When the Glitter Boys take the stage, it’s not just a DJ set; it’s an invitation to a euphoric, boundary-pushing celebration of disco, funk, and soul. Boston’s favorite vinyl-spinning duo, Kyle Buresh (aka KB Sweets) and Stephen Maling (Sas), have been shaking up the city’s nightlife since 2016—and they’re not slowing down. Ahead of their sold-out Holiday Disco Party at The Gallery at Jimmy’s on December 14, I sat down with the Glitter Boys to talk about their journey, values, and what makes their nights more than just a dance party.
From High School Pals to Glitter Icons
The Glitter Boys’ story begins in Stoughton, MA, where Kyle and Stephen were part of the same friend group before slightly falling off. After high school, however, their paths converged in Boston when Sas helped Kyle land a job at the hotel where he worked.
“I need somebody with manners who can talk to people and not make me look like an asshole,” Sas laughs. “So I said, ‘Hey Kyle, what are you up to?’ Sure enough, he came right in.”
The duo spent their days side by side as concierge and bellman, building a friendship that would eventually become the foundation for the Glitter Boys.
Though by day they worked as hoteliers, by night they dove into the local punk scene, eventually hosting informal DJ sets—or more accurately, “passing the aux cord”—after punk shows.
“It all started in this little warehouse space where we’d throw afterparties for local punk shows,” KB Sweets recalls. “People still wanted to hang out after the bands finished, so we started spinning music to keep the energy going.”
Those warehouse nights evolved into bar gigs, where the duo embraced vinyl as their medium of choice. “At first, we were definitely learning as we went,” Sas admits. “Technically, we weren’t great DJs, but we had great song selection and energy, which made up for it.”
The Sinclair Residency and Boston’s Dancefloor Renaissance
The Glitter Boys’ big break came when Allison Finney, then-GM of The Sinclair, stumbled upon one of their shows at Zuzu in Cambridge. She loved what she saw: a tight-knit group of friends, decked out in vibrant costumes, dancing like no one was watching. In an industry driven by numbers and revenue, she took a chance on them, offering a shot at The Sinclair despite their modest attendance, which eventually blossomed into a weekly Friday residency.
“Going weekly was a huge step for us,” Sas shares.
The residency also gave the Glitter Boys room to expand their theatrical flair. Costume changes, wigs, and glittery outfits became staples of their sets, turning their nights into more than just a dance party—they became a spectacle.
“We’re not just DJs,” KB Sweets says. “We’re performers. We want people to feel like they’re part of the show, not just watching it.”
“We’re looking to have fun every time,” Sas adds. “It’s supposed to be different; it’s supposed to be silly.”
Creating a Safe Space for All
What sets the Glitter Boys apart isn’t just their all-vinyl sets or their flamboyant style—it’s their commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive environment. From the beginning, Kyle and Stephen have prioritized consent and respect on the dancefloor.
“We’ve seen too many nights ruined by toxic behavior,” Kyle says. “At our events, we make it clear: ask before you dance, take no for an answer, and treat everyone with kindness.”
This ethos has resonated deeply with their audience, which is one of the more diverse crowds in Boston’s nightlife scene. “It’s amazing to see people from all walks of life, of all genders and ages, dancing together,” Sas says.
The Glitter Boys Beyond Boston
Though they’ve become a Boston institution, the Glitter Boys are eager to spread their glitter-dusted grooves beyond the city. “We’d love to turn this into a traveling show,” Sas says. “We know the energy we bring can light up a room anywhere.”
Recently, they’ve begun branching out with gigs in Worcester, Providence, and now Portsmouth. Their upcoming sold-out Holiday Disco Party at The Gallery at Jimmy’s is already shaping up to be a highlight.
“If you’ve ever seen someone at a party having the best time, and it makes you want to have the best time—that’s what our shows are,” Kyle says. “We want you to let go of any shyness, because we’ll be out there too, having just as much fun as you are.”
What’s Next for the Glitter Boys?
As the Glitter Boys prepare to bring their infectious energy to Portsmouth, they’re also dreaming big for the future. A long-term goal? Opening a space of their own.
“It’d be full circle for us,” Kyle says. “We started in a DIY warehouse, and we’d love to create a venue where we can host not just ourselves but a rotating roster of amazing DJs and live acts.”
But for now, they’re focused on doing what they do best: bringing people together on the dancefloor. “At the end of the day, we just want people to have the best time,” Sas says. “If you leave one of our shows happier than when you came in, we’ve done our job.”
The Sold-Out Holiday Disco Party
The Glitter Boys’ Holiday Disco Party at The Gallery at Jimmy’s in Portsmouth, NH, on Thursday, December 14, is officially sold out. The night promises dazzling costumes, unforgettable vinyl tracks, and an electric energy that will have everyone dancing till the lights come on. For more about upcoming events, visit JimmysOnCongress.com.
About the Author
This piece was written by Music You’re Missing founder and host Brendan Jeannetti. To connect with Brendan or inquire about collaborations, contact MusicYoureMissingPodcast@gmail.com.
