Snoop Dogg speaks at Nation of Islam convention

March 2, 2009 at 12:00a.m.

ROSEMONT, Ill. — Snoop Dogg has made an appearance at the Nation of Islam’s annual convention in a Chicago suburb.

Wearing sunglasses, a dark suit and a tie, the rapper spoke briefly in front of a crowd of thousands Sunday and praised the Chicago-based movement’s Minister Louis Farrakhan.

Farrakhan has long held relationships with famous rappers and hip-hop artists. Snoop, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, called himself the leader of the “hip-hop community” and says he’ll always seek out the minister.

Snoop gave a $1,000 donation to the Nation of Islam, then sat on stage and smiled and nodded as Farrakhan delivered a speech.

Rapper T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris, appeared via recorded video. He told followers that education is the key to success.

Jonas Brothers surprise fans at movie theater

WEST NYACK, N.Y. — The Jonas Brothers have visited fans on familiar turf, making a surprise appearance at a suburban New York movie theater they frequented while growing up.

The pop stars’ stop at the Palisades Center on Saturday was one of several around the country to promote their new film, “Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience.”

The West Nyack appearance was something of a homecoming for Joe, Kevin and Nick Jonas, raised in nearby Wyckoff, N.J. Nick Jonas said at a news conference that they often saw movies at the mall, “so the fact that we’re coming back here is really, really, really cool.”

The film opened Friday, capping some heady weeks for the Grammy-nominated brothers. They performed at the White House for presidential daughters Malia and Sasha Obama last month.

Today’s birthdays

Bluegrass musician Doc Watson is 86. Actor John Cullum (“Northern Exposure”) is 79. Author Tom Wolfe is 79. Actor Jon Finch is 68. Author John Irving is 67. Singer Lou Reed is 67. Actress Cassie Yates is 58. Actress-comedian Laraine Newman is 57. Singer Jay Osmond of The Osmonds is 54. Drummer John Cowsill of The Cowsills is 53. Country singer Larry Stewart of Restless Heart is 50. Singer Jon Bon Jovi of Bon Jovi is 47. Actor Daniel Craig (“Casino Royale”) is 41. Singer Chris Martin of Coldplay is 32. Actor Robert Iler (“The Sopranos”) is 24.