Jeff Kinney has ‘Wimpy Kid’ spinoff book out in April

NEW YORK » The “Wimpy Kid” and author Jeff Kinney are both embarking on new paths.

Amulet Books announced that Kinney’s latest novel is called “Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Adventure” and comes out April 7 with an announced first printing of 3 million copies, among the highest for any fiction writer. Rowley Jefferson, “Wimpy Kid” Greg Heffley’s best friend, is the book’s narrator. He will tell the story of “Roland the Kind” and “Garg the Barbarian” and their quest to vanquish the evil White Warlock. The book is a follow-up to last year’s “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” spinoff “Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid.”

Kinney also plans an unusual promotional tour this spring. There is no advance itinerary, not even for Kinney. Every day a new destination, decided upon by his publisher and various booksellers, will be announced.

Beale Street Music Festival announces acts for May event

MEMPHIS, TENN. » The Lumineers, Three 6 Mafia, The Avett Brothers, Lil Wayne and The Smashing Pumpkins are included in the lineup of performers scheduled to appear at this year’s Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis, Tenn.

The three-day Beale Street Music festival is held every year during Memphis in May, the city’s monthlong celebration of music, food and culture. This year’s music festival is scheduled from May 1-3. It is held at Tom Lee Park, which sits alongside the Mississippi River.

Other acts scheduled to perform at the festival are Nelly, Weezer, The 1975, DaBaby, Lindsey Buckingham, Patty Griffin, and the Deftones, festival organizers said.

As always, the festival boasts performers with strong Memphis ties, including Mavis Staples, Project Pat, Al Kapone, Amy LaVere and others.

The festival also features a Blues Tent, with scheduled performers such as Bobby Rush, Keb Mo, Taj Mahal, Don Bryant & the Bo-Keys, and Lisa Mills.