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.

Rory Feek is making a triumphant return to the stage in 2018, two years after losing his wife and musical partner Joey Feek to cancer. Feek has announced that he will host a series of performances this spring at his Tennessee barn, located about an hour south of Nashville. "What Rory does on stage is more like a TED Talk with music than it is a concert,” Feek's manager, Aaron Carnahan, says in a statement. “Rory’s an unusually gifted storyteller who is able to weave songs, stories and video components seamlessly together in a way that not only entertains an audience, but also profoundly impacts their character and marriages and the way they look at life.” Feek will kick off his concert series on April 13, then continue with at least two shows per month (three in November and December) through the end of 2018. Fans can score tickets at RoryFeek.com. -- AM

At Sunday's (March 11) 2018 iHeartRadioMusic Awards, Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett and Sam Hunt walked away with the Best New Country Artist, Country Artist of th Year and Country Song of the Year trophies, respectively. Combs learned of his win prior to the ceremony and shared his gratutide via a video message; Rhett's win was also announced before the show. -- AS

Shooter Jennings Dave Cobb Do You Love Texas
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The year 2018 is shaping up to be a busy one for Shooter Jennings, who's announced plans to head out on tour this spring. According to Rolling Stone, Jennings recently kicked off a run of 14 dates at Oklahoma City's Tower Theatre, making stops in Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Illinois before concluding in Lincoln, Neb., on April 22. Out on the road, Jennings will be joined by support artists Jaime Wyatt and the Black Lillies. -- AM

Rachel Reinert birthday
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Almost two years after parting ways with her former band Gloriana, singer Rachel Reinert has announced her first-ever solo show. Reinert shared the news on Twitter, saying that she's been "dreaming up these songs for the last two years." "I can't wait to get back onstage again and share my heart with you all," Reinert writes. The free (with RSVP) performance is set for April 11 at Nashville's Analog, inside the Hutton Hotel, at 7PM; Reinert will be joined by special guest Caleb Elliott. -- AM

Keith Urban NYE tribute
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In addition to being scheduled to speak during SXSW 2018Keith Urban has also announced a special show, scheduled for March 16 at the Stubb's BBQ Stage at Waller Creek Amphitheater; the event, which also features a few opening acts, will begin at 8PM. Hosted by Bumble, Urban's talk is titled "Creation and Connection: A Conversation With Keith Urban;" during the event, the "Female" singer will discuss his career in the music industry and how he "stays connected in an isolating age." -- AM

Rascal Flatts The Voice Season 13
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On March 9, the members of Rascal Flatts were honored with the 2018 Excellence in Children's Health Award, presented by Vanderbilt Medical Center's Cumberland Pediatric Foundation. The band was given the award in recognition of their work with the Rascal Flatts Pediatric Surgery Center at Vanderbilt's Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital, a facility named in recognition of the $3 million in funds raised by the award-winning trio for children treated at the hospital. -- AM

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