Event Details
GLITTER2026 - GALA Event Details
GLITTER is built on performance — a living, breathing runway extravaganza where dance, theatre, fashion, music, and circus arts collide in one unforgettable evening. On September 12, 2026, the Vancouver Island Conference Centre becomes a stage for Nanaimo’s most spectacular fundraising gala, featuring an extraordinary lineup of local and visiting artists united by one purpose: supporting youth mental health in our community. This page is your insider’s guide to everything that makes GLITTER shine — from the performers who will take your breath away to the experiences that make the night extraordinary.
Featuring:
Timothy von Boetticher
Musician
Afro Fusion Sharqi Danceᵀᴹ
Musician
Tania Amaral
Tania Amaral, also known artistically as PynKsy Shell, was born and raised in Mozambique, in southeastern Africa. She is a passionate dancer, performer, teacher, and cultural educator dedicated to celebrating and promoting African heritage. In 2015, she created a unique dance style called Afro Fusion Sharqi Danceᵀᴹ, which is now officially trademarked. Tania is also the CEO of Africa Day Nanaimo, a vibrant community event that celebrates the richness and diversity of African cultures. She is a two-time nominee for the Woman of Influence Nanaimo in the Arts & Culture category.
About AFSD
An exclusively fusion dance style that blends the diverse dance movements from across Africa.
Jason Morley
Musician
Guitarist and songwriter Jason Morley is a long-time Nanaimo local who was born in England and moved to Canada in his early teens. He enrolled in the Royal Conservatory of Music studying classical guitar. During this time, he played in bands spanning various genres. As an adult, he performed classical guitar at events and started teaching. He studied with metal musician Mike Chlasciak, from Judas Priest vocalist Rob Halford’s band, Halford; and taught workshops in advanced lead guitar at community college. He has also worked in partnership with philanthropic charity “Sweet Relief,” which aids working musicians who are surviving through physical or mental disabilities.
Jona Kristinsson
Musician
Raised in Iceland and now rooted on Canada’s West Coast, Jona Kristinsson is a genre-crossing vocalist, drummer, and producer with more than three decades of experience. With a voice that blends grit, soul, and strength, she is a respected band leader and in-demand studio singer who brings authenticity to every performance.
Laura Kelsey
Musician, artist and filmmaker
Vancouver Island art-folk musician Laura Kelsey has fronted everything from metal to folk bands, and she brings these musical influences together to create “earthy magic” inspired by natural West Coast elements, honesty and dreams. With a powerhouse voice, Laura has performed in venues and at festivals across B.C.; and has opened for artists such as Jeff Martin (The Tea Party), Terra Lightfoot and gone on tour with Matthew Good (2022). Her debut studio EP Hunting Season was released in 2023; and her album Hidden Mountains is out this spring.
- Website: www.laurakelsey.com
- Instagram: @lauraksongs
Facebook: /www.facebook.com/LauraKMusic - https://www.youtube.com/@laurakelseymusic
Jonah O’
singer / songwriter / musician
Jonah O’o, a 30-year-old singer-songwriter from Nanaimo, BC, has travelled his music across the island, over the Rockies, through the Badlands of Alberta and Saskatchewan and into the warm glow of Vancouver’s lamp-lit streets before heading back to Nanaimo. His debut album, Shoelaces, released in 2022, is available to stream on all digital music platforms. He’s currently working on his second studio album. From a young age, Jonah discovered that music wasn’t just an outlet but an escape from the constant challenges of his teenage years, growing up with an alcoholic father and a single mother who did everything she could to make ends meet. These experiences haven’t been easy for Jonah, but he believes they’ve helped him learn and grow, not only in his personal life but also in his music.
Celeste
Joshua Holloway/Celeste
Celeste is the cherished drag creation of Nanaimo-based musician, Joshua Holloway. A timeless queen from the silver screen, Celeste is inspired by history’s iconic Hollywood dames: Barbra, Judy, Julie, and Liza.
A graduate of VIU’s esteemed Jazz Program, Celeste is delighted to bring her live vocals to every performance, subverting audiences’ expectations of drag, and connecting with each crowd in an unforgettable way. She recently starred in Dandy’s “Happiest Drag Show on Earth” at The Rio Theatre in Vancouver.
Celeste is beyond honoured to be part of GLITTER2026 in support of Foundry. It’s an incredible show for an incredible cause.
She hopes you love every minute.
Buwa
British Columbia based, Nigerian performer Buwa is an artist you want to keep on your radar. Drawing influences from the late Whitney Houston, as well as Jill Scott, India Arie, Billy Porter, and Brenda Fassie – Buwa is an exciting contemporary soul artist, with pop and R&B sensibilities and a penchant for storytelling, for whom, music has always played an important place. Buwa channels his creativity into poetry and performance art appearing in various stage productions on Vancouver Island where he resides. Most recently the principal role of Lola in the hit musical Kinky Boots. Recognized for his infectious melodies, his versatile voice and captivating song writing, Buwa has released three EPs: Just Call Me Buwa [2023] Olu [2019] and Road Signs [2016], along with handful of captivating singles. He uses his music and talents to change the way the world sees Africa.
- website: www.buwa.ca
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/buwalegend
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/buwalegend
- TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@buwalegend
Contributing Retailers
London Coast
Step into a serene escape where elegance meets tropical charm. Our boutique is a curated haven inspired by the lush beauty of island life. Items from clothing, footwear, gift ideas, jewelry and much more
Funk Revival
“Funk Revival is a proudly woman-owned consignment shop in the heart of Nanaimo. Run by the dynamic duo Brooke and Kat, our racks are filled with an eclectic mix of modern and vintage pre-loved clothing—carefully curated so there’s something special for everyone.
At Funk Revival, our mission is simple: to create a safe, inclusive space where all genders, bodies, and styles are celebrated. More than just a shop, we’re a community hub where people can show up exactly as they are and feel welcomed.
As members of the queer community and passionate advocates for mental health, we believe self-expression through clothing should be fun, accessible, and sustainable. Fashion should empower you—not limit you.
Because everyone deserves to feel confident, comfortable, and completely themselves in what they wear.”
Fitz Ave Festival Store
✨️ Fitz Ave is a curated boutique specializing in expressive fashion and event-driven apparel. We bridge the gap between high-energy festival wear and sophisticated international beachwear.
Our mission is to provide a one-stop shop for the unconventional, featuring:
- Festival & Rave Sets: Stand out in the crowd. 🍄🛸
- Travel-Ready Beachwear: For the global wanderer. 🏝 👙
- Theme & Costume Accessories: The details that define the look. 🎭🎩
- Pride Essentials: Celebrating colour and community every day. 🏳️🌈👭
Find something as unique as you are at Fitz Ave! 🦋