Teen sisters get deal for recording

It was a teen dream come true for Evergreen sisters Caitlin and Sidney Powell, 16 and 13 respectively, when their band Facing West landed a record deal recently with Pando Records, a Warner Music Group Label

The Powell girls were formerly known by Two Girls With Guitars, but changed the name to Facing West.

According to 9News, the band’s first single, “Anchors,” will be released nationally in early January. The rest of the album will be released in March.

Facing West posted this on its Facebook page:

“Big move 4 us! Facing West is now with Pando Records. We ‪#‎rejoice‬ and give thanks … way more to come in 2015! Grateful for your support.”

Their father Tim Powell helps manage Facing West. His wife, Catrina, home-schools the girls.

“Their hard work, talent and God’s blessings continue to surprise us,” Tim Powell told 9News. “The girls are over the moon excited.”

Denver food scene lauded

One of the nicest nods to Denver’s bustling restaurant scene came from a recent piece by National Public Radio. The reporter sought the answer to the popular question, “What makes Denver so tasty?” when it comes to the dining business, which has doubled in sales over the past 10 years.

He interviewed Food Network star chef Keegan Gerhard, who rolled the proverbial dice on Denver when he opted to open D Bar, the tiny 17th Street eatery with the longest lines. Gerhard and his pastry chef wife, Lisa Bailey, quickly outgrew the original D Bar space and last month opened a spot three times larger in Uptown. The couple shunned the bright lights and big cities in favor of building a business where they wanted to live.

NPR interviewed other top chefs including Jennifer Jasinski, who with business partner Beth Gruitch owns Rioja, Bistro Vendome, Euclid Hall, and most recently Stoic & Genuine in the redeveloped Union Station. Jasinski upped Denver’s restaurant cred by winning a James Beard Award and competing on “Top Chef Masters.”

Here’s what NPR said, “When you think of the restaurant scene, Denver probably doesn’t come to mind. But that’s just the latest change for a city whose population has ballooned in the last couple of years, thanks in part to a nearby oil and gas boom. Top chefs are beginning to take notice.”

John Imbergamo, perhaps the most trusted man in Denver’s restaurant business, was interviewed for the story on background. Here’s what NPR didn’t discuss, Imbergamo said. “The fast casual segment was ignored but Denver is a hotbed of innovation in that segment of the industry. Chipotle, Qdoba, Tokyo Joes, Noodles, Garbanzos, Pizzeria Locale, Smashburger, the list goes on. Many of these with elevated quick food are consumer steppingstones to fine dining.”

For the rest of the report, click here.

Single ladies rejoice

Denver is ranked No. 8 in the list of The 15 Top Cities for Single Women, according to DatingAdvice.com, and there’s no mention of our marijuana legislation for attracting single guys.

Rather, the website says of its list: “In these 15 cities, it’s practically raining men. While we can’t guarantee they’re all angels, these are great places to start your search for a good man or two.”

Denver, at No. 8, scores with 112,038 single men, the web survey says.

“Denver has comparable cultural and food scenes to those in other big cities, but (it adds its) own twist with abundant nature, chill vibes and lots of eligible dudes. You’ll find this city is full of adventures right in your own backyard! The ease and low cost of living make Mile High City one of the top places to call home and find love.”

Click here for the rest of the rankings.

Influential foursome

Four Denver players in the entertainment scene were named “the most influential people in Denver entertainment in 2014″ by axs.com.

The website said, “There were so many wonderful performances, contributions and creations that this list certainly could have featured 30 or 40 names. However, there are a few people whose work in 2014 truly stood out, making these four creative individuals among the most influential voices in entertainment in Denver this year.”

The four are: Brian Corrigan for Oh Heck Yeah, a street arcade in downtown Denver in June and July; former Denver Post theater critic John Moore, who parlayed his talents into becoming the senior arts journalist for the Denver Center for the Performing Arts; Chris Zacher, founder of the Levitt Pavilion, a new amphitheater in Ruby Hill Park; and funnyman Adam Cayton-Holland as part of The Grawlix comedy show.

For more on each recipient, go here.

Apres ski hotels get nod

Not surprising to those of us who would rather apres than ski, Colorado snagged five spots in Kayak.com’s list of the 10 most popular U.S. apres ski hotels, as reported by CNN.

CNN said, “Much like the 19th hole in golf, apres ski is a chance to reward oneself after a busy day of relaxation.”

The Colorado top picks are Beaver Creek Lodge, Tivoli Lodge in Vail, Keystone Lodge and Spa, Aspen Meadows Resort and Vail Cascade Resort & Spa.

Check out the list here.

Overheard

Eavesdropping on Facebook: “So I made my husband go play Barbie dolls with our 4-year-old granddaughter while I wrapped presents. His quote: `I’m playing dolls. And I’m winning!'”

Penny Parker’s “Mile High Life” column gives insights into the best events, restaurants, businesses, parties and people throughout the metro area. Parker also writes for Blacktie-Colorado.com. You can subscribe and read her columns (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) at www.blacktie-colorado.com/pennyparker. She can be reached at penny@blacktie-llc.com or at 303-619-5209.

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