starting March 19, 2027, the airline will launch a new nonstop route between Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Tokyo Narita (NRT) on Boeing 787-9 aircraft, timed right for Japan’s famed cherry blossom season with convenient partner connections on Japan Airlines.

To capture the growing wave of spring break travelers, American is also bumping up departure dates for key returning routes, launching seasonal flights from Charlotte to Paris and Miami to Milan as early as March 4, 2027.

Tickets for all newly announced 2027 international routes officially go on sale to the public starting August 31, 2026, on aa.com and the American Airlines mobile app.

Related: United Just Added 10 Dream Nonstop Routes for 2027—and Almost No Other U.S. Airline Flies There

“Shake It” was a soft rock song that was originally written and recorded by Terence Boylan in 1977. It gained popularity when it was covered by Iain Matthews in 1978. His version of the song peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was his only top 40 hit as a solo act.

When asked what inspired him to pursue a career in music, Matthews told Costa Festival, “There were specific albums that lit the music flame under me. My mom was an amateur piano player and had a passion for black vocal quartets. Her favorite was ‘The Deep River Boys’. She listened to them all the time, and eventually I picked up on them too and went in search of more.”

He continued, “This search led me to The Impressions, which in turn led me to Otis Redding and on. Of course, I didn’t have the social background to create this genre of music, but it definitely helped inspire me to want to pursue a musical career. I suppose my first inspiration to be a songwriter came from listening to The Hollies.”

Matthews also gave advice to any aspiring musicians who are interested in getting into the industry. “Just begin,” he said. “If you have aspirations to be a songwriter, just throw yourself off that cliff and see what happens. Be yourself. There are no rules. It’s about getting an emotional response from someone and whatever that involves. If you love it, chances are someone else will too.”

Related: 1966 Hit Soft Rock Song, From the Association, Had Producers Lying To Get It Played on the Radio

Throughout his career, Matthews has performed as a solo artist and as a member of several different bands, including Fairport Convention and Matthews’ Southern Comfort. He created songs like “Seven Bridges Road” and “These Days.”

Matthews also co-wrote a memoir along with Ian Clayton called Thro’ My Eyes: A Memoir. As one Amazon reader said, “The book is beautifully written and has just the right mix of personal insight, business dealings and creative spirit. It certainly has piqued my interest in giving some more of his later music repeat visits.”

Matthews is currently 80 years old.

Jennifer Aniston had a little Friends reunion over dinner — but Rachel, Monica and Phoebe weren’t the only familiar faces at the table.

Aniston, 57, stepped out in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Aug. 25, with longtime costars Courteney Cox, 62, and Lisa Kudrow, 63, for a star-studded night that felt like an unofficial Friends reunion. Aniston’s boyfriend, Jim Curtis, joined the group, along with Jason Bateman and other familiar faces.

Bateman and Curtis had recently cruised with Aniston on a yacht in Mallorca, Spain, along with Bateman’s wife, Amanda Anka, and others. Aniston and Bateman have been close friends for more than 30 years, after first meeting in the 1990s through a mutual friend. Their longtime bond has extended to the big screen, where they’ve co-starred in five films, including The Break-Up and Horrible Bosses. Bateman has also described Aniston as a “co-mom” to his daughters, highlighting just how close she is to his family.

The Friends women, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, and Lisa Kudrow, stepped out together for dinner in West Hollywood. pic.twitter.com/amkoM49wEw

Aniston’s friendship with Cox and Kudrow goes back even further. The three women met when they were cast as Rachel, Monica and Phoebe on Friends in 1994, and more than 30 years later, their on-screen bond has become a genuine off-screen friendship. During the sitcom’s 10-season run, the trio famously ate lunch together every day, helping build the closeness they still share today.

That friendship has lasted well beyond the show’s 2004 finale. Aniston, Cox and Kudrow continue to celebrate birthdays and major milestones together, including Cox’s 2023 Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, where Aniston and Kudrow honored their longtime friend. And now, more than two decades after Friends ended, they’re still finding reasons to get together — this time over dinner in Los Angeles.

Aniston’s dinner outing also included Curtis, whom she has been dating for more than a year. The author and life coach has become part of her close-knit inner circle, and Aniston has previously praised him as “extraordinary” and “very kind.” The couple first sparked romance rumors in 2025 and have since appeared increasingly comfortable together in public.

Just in time for crisp autumn tailgates and the return of kickoff season, pop culture and gridiron loyalty are officially colliding.

