Kansas City Celebrates Local DJs Blending Culture and Music
Kansas City, Mo. is buzzing with creativity and cultural flair as two local DJs, Nancy Carpenter and FK Menace, embrace their Hispanic roots while sharing their passion for music. Their unique styles not only entertain but also inspire others, particularly women of color in the music scene.
Nancy Carpenter: A Beacon for Latina DJs
Nancy Carpenter, known by her stage name Cafe Con Leche, has noticed a heartwarming response from the community surrounding her craft. “I have Latina women reaching out to me just to say, ‘Hey, I see you, I see what you’re doing and I don’t see a lot of women like you playing Latin house music,’ and that just makes my day,” Nancy shared with a bright smile.
Following the passing of the beloved DJ Lisa Lopez-Galvan, Nancy has felt a renewed sense of purpose. She is eager to connect with other Latina DJs and create a supportive network for women in the industry. “Not enough women know they could do it too, and I’m here to tell them that anyone can learn and the only requirement is that you have to love music,” she says passionately.
FK Menace: The Passionate Community Builder
On the flip side, we have DJ FK Menace, who is not just a DJ, but also a vibrant community organizer. He hosts the SábaDos festival, which translates to “second Saturdays” in Spanish. This lively arts and music festival serves as a space for music lovers and local creatives to come together and network. “I feel like if somebody has the same drive and motivation and purpose and passion behind something, this is where you should be able to highlight that,” FK Menace explained, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
Wrestling Masks and Cultural Heritage
What sets FK Menace apart is his signature style—he wears a gold wrestling mask as a tribute to his family’s wrestling legacy that dates back to the late 1960s. “I’m proud to be Latino. I’m proud to be representing my family through my masks and the lineage that it carries,” he expressed openly during our chat. This blend of personal history and artistic expression makes his performances even more engaging.
An Upcoming Celebration in 2025
The last SábaDos festival of the year took place on October 12, but there’s no need to worry if you missed it! The festival is set to return in May 2025, promising more opportunities for connections, creativity, and celebration. It’s the perfect chance to unite and highlight local talent in a fun environment.
Catch Them Next Time!
While you wait for the next festival, you can connect with these inspiring artists online. Nancy Carpenter is active on Instagram under the handle @cafe_con_leche_090. She also invites you to join her yoga class on Saturday morning, October 26, at In the Lowest Ferns. FK Menace, on the other hand, can be found at @fk_menace on Instagram. He’s also part of a DJ duo called Sin Tope, which hosts lively music events known as Ritmazo.
Kansas City is fortunate to have such passionate individuals blending their rich cultural heritage with the harmonious sounds of music. If you’re in the area, keep an ear out for these talented DJs and be ready to dance!
