leina deboer
live in concert
in
an Ella Fitzgerald christmas
Created | written | Produced | Directed by: A.J.E (c) 2026 - all rights reserved
about
Under the creative direction of A.J.E. Global Productions, in association with Ocean Entertainment Worldwide, comes a stunning new exclusive and limited engagement world premiere holiday concert celebrating the iconic ELLA FITZGERALD.
Step out of the winter chill and into the elegant, warm, golden glow of a mid-century jazz club. HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS ~ AN ELLA FITZGERALD CHRISTMAS brings the magic of the "First Lady of Song" to life in a beautiful new concert celebrating Ella Fitzgerald’s most beloved seasonal recordings.
Starring acclaimed award-nominated Hawaiian born Canadian Actress & Recording Artist, LEINA DEBOER, and the electrifying musical talents of Nanaimo's very own JAMES DARLING, this truly memorable evening is sure to leave audiences with a warm and nostalgic feeling this holiday season.
Backed by a world-class jazz quartet featuring Canadian musicians DAVID CABALLERO, KOSMA BUSHEIKIN, and GRAHAM VILLETTE, this concert transports audiences back to 1960, the year Ella released her seminal holiday album. The evening captures her signature blend of effortless vocal virtuosity, intimate storytelling, and joyful improvisation.
From the brassy, uptempo heat of big-band swing to quiet, fireside ballads, the performance is a joyous love letter to the Great American Songbook clad in tinsel and velvet. With her melodic and rich voice, natural charm, and dynamic stage presence, LEINA DEBOER captures the feel, tone, style and beauty of not only this iconic entertainer, but of the season itself, as only she can.
Featuring high-energy renditions of holiday classics that will have you tapping your toes, including "Let It Snow", "Sleigh Ride", and "My Favorite Things", to more fireside and intimate selections including a soulful, stripped-back acoustic set featuring a sultry piano-and-vocal performance of "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?", a lush, emotional delivery of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", and a stirring rendition of the timeless "The Christmas Song".
This isn't just a concert—it is a cozy, nostalgic time capsule. It captures the exact qualities that made Ella Fitzgerald a global treasure: her flawless purity of tone, her impeccable timing, and above all, the genuine warmth and humility she shared with every audience. Perfect for jazz lovers and holiday dreamers alike, Home for the Holiday's ~ An Ella Fitzgerald Christmas is the ultimate way to ring in the season with style, soul, and a whole lot of holiday joy.
We welcome you to join us this December for an unforgettable holiday event not to be missed as we celebrate the music, stories, traditions, and many joy moments created at this most special time of year.
performance information
Malaspina Theatre (V.I. University)
900 Fifth Street
Nanaimo, BC V9R 5S5
Saturday, December 5, | 8:00 pm
Sunday, December 6, | 8:00 pm
ArtSpring Theatre
100 Jackson Avenue
Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2V8
Tuesday, December 8, | 7:30 pm
The Reiger Theatre
755 Harmston Avenue
Courtenay, BC V9N 2X6
Monday, December 7, | 4:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Cowichan Performing Arts Centre
2687 James Street
Duncan, BC V9L 2X5
Thursday, December 10, | 8:00 pm
Sooke Community Theatre
6218 Sooke Road
Sooke, BC V9Z 1J1
Friday, December 11, | 8:00 pm
Teechamitsa Theatre (Royal Bay Sec.)
3500 Ryder Hesjedal Way
Colwood, BC V9C 0J6
Sunday, December 13, | 8:00 pm
Alix Goolden Performance Hall
900 Johnson Street
Victoria, BC V8V 3N4.
Wednesday, December 15, | 4:00 pm & 8:00 pm
Revue Stage (Granville Island)
1601 Johnston Street
Vancouver, BC V6H 3Y1
Thursday, December 17, | 8:00 pm
Friday, December, 18, | 8:00 pm
Matsqui Centennial Auditorium
1st floor, 32315 South Fraser Way
Abbotsford, BC V2T 1W7
Tuesday, December 22, 2026 | 8:00 pm
ticket information
Nanaimo: reserved
Adult: $66.75 | senior: $61.50 (65+)
salt spring isld: reserved
Adult: $50.50 | senior: $45.00 (65+)
Sooke: general admission
Adult: $55.00 | senior: $49.50 (65+)
Courtenay general admission
Adult: $57.50 | senior: $52.50 (65+)
Duncan: reserved
Adult: $63.25 | senior: $57.50(65+)
colwood: general admission
Adult: $64.50 | senior: $59.00 (65+)
victoria: general admission
Adult: $64.50 | senior: $59.00 (65+)
abbotsford: general admission
Adult: $64.50 | senior: $59.00 (65+)
vancouver: general admission
Adult: $64.50 | senior: $59.00 (65+)