Disney Consumer Products, the NFL, Fanatics, and heritage sportswear brand Champion have officially unveiled their full Disney | Champion NFL Collection, rolling out unique apparel matchups for all 32 NFL franchises.

Crafted on heavyweight, high-quality Champion fleece silhouettes, crewnecks, and classic tees, the apparel line pairs every team in the league with iconic characters from across the Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars universes.

Related: Disney Anniversary Collections Coming to Disney Store

Almost immediately after the full roster dropped, social media erupted as fans rushed to see which character was chosen to represent their squad.

Some alignments felt like absolute perfection from the jump. The Las Vegas Raiders landed Star Wars icon Darth Vader, tapping into the franchise’s historic outlaw mystique and silver-and-black armor. In the NFC North, the Minnesota Vikings fittingly drew Marvel’s God of Thunder, Thor, while the New England Patriots locked down Marvel’s Captain America, channeling classic red-white-and-blue leadership that has Foxborough fans ready to snag the thick winter crewneck immediately.

Other matchups leaned into local flavor and playful inside jokes. The New Orleans Saints were paired with trumpet-playing alligator Louis from The Princess and the Frog, while the Seattle Seahawks drew the infamous, clamoring “Mine, Mine, Mine” seagulls from Finding Nemo.

Related: Disney Partnering with Formula 1 for “Fuel the Magic” Line

Of course, the debate heated up over the more unexpected picks. Philadelphia Eagles faithful found their squad paired with Marvel supervillain Doctor Doom—a formidable, green-cloaked choice that sparked fiery online back-and-forth about whether a comic book tyrant truly captures the Philly underdog spirit or perfectly embodies their ruthless defensive dominance. In the AFC South, Tennessee Titans supporters were thrilled to see Marvel’s all-powerful Thanos on their gear, while Washington Commanders fans debated their fun tribute to the historic “Hogs” offensive line via Toy Story’s piggy bank, Hamm.

Beyond the fun debates over character lore, the gear itself is built around Champion’s signature durable athletic heritage. The heavyweight fleece and cozy crewnecks are tailor-made for chilly stadium bleachers, crisp Sunday watch parties, and casual weekend layering.

The collection marks a major milestone in Disney and ESPN’s ongoing countdown toward the 2027 Super Bowl broadcast, offering a rare crossover for collectors and casual fans alike.

The complete Disney | Champion NFL lineup is officially available across NFLShop.com, Fanatics.com, DisneyStore.com, and select retail locations nationwide.

Related: Disney Fans Are Officially ‘Freaking Out’ Over BÉIS’ Nostalgic New Travel Line

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Welcoming greenery into your space can instantly brighten up your space and make it feel inviting. Whether you’re a new plant parent or an avid plant collector, it’s important to find a proper home for your herbs, flowers, and ferns. While there are so many planters to choose from, self-watering pots are a top contender. They make it easy to care for your plant babies and don’t require as much maintenance. 

If you’re looking to snag one, we found an option that you’ll want to have on hand as fall rolls around: The Efispss Self-Watering Ceramic Pumpkin Planter. There’s no better time than right now to snag it because it’s currently on sale for up to 44% off at Walmart. Normally retailing for $36, it’s now marked down to just $20 in orange and white hues, and $23 in blue. 

Courtesy of Walmart

Featuring a distinct pumpkin silhouette, this planter has a round body, soft lines, and curved grooves. As a playful accent, the edge is scalloped, adding a whimsical touch. This planter is a great way to welcome fall energy into your home. The orange version has a signature gourd look, while the blue and white styles put a chic twist on it. While this pumpkin planter is undoubtedly fit for fall, the design is subtle enough for year-round use. 

Boasting two layers, this low-maintenance planter streamlines the watering process and takes out the guesswork. To use it, fill one-third of the outer pot with water. Plant your greenery in the inner pot and insert it into the outer pot, which acts as a reservoir. Whenever your plant needs water, it’ll absorb moisture from the reservoir so you don’t have to tend to it constantly. It can help prevent overwatering and protect your plants from root rot. 

“This pot is beautiful, super sturdy, and easy to use,” one Walmart reviewer commented. “It makes watering plants a breeze.” Another shopper mentioned that it “helps violets thrive and keeps the soil evenly moist.”

Courtesy of Walmart

The inner pot measures 3.9 inches tall with a 5.7-inch diameter at the top and 4.3 inches at the bottom. It’s ideal for small to medium-sized plants, including flowers like African violets and peace lilies, herbs like basil and mint, and houseplants like spider plants and pothos. 

