WB Boosts HD Footprint

The WB said its HDTV programming will now be available to 60% of the country, up from 40% last season, thanks to the increasing number of digital affiliates now delivering the HD feed.

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Reba seeks Dolly

Reba McEntire is actively trying to recruit Dolly Parton for her hit series “Reba.”

“We’re working on a script for Dolly,” McEntire said. “It can be nothing less than perfect for Dolly. I would love it if it could happen this season.”

McEntire has been trying for years to get the country diva on her comedy show. But Parton has been particular about what she does on television, McEntire said.

“She says yes she will do it but only if the story is right. I said, ‘Dolly, it wouldn’t be given to you until it is perfect. Your standards are so high.’ I am such a huge fan of hers.”

McEntire was to begin work on “Reba” early this month. It usually ranks as The WB’s top Friday-night show and sometimes the network’s most-watched series of the week.

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Reba: She's the queen of country

Tickets go on sale for September show in Engelstad

Reba McEntire, one of the brightest stars in country music, will play the Ralph Engelstad Arena at 7 p.m. Sept. 26.

Reba's "Somebody" became her 22nd No. 1 hit this week on Billboard's Hot Country Singles and Tracks chart. The song breaks the record for longest span of No. 1 hits by a female country performer, stretching from 1982's "I Can't Even Get the Blues" to "Somebody" in July 2004.

With more than 40 albums, McEntire is a pillar in the recording industry, earning nearly every music award available. She's the subject of two books and has a separate career as a movie and television actress, dating back to the classic "Tremors" with Kevin Bacon.

"This is Reba's first tour in several years, and we are very excited to have her in our first large concert event this fall," said Chris Semrau, director of events and media relations at Ralph Engelstad Arena.

He said the concert is a big stage production, with massive video screens and an extensive sound and lighting package.

Semrau said the last major concert in the arena was last year's very successful Rascal Flatts show.

"We are very excited to have another legendary country artist back in Grand Forks," he said.

Seating in the arena will be arranged in a 270-degree configuration, with full-house seating of 9,500.

Ticket prices range from $34 to $69 with 3,000 to 4,000 tickets at the upper and lower ends of the range.

"We wanted to be sure we had a substantial number of tickets at both ends," Semrau said.

Fans may purchase tickets through TicketMaster, charge by phone at (701) 772-5151, go online at www.ticketmaster.com, or visit the Ralph Engelstad Arena box office from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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River City Roundup

Country stars Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley and Clay Walker are on the entertainment lineup for post-rodeo performances at the River City Roundup Fair & Festival, which runs Sept. 22 through Sept. 26 at Qwest Center Omaha. Paisley performs Sept. 23, Walker on Sept. 24 and McEntire on Sept. 25. The rodeo begins at 7 p.m.; concerts start at 9:30 p.m.

Tickets for both the rodeo and concert are priced $19 to $50. There are $20 concert-only tickets available at 7 p.m. the day of the show for admission to the dirt-floor area of the arena. For more information, visit www.rivercityroundup.org or call 554-9600, ext. 107.

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