**groups: Groups 10 or more receive 10% off.
***ticket special (Nanaimo)***
Use promo code 'ELLAXMAS' before September 30th and receive 10% off.
there is one 20-minute intermission
how to reserve
december 5th & 6th
nanaimo performances:
december 7th
Courtenay performances:
the woman | the artist | the bio
leina deboer
Singer | songwriter | Actress
Leina is a dynamic and mesmerizing singer, songwriter, and actress whose commanding stage presence and soul-stirring vocals have captivated audiences across North America.
Originally from the shores of Oahu, Hawaii, and now based in the scenic landscapes of British Columbia, Canada, Leina’s lifelong journey in the performing arts began at the tender age of three. From childhood talent shows to headlining prestigious national tours, she has spent her life refining a craft that seamlessly blends powerhouse vocals, theatrical storytelling, and effortless elegance.
Leina’s passion for performance was fostered early and deepened during her time in a rigorous college worship and performing arts program. There, she immersed herself in intensive training across songwriting, dance, acting, and vocal performance. As an artistic leader and director, she has channeled her expertise into creating, producing, and directing diverse performing arts productions across Alberta and British Columbia, establishing herself not just as a stellar performer, but as a visionary creative force.
With a versatile style that spans soulful R&B, gospel, and timeless jazz, Leina has built an impressive resume of critical acclaim and high-profile collaborations. Over her distinguished career, she has shared the stage with a diverse array of major artists, including: All-4-One (Grammy-winning R&B group) | Bone Thugs-n-Harmony (Grammy-winning hip-hop icons) | Micah Tyler & KJ-52 (Renowned contemporary Christian artists).
On the airwaves, Leina has achieved multiple charting singles on Canadian radio. Her songwriting and vocal prowess earned her a coveted Edmonton Music Award nomination for Top R&B Song, alongside a second-place finish in the Praise 106.5 Platinum Artist Contest.
Leina’s theatrical and concert career is marked by a series of high-profile, critically acclaimed starring roles:
In 2019, Leina was featured in Gallery 7’s sold-out, smash-hit production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, working under the direction of the world-renowned director and producer Anthony James. She later brought her dazzling vocal and dance talents to the stage as Rosie in Fraser Valley Stage’s blockbuster production of Mamma Mia!, performing ABBA's iconic hits to packed houses. Following her theatrical success, she was handpicked to star in the hit touring concert production Motown Magic - 60 Years of Music Hits, sharing the spotlight with multi-award-winning recording artist and vocal arranger Owen "O'Sound" Lee.
In 2022, Leina took center stage to headline Prelude to a Kiss ~ The Songs of Ella Fitzgerald (Ocean Entertainment Worldwide), collaborating with renowned Canadian pianist Morrissey Dunn for an extensive, highly successful tour of British Columbia. Later that year, she partnered with award-winning New York recording artist, actor, and producer James Rich for an expanded East Coast tour of Prelude to a Kiss ~ The Love Songs of Ella Fitzgerald & Nat King Cole, earning nightly standing ovations and rave reviews.
Currently, Leina is thrilled to headline Home for the Holidays ~ An Ella Fitzgerald Christmas, presented by A.J.E. Global Productions in association with Ocean Entertainment Worldwide.
Paying homage to the "First Lady of Song"—whose timeless style paved the way for generations of modern vocalists—this glamorous holiday production represents a pinnacle moment in Leina's career. She is honored to bring the warmth, sophistication, and festive joy of Ella’s music to audiences on an extended multi-year national tour, touching all corners of Canada.