The widest diameter of the entire planter is only 5.9 inches, so it should fit anywhere in your home without taking up much real estate. You can place it on a windowsill, kitchen counter, dining table, work desk, or anywhere else that receives ample sunlight.

Made of ceramic, this planter is easy to clean and resistant to fading and cracking, so it should remain in solid condition for a long time if properly cared for. Shoppers raved about its fantastic quality and noted that it has some weight to it.

This planter is also available in 10 other styles, including eight standard planters that are on sale between $20 and $33, and two orchid styles that are currently at full price for $18.

• Efispss Self-Watering Terracotta Planter, $23 (was $36) at Walmart
• Tcwhniev Smiling Hanging Planter, From $12 (was $14) at Walmart
• The Growing Ground 2-Pack of Turtle Planters, From $22 (was $29) at Walmart

Related: Walmart’s $9 Pumpkin Doormat Can Decorate Your Porch From Halloween Through Thanksgiving

If you want to effortlessly care for your newest plant or just want to bring some festive energy for the upcoming season, grab the Efispss Self-Watering Ceramic Pumpkin Planter at Walmart while it’s on sale for as low as $20! 

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Flea, the iconic bassist of Red Hot Chili Peppers, delivered a heartfelt tribute to Tim Curry, who passed away at the age of 80.

Amid an outpouring of tributes for the beloved actor, who was known for playing eccentric, villainous and larger-than-life characters, Flea joined those remembering Curry.

In an Instagram post, the Australian-American musician penned a touching message to the late actor, with whom he had worked in the past.

Flea and Curry voiced the characters Donnie and his adoptive father, Nigel Thornberry, on Nickelodeon’s The Wild Thornberrys.

The warm tribute for the three-time Tony Award nominee featured the bassist’s personal story about his long-standing admiration for Curry and the honor of being able to work with him on the show.

Jeremychanphotography/Getty Images

“I was a kid who dressed in mom’s makeup and lamay dress and went to see Rocky Horror at the Tiffany Theater on Sunset. I loved Tim Curry. We worked together later for a few years on The Wild Thornberries and I was excited to hang out with him and cut up, the sincere and funny voices. He was kind, smart and funny as hell. God bless him; beautiful and cosmic journeys to you Tim,” the Red Chilli Pepper member captioned his post, accompanied by a throwback photo of a glammed-up Curry for his role in the cult classic film The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Flea’s Instagram post echoed the sentiments of fans who remember the actor for his iconic roles and lasting impact on viewers.

“Heartbroken. Thanks for your tribute and I adored you both in The Wild Thornberries! You helped make my children’s childhood cool,” one wrote.

“Wild Thornberrys was a staple of my childhood,” a follower said.

For some fans, Flea’s post not only sent them on a nostalgic trip back to the 1990s but also left them blown away after they realized that the duo were the voices behind the Nickelodeon show.

“Wow, I am only now realizing he was the voice of Nigel Thornberry,” a commenter remarked.

“Did you say Wild Thornberries? Like the show ?!?” an Instagram user asked.

“I actually had NO IDEA they are the voice behind Wild Thornberries. This is sooo cool to learn,” a fan echoed.

“Wow! How cool! Loved Wild Thornberries and never knew this,” another added.

The same goes for a follower who commented, “All the youngins finding out Flea was the voice of Donnie from this post, just makes it that much better!”

“I didn’t know that Tim was Nigel,” one added.

Tim Curry’s death was confirmed by his friend and longtime manager, who noted that the actor passed away peacefully.

Prior to this, the actor suffered a major stroke in July 2012, which left him partially paralyzed and affected his mobility. He later used a wheelchair for assistance.

Related: ’90s Rock Icon Announces Solo Tour Ahead of New Album

It’s hard to top the buttery, flaky, sweet-and-salty goodness of a chocolate croissant. Pair one with a hot cup of coffee, and you have a breakfast that can make an ordinary morning feel a little more indulgent.

And now Costco is bringing that Parisian bakery feeling home in mini form, with a new treat that makes it easy to keep plenty on hand for breakfast, brunch, or whenever a craving strikes.

The new bakery find was spotted by @costcobffs, who shared a look at the pastries in an August 26 Instagram post:

Svetlana Ivanova / Getty Images

The new Kirkland Signature Mini Pain au Chocolat comes in a 20-count package for $9.99 (item #2062190). That works out to right around 50 cents each, which makes these little pastries an especially tempting alternative to picking up individual chocolate croissants at a bakery or coffee shop.

