Another one to chalk up! COMBO members Sydney & Caitlin Powell, a/k/a Facing West (f/k/a Two Girls With Guitars) won the Buena Vista Country Showdown, also sponsored by KBVC Radio. They, too, will move onto the Colorado State Country Showdown competition in Copper Mountain on Sunday, September 6th.
Here’s a bio for Facing West:
Front and Center: Colorado Sister Duo, Facing West
Caitlin and Sidney Powell from Evergreen, CO are the two fresh faces that make up Facing West. The sister duo are 17 and 14, respectively, and are just at the beginning of their musical journey.
Recently signed by Pando Records, a label under Warner Music Group, these two ladies have been staying busy writing and recording for their debut album, A Long Way Home, released in May. Their first single and music video, “Anchor,” was released in March, and is already making waves in the girls’ home state’s folk and country music scene.
By Gabriella Steffenberg
You can learn more about Facing West at http://www.facingwestmusic.com.
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COMBO MEMBER KRISTI HOOPES WINS SALIDA COUNTRY SHOWDOWN
Moving onto the Colorado State Country Showdown competition in Copper Mountain on September 6th is Kristi Hoopes. Kristi won the local competition in Salida, Colorado, sponsored by radio station KBVC. Let us remind you about Kristi’s musical achievements:
With seven years, 30+ awards, and two guitars under her belt, four-time “Songwriter of the Year,” five-time “New Country Female Entertainer of the Year,” and Nashville recording artist Kristi Hoopes is belting out the country music of tomorrow, today.
This past summer, Kristi had the opportunity to record her first album at the historic RCA Studio A (Grand Victor Sound) in Nashville, TN after winning Lyricord’s first songwriting contest. Her new single, “At Least It’s Something” is currently available on iTunes and 30+ online music outlets.
Kristi’s passion for country music flourished during her 3rd grade talent show while singing a country-fied version of Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made For Walking.”
With a pocket full of original songs and a guitar in hand, Kristi began competing in the CCMA’s (Colorado Country Music Association) talent shows. Kristi’s knockout wins in 2009 and in the years to follow led her to compete in Tennessee and win the international title of Female Entertainer of the Year from NACMAI (North American Country Music Association International) in 2010 and Songwriter of the Year in 2011.
From country fairs to coffee shops, Kristi quickly becomes a fan favorite and has left her eclectic country footprint at iconic venues like Cheyenne Frontier Days and the Colorado State Fair. Kristi has been both an opening act for well-known Colorado bands and a headliner, proving herself to be an accomplished and dynamic artist.
When she’s not tearin’ up the stage or penning a new song, she volunteers her time and talents at charity events, involves herself in local theater production, rides horses, camps, writes poetry, ad spends time with her friends and family.
Kristi Hoopes may be a small-town girl, but her voice promises to take her fans on a Mile Hi ride.
http://www.kristihoopes.com
kristihoopesmusic@gmail.com
Kristi is also the featured “Performer of the Week” on the Country Showdown’s website!
http://www.countryshowdown.com/NewsDisplay.php?ID=557
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COLORADO BAND HAVOK CHOSEN BY VH1 AS AN UP & COMING BAND
If You Like Slayer, You’ll Love These 10 Bands: I don’t think you can get more thrash than Havok. These dudes live and breathe this style of music. Although they emerged during the re-thrash frenzy, what I like about Havok is they represent the Overkill and Exodus side of the coin more so than DRI or Suicidal Tendencies wing of thrash. It’s more metal, less punk. If you are looking for a band that gives you the feel of classic thrash, but isn’t tongue-in-cheek or ironically engaging in heavy metal cosplay, then Havok will be right up your alley. I can’t wait to see what’s next from these guys. Their last album, Unnatural Selection (2013), was released on Candlelight records.
Read about all 10 bands here:
http://www.vh1.com/news/41708/slayer-fans-will-love-these-10-bands/
[Lead singer/guitarist David Sanchez is a COMBO member from way back!]
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NICOLE LEWIS WINS AVON/EAGLE COUNTY COUNTRY SHOWDOWN
Since driving home a brand new Toyota Camry from Washington’s Gimme the MIKE! television competition, pop country artist Nicole Lewis has hit her stride as a singer and performer. From winning Gimme the MIKE! to performing with Ben Folds, Regis Philbin, and Vicci Martinez, Nicole is quickly emerging as a fresh creative voice. Opportunities to sing for popular competitions such as American Idol, The Voice, and winning state competitions such as the Texaco Country Showdown have brought her dreams to life. She can also be found playing at festivals in the Northwest with her band, headlining Spokane, Washington’s 4th of July celebration for an audience of 10,000+, showcasing for events such as Oregon’s 100th birthday at the House of Representatives, and singing the National Anthem at large sporting events.
In 2013, Nicole recorded at Dark Horse Studios in Nashville, TN alongside artists Hunter Hayes and The Eli Young Band. With the December release of her debut album, My Kind of Paradise, Nicole shows with captivating honesty and effortless fluency that she is indeed here to stay.
http://www.nicolelewismusic.com
Also visit Nicole’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/nicolelewismusic
COMBO also wants to thank radio station KSKE and Promotions Manager Meagan P. for sponsoring the Country Showdown at the Eagle County Fair on July 23, 2015!