Grapevine: Patti Smith, Tony Hawk and more set for Pathway to Paris concert

Patti Smith, Karen O, Tony Hawk and more set for Pathway to Paris concert

Climate change nonprofit Pathways to Paris — co-founded by musicians and activists Rebecca Foon and Detroit's Jesse Paris Smith — will host a concert in Los Angeles Sept. 16 with Yeah Yeah Yeahs singer Karen O, skateboard icon Tony Hawk and Smith's mother, songwriter and poet Patti Smith. “Artists are blessed with the ability to inspire and incite, but in the end it is the people who facilitate change,” Patti Smith told Rolling Stone. “Pathway to Paris brings these forces together, art and activism. Their events bring to the forefront our civic duties and the joy and possibilities of unity.“ A previously-announced San Francisco date is Sept. 14 with headliners Smith, Bob Weir and Flea. 

Showtime, Cohen push back on Palin's claims

Showtime and comedian Sacha Baron Cohen are defending themselves after former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin said she was "duped" by Cohen for his Showtime series "Who Is America?" Palin said Cohen disguised himself as a disabled U.S. veteran in a wheelchair and tricked her into an interview. Showtime said in a statement Monday that Cohen "did not present himself as a disabled veteran" or wear any military apparel when he met with Palin or Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Associated Press reports. 

Madonna revisits Malawi

To celebrate the first anniversary of the opening of a medical facility funded by her charity, Madonna has returned to Malawi Monday. The hospital was the first in that country to successfully separate conjoined twins, and Madonna met the mother and aunt of the twins during her visit. Next up? The pop star is considering opening a soccer academy there, since her son, David Banda, 12, says he dreams of Malawi making it to the World Cup. 

Compiled by Melody Baetens

Wednesday's birthdays

Richard Branson, 68

Wendy Williams, 54

Vin Diesel, 51

Kristen Bell, 38

Priyanka Chopra, 36