Each one is made with all-butter croissant dough wrapped around a chocolate filling, and they’re baked fresh in-house, delivering that combination of crisp, flaky layers and rich chocolate in a smaller size.

Related: Costco’s New Bakery Loaf Looks Like a True Summer Dream

And while they’re an obvious match for morning coffee, the mini size makes them just as nice beyond breakfast. Add them to a weekend brunch spread, tuck a couple into a lunchbox for a sweet treat, or arrange them on a platter with fresh berries and fruit when you need an easy dessert.

They’d also be an easy addition when you’re entertaining. Warm a batch just before guests arrive, then serve it alongside coffee or tea for an effortless treat that feels a little more special than something pulled straight from a package.

The early verdict is promising, too. @costcobffs rated the new bakery find a 4/5, simply describing it as “Pretty good!”

And if 20 pastries seem like a lot to get through while they’re fresh, freezing some can help make the package go further. Divide them into smaller portions before freezing so you can pull out only what you need, then warm them before serving to bring back some of that fresh-from-the-bakery appeal.

As with most Costco finds, pricing and availability can vary by warehouse. But this new bakery addition offers a fun way to bring a little taste of Paris to the table without booking a flight.

If you’re feeling anxious, worn out, emotionally wrought, or just a little odd or off, chances are you’re feeling the effect of the lunar eclipse and full moon in Pisces, which will be exact on Thursday, August 27, at 9:18 p.m. PT/Friday, August 28, at 12:18 a.m. PT. This impactful lunation is the fourth and final eclipse of 2026 and the penultimate eclipse in the series along the Virgo-Pisces axis that’s been ongoing since September 2024. 

For a sense of themes that you’ve already likely grown accustomed to moving through, think back to September 17, 2024, and every six months since then. Whether tied to your health and wellness, spiritual awareness, home and family, or relationships, there’s been a specific storyline unfolding over these last nearly two years. 

Eclipses lay the groundwork for karmic experiences because they involve the North and South Nodes, points in space that are aligned with your destiny and your past, respectively. This lunar eclipse in Pisces, associated with dreams, spirituality, empathy, healing, and escapism, will push you to refine whatever it is you’ve been working toward or in service of over the course of this eclipse series. And with the moon forming a tense but activating square to Uranus, the planet of electrifying realizations and sudden change, you could have an eye-opening epiphany. 

Read on for what you can expect to release over the course of this eclipse, based on your sign.

Read for your Sun and Rising signs.

With this eclipse falling in your twelfth house of spirituality, you’re being called to go inward and prioritize self-reflection and meditative moments over what you tend to prefer to do, which is to take bold action. You may be called to consider how you’ve been caring for your emotional well-being (think: exploring new kinds of therapy or stepping back from a relationship that can’t be healed). With the moon forming a harmonizing trine to your ruler, Mars, in your fourth house of home life, you can lean on loved ones to support your journey.  

Activating your eleventh house of friendships, this lunar eclipse calls you to think about the platonic bonds that are supporting your long-term wishes—and potentially also the ones that are impeding your forward movement. It might be time to step back from communities and social circles that aren’t showing up for you at the same level you’re showing up for them. And with the moon opposing Mercury in your fifth house of romance and self-expression, you’ll be compelled to speak from your heart.  

This eclipse falls in your tenth house of career, stirring up dynamic change tied to your professional path and potentially also your work-life balance. You’ve been itching for more freedom, given that Uranus, the planet of independence, is hunkered down in your sign now and squaring off against this lunation. And this eclipse makes it clear that you’ll be most fulfilled by striking out on your own in some way. And as it opposes Mercury, your ruler, in your fourth house of home life, you’ll be nudged to open up about your inner truth. 

Yes, you’re a homebody and a lover of cozy creature comforts, but you’ll feel ready to spread your wings in some way now, because the eclipse is falling in your ninth house of adventure and higher learning. You might feel confined by mundane routines, habits, or experiences and realize that your soul needs to explore uncharted terrain, whether by working with a mentor, picking up a new skill set, or going on a long-distance trip. Your wanderlust and desire to broaden your horizons are a fast track to personal and spiritual growth. 

