Meet Devon More. Devon lived in Kamloops for close to 15 years. She is an enthusiastic musician who loves to go hiking.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I now live in Vancouver, but I grew up in Kamloops - from the first grade through my first degree at Thompson Rivers University.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My nieces and nephew: they are hilarious, unpredictable, and brutally honest.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
The Art We Are: what a fantastic place to engage with the local arts community in Kamloops - eat, drink, browse, catch a show, or catch up with friends.
Describe yourself in one word.
Enthusiastic.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Berlin. Always Berlin. I lived there for 4 years and my heart still belongs to this city.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Hiking. I love to get out in the hills and get lost in the scent of sagebrush.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I faint sometimes (it runs in my family - ha). It's pretty embarrassing when you just lose consciousness during choir practice or while making small talk...but it's also pretty embarrassing to say "Excuse me for a moment, I think I'm going to pass out."
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I take a lot of inspiration from the feedback I get from audience members: an elderly woman once told me after a show, "You are very wise". Or when a scientist told me that we need people like me to continue making art. Or when I am performing in schools and students tell me they want to write songs or act. It's so important to truly appreciate when your work resonates with individuals.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I loved attending KISSM: the Kamloops Interior Summer School of Music. It's the first place I got to try out musical theatre, and learn to play an instrument, and play with a band.
Where do you volunteer or give back toin the community?
I run a weekly underground theatre series in New West: Way Off-Broadway Wednesday presents a new show every week, and admission is always Pay What You Want. I never want people to be excluded from live performance because of a ticket price: we all need art.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Capitalism. This system needs a serious overhaul.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
The river: I grew up close to Mcarthur Park, and I love to cycle along the Rivers Trail.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
I would like to see the City of Kamloops commit to building a new venue for live performance.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
Climate, landscape, people.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Surf a barrel. Release an album on vinyl. Speak 6 languages (I'm currently halfway there..!).
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am a middle child.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Instagram: @devon.more / Facebook: @moredevon.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Devon More Music.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I had to form my own production company to start touring my original storytelling shows to Fringe Festivals across Canada.
What is the goal of your business?
I believe in wielding Art as Activism. The goal of Devon More Music is to deliver songs and shows that shift perspectives, foster a collective identity, and inspire change.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Self-doubt.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Peaks and valleys." It reminds me that this rollercoaster of highs and lows is nothing new - or to be worried about.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Choose how you suffer. Give up on the idea that life is meant to be easy or pain-free, then choose the ways in which you are willing to struggle. We all have the power to make choices, but completely avoiding discomfort is not realistic.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Jody Wilson-Raybould. I would spend the entire day convincing her to start her own girl boss political party and take over Canadian politics.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Everything is better face-to-face, from communication to music to knowing your retailers in person.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Anything new that I've managed to learn to do as a grown-up (because it's so difficult as an adult!): play guitar, swim proper laps, meditate, speak German.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Taylor James McCallum and the team at Chimera Theatre! The Hydra Festival that they organize (from May 23-June 1) is such an amazing showcase of local performing artists AND a fantastic, inexpensive way to see a bunch of neat shows.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Taylor James McCallum.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I am so excited to finally be bringing Berlin Waltz to Kamloops at the Pavilion Theatre on Monday April 15th. This show is a multimedia musical travelogue through high jinx and history inspired by my years spent in Berlin. I've toured Berlin Waltz across the country from Montreal to Vancouver, but it has NEVER been performed in my hometown (which is essentially where the story starts), so it feels very full circle to finally perform this show in the place I left to begin this Berlin adventure.
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, Kamloops.
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!
