Clarkson to headline at Wolf Trap

VIENNA, Va. » Kelly Clarkson, Santana and ­Sheryl Crow are among the headliners planning to make stops this summer at the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts.

Wolf Trap is announcing its first 55 shows for the summer. Clarkson was added to the list Tuesday as she is planning a major tour for her new album, "Piece by Piece." Clarkson plans to visit Wolf Trap for the first time Sept. 12 and 13 with the a cappella group Pentatonix.

Other headliners planning concerts at Wolf Trap include Diana Krall, David Gray and Audra McDonald with the National Symphony Orchestra.

This season will also feature Sarah Koe­nig and Julie Snyder of the hit podcast "Serial" appearing at Wolf Trap this summer.

Tickets go on sale March 21 for all shows.

Smithsonian bans selfie sticks

WASHINGTON » Cameras and pictures are allowed, but selfie sticks are now banned at the Smithsonian museums.

The Smithsonian Institution issued a new policy Tuesday saying the use of selfie sticks is now prohibited, along with tripods and monopods in museums and gardens. Selfie sticks are hand-held camera mounts for self-portraits.

Smithsonian officials say this is a preventive measure to protect visitors and museum objects — especially when museums are crowded with thousands of visitors.

In a statement, the Smithsonian says the museums encourage visitors to take selfies and share their experiences, but they should leave their selfie sticks in their bags.

Cherry blossom peak predicted

WASHINGTON » The National Park Service is predicting a peak bloom for Washington’s cherry blossom trees April 11-14.

Organizers of the National Cherry Blossom Festival and the park service announced the peak bloom date Tuesday. The average date for the peak bloom, when 70 percent of the trees around the Tidal Basin are in bloom, is April 4.

This year’s festival, which marks the anniversary of Japan’s gift of 3,000 cherry trees, runs from March 20 through April 12.