On the heels of the solar eclipse in your sign, this lunar eclipse activates a narrative you’ve been moving through, centering on earning, managing, or investing money alongside a significant other or loved one, because it falls in your eighth house of shared resources. You could be struggling to gain traction on solutions you thought were surefire bets, or find that by leaning into a particular passion, you’re able to set the stage for a windfall. Letting go of old fears is integral to healing old wounds around money and intimacy. And with the moon sitting opposite Mercury in your second house of income, you could find yourself on the receiving end of intriguing, eye-opening news around your cash flow, perhaps related to a lucrative new partnership. 

As nerve-wracking as the energy might feel right now, trust that you know exactly what this eclipse is about for you, Virgo, because it’s part of a narrative about your identity and one-on-one bonds you’ve been moving through since September 2024. As this one activates your seventh house of partnership, you might be ending one chapter and beginning another within a significant relationship. You could also be kicking off a new way of caring for yourself and standing strong in your sense of self. And even more than usual, your cerebral strengths are your greatest asset with the eclipse falling just after the confident sun pairs up with your ruler, messenger Mercury, in your sign.  

In general, this eclipse may highlight opportunities to heal and care for oneself emotionally and spiritually, because it is colored by Pisces, but that’s especially the case for you, as it activates your sixth house of health. Move beyond that habit, daily routine, approach, or pattern that’s been keeping you from feeling truly centered and vital. You might find that opening yourself up to a completely out-of-left-field approach—thanks to the square to game-changer Uranus in your ninth house of adventure—serves as the key to forward movement.

This eclipse activates your fifth house of romance, making it ripe for moving beyond any insecurities, fears, or inhibitions that are preventing you from fully embracing and enjoying the most lighthearted moments in life. Whether you want to be more present with your kids or grandkids, tap into artistic impulses within your creative work, or share what’s in your heart with your significant other or loved ones more openly, you’re being encouraged to acknowledge and boost your joy. With the moon forming a friendly sextile to your co-ruler, Mars, in your ninth house of adventure, giving yourself permission to dive into uncharted waters can pay off.  

You’re reaching the end of a particular story you’ve been moving through connected to your physical home, inner life, family relationships, or wounds you’ve been managing for a while, because this eclipse falls in your fourth house of home life. It may be time to acknowledge that the way you’ve been slapping a bandage on your emotional well-being isn’t going to cut it anymore, and it’s time for more significant healing. Because the moon squares off against Uranus in your seventh house of partnership, a significant other, loved one, or colleague could play a part in opening your eyes to the most positive, productive next steps. 

This eclipse could feel hairy, frenetic, frazzling, and also extremely mentally stimulating, because it falls in your third house of communication. You’re being compelled to reflect on how you share your ideas with others, brainstorm, or  take care of business that involves short-distance travel. You’re highly industrious, but if you’ve been burning the candle at both ends, you might find that you have no choice but to streamline your commitments now. Thanks to the confident sun and Mercury joining up in your eleventh house of friendships, you can lean on your social circle to feel more empowered. 

The August 12 solar eclipse was all about your sense of self versus the one-on-one bonds in your life, but this eclipse takes you back to a space you’ve occupied since September 2024 that centers on your job, cash flow, and how you bring your skills to the table to earn a living. That’s because this lunar eclipse is in your second house of income. It may be time to speak up about your worth, take a stand, set a boundary, or actually cut ties with work that doesn’t fully reflect what you bring to the table. The sun and Mercury in your eighth house of shared resources boost your self-assuredness when it comes to going to bat for what you deserve. 

With this lunar eclipse falling in your sign and first house of self, you’re being called to take stock of how you’ve been showing up for yourself and in the world. Is the way you’re being perceived by others genuinely reflective of your identity, your sense of self, your heart and spirit, or does something need to change (think: more self-love and compassion) in order for that to be the case? With the moon forming a shocking square to Uranus in your fourth house of home life, anticipate a lightbulb moment about old emotional wounds that require addressing in order for you to feel more fully and truly seen. 

UP NEXT:

In 1969, The Archies had the No. 1 song of the year with “Sugar, Sugar.” The “faceless” band that recorded catchy hits for the TV cartoon series of the same name featured singers Ron Dante and Toni Wine backed by an impressive group of session musicians managed by legendary producer Don Kirshner.

While they could have been easily dismissed as simply a made-for-TV band, in a new interview, Dante, 81, defended The Archies and their legacy.

“The music, we broke barriers with our music,” Dante said during an August 2026 appearance on Billy Corgan’s The Magnificent Others podcast. “Because it was pretty good rock and roll if you listen to it.”

