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Meet Joshua, he was born in Texas, grew up in Saskatchewan, and has lived in Kelowna the past 2 and a half years. Joshua is a musician, who expresses his love for music by exploring faith and life in his lyrics. His style covers everything from Black Gospel to Punk Rock. This Singer/Songwriter is sure to go far!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I'm TERRIBLE with favourites so I'll say my top two: My best friends Clint and Mac, we're like the three musketeers.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Probably Kootenay Coffee because where else can you get an Americano that's that good for 2 bucks?!
Describe yourself in one word.
Passionate
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Right at this moment... do a backpacking trip through Europe. Never have before!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
HIKING!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Going in for a hug with a co-worker's wife at a bad angle and then both of us adjusting at the same time which made our lips brush... in front of like 10 people...
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Getting to hear stories of how my songs have given hope/healing to people in brutal circumstances. I've never experienced anything as beautiful as that.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
As a kid, I was obsessed with Lord of the Rings, tore through the books like lightning. I was in Gr. 6 when Fellowship of the Ring came out in theatres, and I was so sad that I had to go to school and couldn't see it opening day. My dad showed up to my class, told me we were going to lunch. At Burger King, he threw 2 tickets down on the table for the movie. I was so excited I threw up. My dad's the best.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Currently, I'm a youth leader at my church, working with Gr. 11 boys. They're a riot. I also make kindness bags for those on the street--rather than just give out change, I give them a bag full of snacks, winter gloves, toothbrush/paste etc., I write on them "Jesus loves you and so do I." Everyone should make them! Not hard to make, and they always bring a look of surprised joy.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I'd eradicate loneliness.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
There's this one bench on Knox Mountain that overlooks the whole city, I love to go up there at sunset and read.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would love to see people focus less on material things and more on people. There's a lot of money in this town, but money does not equal joy.
I'd also love to see more young passionate artists create and be supported in it!
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
This is literally one of the most beautiful places on the planet...
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
- Play with John Mark McMillan (one of my biggest musical heroes)
- Train Muay Thai in Thailand
- Write a book
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
My dad's a professional illusionist... I grew up touring all over the States with him and my family every summer.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook, Instagram
What is the name of your business/organization?
Joshua Leventhal (Crazy, I know.)
Why did you get into/start this business?
I love music with everything in me and I can't imagine doing anything else.
What is the goal of your business?
To change hearts and lives through music, to help people both adore and wrestle with God and faith through lyrics.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
I just feel everything so deeply haha. It's a blessing and a curse. I've struggled with anxiety my whole life, though I'm happy to say I'm walking in much more freedom from that now.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wish I'd started in music younger! Didn't get into it till my teens, other than that, life happened the way it happened! I wouldn't change that.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Oh my mercy"...like 500 times a day. It's the Texan in me.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Give your life away for others. Ironically, it'll make yours better.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Probably Stephen Colbert...I feel like I'd both be laughing the whole time and have a profound conversation.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Because local stuff is flippin' cool!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Releasing my music and the way it's been received!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My friend Tash for nominating me for KelownaNow! She's an AMAZING local designer, check out her stuff!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Curtis Allen (videographer)
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Joshua Leventhal was born in the US, but raised in Saskatchewan, and has lived in Kelowna the past two and a half years. Joshua is a musician and his debut EP, L I O N | L A M B, released last June, and his new single Goliath, released last month. Joshua's lyrics explore faith and life and blend genres from everything from Black Gospel to Punk Rock to Singer/Songwriter.
Lyric Video for Goliath (new single):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_B1WtDmaYU
My music can be found on all streaming services (search Joshua Leventhal) or at:
joshualeventhal.com/music
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.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
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