Leah West is a gifted musician with great heart. Those who have had the pleasure of meeting Leah, would certainly agree that Leah is a genuine person who always has a kind word for others. Leah is the winner of the 2011 “People’s Choice Award” from the B.C. Interior Music Awards, and with her second album being released today, her star continues to rise and we look forward to seeing where Leah goes from here.
You can join Leah for her CD release party for the new album, Speechless, tonight at the Minstrel Cafe. Tickets are $20 and you can call the Minstrel Cafe to make reservations and secure one of the 80 seats being sold. Call (250) 764-2301.
What do you always find yourself saying? Thank you
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select? Oprah Winfrey
If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win? A Grammy, a Juno and a Félix ! :-)
If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose? Leonardo da Vinci
Who inspires you? People who live their dreams and encourage others to do the same.
What are 3 things on your bucket list? I'm lucky that I've already checked a lot of things off the list at a young age. But still left are: (1) Travel to more places. Still lots to see. Top of the list are Iceland, Italy, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Monte Negro, Galapagos, Chile, Peru, Argentina, Vietnam, New Zealand, Madagascar and Micronesia. (2) Record an album in French (already in the works)! (3) I would love to have children and a family of my own.
If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it? The Seven Seas
If you could foresee a single day of your future in its entirety, what date would you select? Hmm, I'm not sure. I think the best moments are not necesarily the grandiose ones, but the ones when we are surrounded by those we love.
What are you passionate about? Love, Friendships, Music, Poetry, Photography, Art, Spirituality, Human Rights, Animal Rights, The Environment, Travel, the French language and the wonders of the universe.
What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point? I'm blessed, I've had so many. I've already traveled lots, had great moments with family and friends. I've been skydiving, flown in an ultra-lite, jumped off huge waterfalls, lived with an indigenous tribe in Central America, won a few awards for my music and art and had the opportunity to work with some of the most talented artists in the world in music and television. But a day full of laughter, music, art or learning something new is always a good day.
What has been your proudest accomplishment? Winning the People's Choice Award at the 2011 British Columbia Independent Music Awards. There were almost 13,000 votes from all over. It was the voice of the people that allowed me to win and it was a huge honour for me. I was also nominated that year for Singer-Songwriter of the Year, Single of the Year, and Pop-Contemporary Song of the Year. There were over 600 artists that had originally submitted, so what an honour to be amongst the top 3 in these 3 other categories, as well. It was all confirmation that I was heading in the right direction.
Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna? The Minstrel Cafe
What is your favourite activity or event in Kelowna? Boating in the summer and X-Country skiing in the winter
What is the name of your business/organization? Leah West
What does your business/organization do? Singer-Songwriter, Painter, Photographer, Dancer and Actress
What is your mission? To inspire and be inspired. To wholly embrace life during my short time here on earth.
If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be? To touch someone's heart
Where do you want your business/organization to be in 5 years? Touching more lives with my music and my art. Playing large concerts would be a dream come true. I also see myself being a talk-show host someday. I love the path Oprah has carved for herself.
Who do you consider to be a forerunner within your field? Sarah McLachlan
What 3 qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies? Passion, Quality, Honesty
What would you like to say to your employees/volunteers? Thank you
How does your business/organization impact the community? A world without art and music is not a world for me.
If you were trapped in an elevator with several wealthy investors from any field, which field would you want them to be experts in? What would say to them/talk about? Probably something that I knew nothing about. I love talking to interesting people about new and foreign things. I just love learning. I once spent the entire airplane flight talking to someone about how MRI's work. It was fascinating.
If I could change 1 thing about Kelowna, it would be I hope that we never allow GMO foods to be grown here in the Okanagan like they already are in many parts of Canada and the US. This is a sacredly beautiful valley and it would be devastating to me to see that happen here. People need to be educated about Genetically Modified Organisms, especially our politicians and policy makers. I was surprised to learn recently that our own representative knew nothing about the dangers they impose on the human population and the environment as a whole.
What do you think makes Kelowna great? The diversity of things to do here. You have immense nature for hiking, biking, boating, skiing, with a fabulous downtown, for great shopping, dining and entertainment, libraries, parks, wildlife, the H2O Facility, as well as two universities, an international airport, lush fruit orchards and wineries all in one valley. It's a dream to live here. And the weather is great, especially if you love all four seasons.
My choice for the Kelowna In Focus spotlight is: Epic Real Estate Solutions, Sentinel Bookkeeping, The Minstrel Cafe, Tom Stinson (local musician), or Brigitte Demeter (local musician)
Some general comments I would like to share are "All the things that feel right in our lives don't make all the things that feel wrong right. If there is something you don't like about your life, empower yourself to change it. If you believe you can, you will." ~ Leah West
"Never force a door of opportunity to open. If a door doesn't open, it either wasn't meant to be, or the timing isn't right. Be patient, sometimes it's not an open door that we need, but an open window." ~ Leah West
"Sometimes we are too busy mourning the death of the caterpillar, that we forget to welcome the emerging butterfly" ~ Leah West
"We are like ghosts swimming in the universe and we materialize for a brief moment in time and if we are lucky, we will get to experience love." ~ Leah West
"The universe is bigger and more beautiful than we can ever imagine. Our lives here are small and brief. Our troubles here will pass. Live big, try new things, meet new people, dare to dream and inspire others, and don't let your fears hold you back. Our lives will be over before we know it. Most of all, share your LOVE, because love lasts forever and it shines brighter than all the stars combined." ~ Leah West
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at WelcometoKelowna.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do. We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below, and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kelowna!
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