Country superstar Reba McEntire will be bringing her entourage of 16 trucks, seven buses and one jet for her performance at Hilton Coliseum tomorrow night.

For the past two years McEntire’s concert has been the top-grossing country tour and has placed in the top 10 of all genres of music.

Last year her tour was named “The Most Creative Stage Production” at the 7th Annual Concert Industry Awards.

With more than 35 million records sold, McEntire is the largest-selling female country star in history.

Her latest album, What If It’s You was just released last week. In a press release, McEntire said her new album is different from all of the others she has released.

“Everything feels different about this record,” she said. “We’ve made changes in every aspect — the songs, the attitude, the excitement of the new studio, the band, new microphones, new production, everything.”

McEntire’s last album, Starting Over, a collection of hits that influenced her, was “heavy with instrumentation.”

“This time, I want a crisp mountain stream, not an ocean. Sometimes when you hear somebody on the radio, it sounds like they’re right there on the dash of your car. I wanted that sound too,” McEntire said.

“I’m at a new point in my life and this album shows it. I’m older now and I want people to know how happy I am. I’ve learned that the measure of success is really just knowing that my family is healthy and happy. All you need to have in life is time with your loved ones, a good meal and a good movie. Oh yeah, and a good song to sing.”

McEntire is known for her elaborate stage shows and her numerous costume changes during her performances.

The stage for McEntire’s 1996 tour is said to be “the most creative design ever presented in an arena atmosphere, including a stage that stretches the length of the arena floor (up to 200 feet long) and incorporates three separate performance areas.”

Brian Leedham, Reba’s production manager, said, “Without a doubt, the stage we have designed is going to be one of the most talked about of any tour this year.

“We wanted to keep the big production aspect, while incorporating even more intimacy between the audience and Reba, and we think we have accomplished this in an extremely creative way,” Leedham said.

Ninety-six people are responsible for putting the whole “intimate” show together. The 16 trucks are used to haul 40 tons of equipment and lights to each performance.

McEntire began her career in the mid-1970s. Since then she has received numerous awards including two Grammys, four trophies as Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year, and Entertainer of the Year honors from both the CMA and the Academy of Country Music.

Last year she received an American Music Award for favorite female country vocalist and a People’s Choice Award for favorite female vocalist.

She has played roles in several movies including, Tremors, The Little Rascals, North, and Buffalo Girls.

Country star Billy Dean will open for Reba. Special guest Linda Davis will also be singing songs from her latest CD.

Tickets for the 8 p.m. show are still available for $31.50 at the Iowa State Center Box Office or call 233-1888 to charge by phone.