For over 50 years, Lee’s Music has been more than just a store to musicians all over Kamloops and beyond. It’s been a place of learning, of discovery, and of righteous guitar riffs. It’s been a place where musicians found their love of music, or at the very least, enriched it.
And now, the local hub of all things musical is entering a new chapter.
TAF Ventures owners Bailey Finley and Nicholas Adams have officially taken over ownership of Lee’s Music Store and School, continuing the legacy built by the Miltmore family over more than 50 years ago here in Kamloops.
“It’s such a huge honor for us that they trust us to carry it on and continue it as Kamloops’ local, family-run music store,” said Finley.
While ownership is changing hands, much of the heart of the business remains familiar. Mike Miltmore and his team will continue operating the Lee’s Music AV and Riversong Guitars divisions, ensuring continuity for longtime customers while also supporting the store’s next evolution.
For Finley and Adams, the connection to Lee’s Music is deeply personal. Finley used to take music lessons in her younger years at Lee’s.
“So, it’s very much like full circle for me,” Finley explained. “Very emotional in that way to be carrying that on. We’ve got some more plans for the future too, that involve building on that community feeling.”
And while the pair are quick to admit they are still learning the ins and outs of the music retail world, they’ve got plenty of support from the same folk who built the community cornerstone in the first place.
“I feel like I’m drinking from a fire hose,” laughed Adams. “There’s just there’s so much to know and we’re really fortunate that Mike and all are staying on and they’re extremely knowledgeable and we still have the support of the Miltimores. So, every time they’re in here, they’re showing us something.”
It is important to note that Miltimore and his father Lee, who founded the business, will continue to own and operate the AV division of Lee’s Music, as well as Riversong Guitars. They can still be found at the Tranquille location.
“Owning a music store is all about community,” added Finley.
The new owners hope to expand workshops, group lessons, and repair services while creating more opportunities for musicians to connect. They are currently developing the back area of the store into a small community workshop and performance space that could host intimate concerts, lessons, and collaborative events.
“We’re planning to turn the back space into a community workshop area and a spot for really small concerts…just a cool place for people to come hang out and play guitar for an afternoon,” Adams said.
The pair also hope to utilize some of their long-time Makerspace knowledge and expand instrument repair services locally, reducing the need for musicians to send instruments out of town for maintenance. Future workshop ideas include DIY synthesizer builds, guitar pedal workshops, and beginner-friendly instrument building sessions.
And the Kamloops music scene is here for it.
“There’s a huge appetite for music in Kamloops,” said Finley. “The open mic scene is amazing here, and there are so many people who come out and support each other.”
“We want people to be able to find their people here in the music scene.”
As Lee’s Music moves into this next phase, the message from both the original and the budding teams is clear: Lee’s Music has been, and always will be about local music, local people, and the community that helped build it in the first place.