The Boot News Roundup: Chris Young, Gavin DeGraw Teaming Up for CMT’s ‘Crossroads’ + More

Welcome to The Boot's News Roundup, a morning rundown of the news country music fans need to know. Read on to learn more about the latest goings-on in the country, Americana, bluegrass and folk genres.

CMT's genre-blending concert series Crossroads is scheduled to feature Chris Young in a brand-new episode that will air in December. The country star will be joined by pop-rocker Gavin DeGraw for the upcoming episode, which will tape in Franklin, Tenn., at Liberty Hall at the Factory on Nov. 26. The taping is free to the public, and admission will be granted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Fans who can't make it to the taping will be able to catch the episode on CMT before the end of the year, with exact details to be announced.

Alison Krauss will add yet another honor to her trophy case in 2019: a National Medal of Arts. According to Billboard, Krauss is set to receive the medal in a ceremony at the White House on Thursday (Nov. 21), in recognition of her "extraordinary contributions to American music." Also of note: The White House press secretary misspelled Krauss' name in the press release announcing the award.

Fresh off releasing an album with her country supergroup the Highwomen, Amanda Shires has announced plans for a solo tour in 2020. The Atmosphereless Tour kicks off on Feb. 7 in Jackson, Miss., and will make stops in North Carolina, Kentucky, Alabama, Texas, Utah, Montana and more states before concluding in at Hi-Fi Indy in Indianapolis, Ind., on April 30. Check out a full list of dates on Shires' official website.

Jason Aldean is taking a unique approach to the release of his much-anticipated new album, 9. According to a press release, on Nov. 27 at 9PM ET, Aldean will premiere a nine-song performance of tracks from the album, filmed at Jason Aldean's Restaurant + Rooftop Bar in Nashville, online and at more than 100 locations of Bar Louie and "independently owned bars" across the country. Fans can find the participating local bar that's closest to them via Aldean's website.

Americana trio the Ballroom Thieves have announced plans to release a brand-new album. Titled Unlovely, the 11-track record was written by the band's Calin Peters and Martin Earley, and will explore a range of subjects that includes the empowerment of women, "destruction of patriarchy," love and American politics. Unlovely is set for release on Feb. 14, via Nettwerk Records; get more info at BallroomThieves.com.