FOX411 Country's Weekly News Round-Up

It has been a busy week in the world of country music.

Fourteen-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Skaggs' latest album “Country Hits Bluegrass Style" is in stores now. Skaggs is playing tunes from the new album on his “Treasure Chest Tour.”

Meanwhile country legend Merle Haggard has announced a new album due out in October called “Working in Tennessee” a collection filled of stories from life at home and on the road.

And Lady Antebellum are in a sharing mood, sending out details about their upcoming third album “Own the Night.”  According to trio member Dave Haywood, with this one, “more than ever before, I think we share a real feeling of accomplishment both as a band and as friends.”

Fox 411 Country also checks in with Country hip-hopper Colt Ford who’s rocking out on the road with his third CD, “Every Chance I Get.”  He’s also making sure to take time while he’s out there to give back to his hometown of Athens, Georgia. Ford heard of a shooting involving two police officers there that killed Senior Police Officer Elmer “Buddy” Christian and injured his fellow Senior Police Officer Tony Howard. The singer has announced a benefit concert with proceeds to go to both families. It’s called “Colt Ford and Friends” and will take place August 16th at Georgia Theater.  Joining him for the cause are Rhett Akins, Edwin McCain, James Otto, Jason Aldean, and more.

In an official press release Ford explained why it meant so much to him to be able to help out in this way saying, “I’ve known Tony for over 25 years, and both he and Buddy are and were pillars in this community, and I can’t stand by and not do something for their families during this difficult time due to such a brutal offense.”

Ford adds that “I want to raise as much money as we can through the auction, performances, and donation links, so I can’t thank my friends enough for joining together with me for this great cause.”

One of the friends joining him there, Jason Aldean, is our featured performer of the week.  He kicks it into gear with his “Dirt Road Anthem,” the current number one on the Billboard Country Songs chart.  It’s his seventh number one song and the third consecutive platinum release off his 2011 album “My Kinda Party."

See if it’s your kinda party, too!