Describing the music as “bubblegum rock,” Dante explained, “It was rock and roll. And it was rock and roll for very young people. It was never meant to compete with Led Zeppelin or the Stones. It was meant for 9- to 13-year-olds who chew bubble gum and eat cereal in the morning.”

Dante noted that to promote the music, producers cut a deal to put “Sugar, Sugar” on the back of Sugar Pops cereal boxes.

“Ten million boxes went out with a cardboard record that you could cut out and play like 21 times,” he shared. “And it was very successful. And it had four songs on it. So, a lot of kids six, seven, eight years old would be eating breakfast. They’d say, ‘What is that? Oh, let’s cut that out and play it.’ So, it was some of the first rock and roll they ever heard.”

RELATED: The Monkees ‘Best Song of All Time’ Became a No. 1 Hit  Twice

“I was never offended by the term bubblegum,” Dante added. “I thought they should know who’s playing on these records. The greatest New York studio musicians played on The Archie’s records. [Guitarists] Hugh McCracken, David Spinozza. Two of these guys were on the Archie Records. When Paul McCartney came to town to do [his album] Ram, who did he hire? Hugh McCracken and David Spinozza.”

“We had great drummers, we had great bass players, and they played on all the hits,” the singer continued. “So, it wasn’t like a little kid band over here making young music. It was grown-ups making young music.”

On paper, the Archies were a cartoon band, made up for the animated Saturday morning series that featured lead singer and guitarist Archie Andrews, bass player Reggie Mantle, keyboardist Veronica Lodge, percussionist Betty Cooper, and drummer Jughead Jones performing songs such as “Sugar, Sugar” and “Jungle Jangle.”

But the songs were meticulously written and produced by legendary duo Jeff Barry and Andy Kim.

“They didn’t dive deep into lyrics, but they dove deep into pockets on those records,” Dante recalled on the podcast. “I remember Jeff Barry working very hard on ‘Sugar, Sugar,’ making sure that the drums and the bass played what he wanted. It took an hour and a half or two hours to get the pocket. And then I came out and after the track was laid and did my vocal.”

Dante previously explained why he agreed to provide vocals for fictional singer Archie Andrews on “Sugar, Sugar” and other songs.

“I felt it had a really good beat,” he once told Goldmine magazine of the 1969 hit. “I wanted my vocal to be soft like Donovan’s delivery on songs like ‘Mellow Yellow.’”

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Michelle Obama’s Martha’s Vineyard outfit at the Martha’s Vineyard Author Series was a little more dressed up than her usual Island style—and she was the first to admit it.

The former First Lady stepped out in a crisp blue-and-white striped sundress and heeled sandals Sunday as she drew packed crowds to the Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center for two conversations about her new book, The Look.

The special event, which capped off a summer-long author series, featured Obama talking about everything from fashion and her days in the White House to how she really prefers to dress on the Island.

“This is dressed up [and] we don’t do this here. I don’t even wear shoes,” she said, via The Vineyard Gazette. “This place is magic to our family. I mean, it really is. It’s one of the few places where we can go and just be, and that’s thanks to everybody here who loves us but gives us space — maybe excited, but not too crazy.”

But the casual look didn’t fly when she was in the White House. Obama recounted the intense scrutiny she faced over her fashion choices and appearance, often feeling that the media focused more on what she was wearing than what she was saying.

“It wouldn’t matter what the content of the speech was. The way the press often covered it was, ‘She was wearing X, Y, Z. Her arms looked like this,’” she recalled. “When the media started taking notice … I think some of our Democratic opponents felt like ‘We need to target her,’ and that’s when the negative press started.”

She added, “If they want to go after a woman, they go after how she looks, how we feel about ourselves.”

Since the media was going to “focus on my shoes before they focused on anything I said,” Obama realized she “needed to be smart about what I wore, what it meant. My clothes had to tell a story.”

That meant choosing designers whose work reflected her broader vision of inclusion and, at times, going against the traditional choices made by former First Ladies. One of her most notable decisions came when she selected then-relatively unknown designer Jason Wu to create her first inaugural ballgown instead of established names such as Oscar de la Renta.

“That’s the beginning of just a broader story about who belongs,” she said. “I wasn’t doing [Mr. Wu] a favor, you know. I looked at other dresses, and I picked his. It changed his life, and it said something to a whole array of young minority designers that you are now going to get a chance.”