The Boot News Roundup: Michael Ray Headlining 2019 CMT on Tour + 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.

Michael Ray will headline the 18th annual CMT on Tour concert series this fall. According to CMT, the tour will kick off in Greensboro, N.C., on Oct. 17, and make stops in Alabama, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Georgia and New Jersey before concluding at Upstate Concert Hall in Clifton Park, N.Y., on Dec. 7. Jimmie Allen and duo Walker County will join Ray out on the road. Tickets for the shows are on sale on Friday (Aug. 23).

Luke Bryan will commemorate the 10th anniversary of his platinum-selling 2009 album Doin' My Thing with a special vinyl release. According to a press release, the record is being released on vinyl for the first time and will include two "rare" bonus tracks, "Y'all Can Have This Town" and "Favorite Flowers." The vinyl is set for release on Oct. 4; fans can pre-order it now.

Starting in September, the Grand Ole Opry House will be home to an exhibit honoring the Opry history of Dolly Parton. According to a press release, the exhibit, called Dolly: My Opry Memories, will open to the public on Sept. 3, and will feature 24 dresses and other fashion pieces from Parton's most memorable Opry appearances. The exhibit will run through the end of October; that month, the Opry's programming will also include "Dolly Week," a week-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of Parton's Opry debut.

A comprehensive new documentary will shed light on the fascinating history of bluegrass music. Titled Big Family: The Story of Bluegrass Music, the film is narrated by actor and musician Ed Helms, and will feature appearances from some of bluegrass' most iconic legends, including Ricky Skaggs, Dale Ann Bradley, Alison Brown, Bela Fleck and more. The documentary will premiere on PBS stations across the country on Aug. 30 at 9PM ET.

Garth Brooks will receive the first-ever George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award for Caring and Compassion. According to a press release, the honor will be presented by the global nonprofit Points of Light at the organization's annual gala on Sept. 26 in New York City, in recognition of Brooks' extensive charitable efforts throughout his career. “Garth is one of our generation’s true singer and songwriter legends -- but what many people aren’t aware of is Garth’s commitment and passion for creating viable change in communities across America,” says Neil Bush, son of George H.W. Bush and Points of Light's chairman, in a statement. “My father always admired the way Garth used his visibility to support and lift up those in need. And much like my father, Garth is a true humanitarian whose generosity comes from his empathetic compassion for others.”