Online: www.porttheatre.com
Telephone: 250.754.8550
In-Person: 125 Front Street
Hours: Mon-Fri - 11 am to 3 pm
Online: www.oceanentworldwide.com
Telephone Callback Messaging System: 250.634.0804
Hours: Mon-Sat - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Pacific Time)
december 8th
Salt spring island performance:
december 10th
duncan performance:
Online: www.artspring.ca
Telephone: 250.537.2102
In-Person: 100 Jackson Avenue
Hours: Tues-Fri - 10 am to 2 pm
At The Door: 1 hour before the performance
Online: www.cowichanpac.ca
Telephone: 250.746.2722
In-Person: 2687 James Street
Hours: Mon-Fri - 9 am to 5:30 pm | Sat - 12 pm - 4 pm
At The Door: 2 hours before the performance
december 11th
sooke performance:
december 13th
colwood performances:
Online: www.oceanentworldwide.com
Tel: Callback Messaging System: 250.634.0804
Hours: Mon-Sat - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Pacific Time)
Online: www.oceanentworldwide.com
Telephone Callback Messaging System: 250.634.0804
Hours: Mon-Sat - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Pacific Time)
december 15th
victoria performance:
december 17th & 18th
vancouver performance:
Online: www.oceanentworldwide.com
Telephone Callback Messaging System: 250.634.0804
Hours: Mon-Sat - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Pacific Time)
Online: www.vcm.bc.ca
Telephone: 250.386.5311
In-Person: 900 Johnson Street
Hours: Mon-Fri - 8:30 am to 8 pm | Sat - 9:00 am - 4 pm
At The Door: 1 hour before the performance
december 22nd
abbotsford performance:
on sale dates
december 5th & 6th | Nanaimo
ON SALE NOW
december 7th | Courtenay
SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
december 8th | salt spring island
ON SALE NOW
december 10th | duncan
SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
december 11th | sooke
december 13th | colwood
december 15th | victoria
december 17th & 18th | vancouver
december 22nd | abbotsford
ON SALE NOW
ON SALE NOW
SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
ON SALE NOW
ON SALE NOW
the band | the artist | the bio
James darling - pianist | keyboardist | educator | music director
From international waters to the vibrant Pacific Northwest music scene, James has spent his career bringing world-class keyboard artistry to the stage. For a decade, James traveled the globe performing in elite cruise ship lounge bands and high-energy show bands, a masterclass in versatility that sharpened his commanding stage presence and flawless musicality.
An indispensable force in musical theater, James has anchored the orchestra pit as a pianist for numerous theatrical productions, flawlessly navigating complex scores and driving the emotional pulse of live stage shows. His exceptional talent as a collaborative artist and accompanist has made him a highly sought-after musical partner for premier vocal ensembles—most notably serving a distinguished six-year tenure from 2018 to 2024 as the resident accompanist for the prestigious Vancouver Island University (VIU) Vocal Jazz Choir.
When he isn’t elevating choral harmonies, James is a driving force in the regional live music circuit. Since 2015, he has brought his explosive energy and groove to two of the island's most celebrated and beloved local cover bands, Johnny Inappropriate and Wunderbread. Equally at home in the refined world of acoustic jazz, James has been fortunate to collaborate regularly with the island’s finest jazz musicians, commanding the stages of packed clubs and major music festivals alike.
Beyond his extensive performance credits, James is deeply passionate about music education, dedicating his time to mentoring the next generation of players and sharing the invaluable insights of a lifetime spent on stage. Whether fueling a late-night festival jam, guiding an elite choir, or inspiring a student, James continues to be one of the region's most versatile, dynamic, and passionate musical talents.
graham villette - jazz drummer | percussionist
A powerhouse on the Canadian jazz circuit, Graham Villette has deservingly earned his reputation as one of British Columbia’s most electrifying and in-demand jazz drummers. Deeply rooted in the golden age of jazz, Villette plays with a profound reverence for the tradition, artistry, and fiery innovation pioneered by the great drum masters of the 1940s through the 1960s. His infectious, hard-swinging style, impeccable timekeeping, and deep musical intuition make him an undeniable asset and a driving force on any bandstand.
Villette’s exceptional talent is backed by a pedigree of rigorous academic and practical training. After attaining his Master’s degree in Jazz Performance from the prestigious University of Toronto, he returned to his Vancouver Island roots to further enrich the West Coast music scene. Over the past decade, he has had the distinct privilege of honing his craft under the mentorship of legendary jazz percussionists, studying with the likes of Hans Verhoeven, Terry Clarke, and John Lee.
Now a vital fixture in the Pacific Northwest's live music landscape, Villette is a frequent and celebrated performer across Vancouver Island, the city of Vancouver, and throughout the Lower Mainland. His versatile brilliance has made him a first-call collaborator for an astonishing roster of elite musicians. Throughout his career, Graham has shared the stage and traded grooves with an array of jazz heavyweights, including: International & National Icons: Joe Magnarelli, Akiko Tsuruga, Champian Fulton, and Ray Gallon, along with West Coast Masters: Cory Weeds, Brad Turner, Steve Kaldestad, Miles Black, Mike Allen, Attila Fias, Ryan Oliver, Tony Genge, and John Lee.
Whether anchoring a smoky post-bop quartet, driving a big band, or pushing the boundaries of a modern arrangement, Graham Villette brings an undeniable energy, a sophisticated touch, and a brilliant, time-tested swing that captivates audiences from the very first downbeat.
kosma busheikin - Guitarist, Double Bassist & Rhythm Section Anchor
An international talent with deep West Coast roots, Kosma Busheikin has established himself as one of the most versatile and dependable anchors of the British Columbia jazz scene. Born in the Czech Republic, Kosma's musical journey began a world away on the serene shores of Denman Island, where his family relocated when he was just two years old. At age 16, a spark was lit when he picked up the guitar to study under local singer-songwriter Kevin Mitchell. That early passion quickly caught fire; within just a few years, Kosma was commanding the stage at local events and setting his sights on a professional career in music.
To refine his natural gift, Kosma enrolled in the prestigious Jazz Studies program at Vancouver Island University (VIU). After earning his degree, he settled in Nanaimo, quickly earning a reputation as an indispensable, first-call rhythm section player. What sets Kosma apart is his rare and seamless mastery of two distinct foundational instruments—he is equally at home delivering intricate, soulful lines on the jazz guitar or laying down a deep, resonant groove on the upright bass. No matter which instrument he steps up to, Kosma infuses every performance with an infectious, undeniable love for traditional blues and hard-driving swing.
This dual-threat artistry has taken Kosma to some of the region's most celebrated stages and premier music festivals, including: Iconic Venues: Hermann’s Jazz Club, Frankie’s Jazz Club, and The Port Theatre., along with acclaimed festivals: The Tofino Jazz Festival and the Hornby Island Music Festival.
A trusted collaborator on the bandstand, Kosma has had the privilege of sharing the stage and locking in the groove with a literal who's-who of Canadian jazz royalty, including Brad Turner, Cory Weeds, Steve Wallace, John Lee, Ryan Oliver, Steve Kaldestad, and Miles Black. Whether locking down the low end or soaring through a melodic solo, Kosma Busheikin brings a sophisticated touch, a rock-solid pocket, and a vibrant, authentic energy that elevates every ensemble he joins.
david caballero - bassist
David Caballero is an exceptional young bassist whose musical journey began in Lima, Peru, before bringing his distinct rhythm to the vibrant West Coast music community. Now based in Vancouver, British Columbia, he has rapidly ascended to become one of the most sought-after first-call double bassists in the Canadian Pacific Northwest jazz scene. Known for his sophisticated harmonic ear, deeply resonant tone, and an unwavering sense of time, David has earned a reputation among fellow musicians for laying down a solid, fiercely swinging foundation that anchors any ensemble he joins.
His talent has made him a ubiquitous presence on bandstands across the region, leading to collaborations with an impressive roster of celebrated artists. Locally, he has shared the stage with Vancouver jazz legends such as trumpeter and multi-instrumentalist Brad Turner and saxophonist/producer Cory Weeds. Beyond the local scene, David has performed alongside visiting international jazz stars, including saxophonists Pat LaBarbera and Scott Robinson, seamlessly adapting to high-caliber performance environments with poise and maturity.
David’s artistry is well-documented on record, contributing his dynamic bass lines to four distinct releases under the prestigious Cellar Live label. His recorded work captures both his versatility as an accompanist and his sharp instincts within modern and traditional acoustic jazz settings. Among these recordings is saxophonist Ardeshir's acclaimed project, "Introducing Ardeshir," showcasing his ability to elevate a leader's vision while driving the band forward with elegance and groove.
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