Congratulations! You have been selected as one of our Nexus 22. Nexus is defined as a connection or series of connections linking two or more things; center/focus. The 22 Black socialites that we have chosen are the nexus between industry and influence here in KC. This event is intended to celebrate each of you as well as Black History Month. We hope your followers and ours will encounter new and notable Black history facts in the weeks leading up to a truly unique event. To participate in this event, we ask that you post the Nexus flyer and caption it with your favorite Black historical figur ..read more

DJ Tee LeChé is a KC native looking to positively contribute to an industry she was born into and a city she loves dearly. As a second-generation DJ, her career began as a result of a traffic violation when her father, DJ Fresh, had her work to pay the fine. The Sweet Sixteen gig wasn’t exactly how she wanted to spend her time, but already knowing the basics, she knew it would be a means to an end. From there continued to hone her craft, took her talents to the University of Central Missouri, where she attended, and the rest as they say is history. Tee LeChé is no stranger to other cities, as ..read more

Local rapper and crowd favorite is referred to as AyEl by friends and fans alike. If you’ve ever had a conversation with him, you understand why his laid-back demeanor and genuine aura make it easy to characterize him as a preferred member of any crowd. Since his time at the University of Kansas, AyEl has spent the last 7 years creating music and has contributed a great deal to the recognition of strong local artists. He has opened for noteworthy musicians like Eric Bellinger, Rae Sremmurd, and A Boogie wit da Hoodie and performed at the Flyover KC Music Festival. As a graduate of Sumner Acad ..read more

You might catch Shenelle Edwin in the mix but only on one of two occasions; she’s there to make money or it’s an Updown event. As a Kansas City native, she has spent the last decade as both a patron and as industry personnel so she can give a fair assessment from both sides. You’ve probably seen her slanging drinks, serving bottles, or gathering people for a round of shots at the bar. Extremely social and a lot of fun, Shenelle brings great energy to any event. As someone that enjoys traveling, Edwin has also experienced what other big-name cities have to offer when it comes to nightlife. Fro ..read more

You might catch Shenelle Edwin in the mix but only on one of two occasions; she’s there to make money or it’s an Updown event. As a Kansas City native, she has spent the last decade as both a patron and as industry personnel so she can give a fair assessment from both sides. You’ve probably seen her slanging drinks, serving bottles, or gathering people for a round of shots at the bar. Extremely social and a lot of fun, Shenelle brings great energy to any event. As someone that enjoys traveling, Edwin has also experienced what other big-name cities have to offer when it comes to nightlife. Fro ..read more

Introducing Hackmeals – exclusively available via the Updown App. How it works: Updown will be partnering with a number of bars and restaurants throughout the Kansas City area that will offer food/drink specials throughout the week. These promotional rates will only be redeemable through the Updown App so consumers will need to download to enjoy savings.  The purpose of this campaign is to drive downloads and encourage user participation while being mutually beneficial for the establishments offering said specials and those looking to save a little on an evening out Because let’s be hones ..read more

Mathew Davis can be described as bold, benevolent, and unmistakably emphatic. But what everyone should take note from this remarkable man, is his philanthropic soul. In large part, this is why he was selected to be a highlighted member of our crowd. Any Day Now – Day party As a Kansas City native, Davis did not stray too far from home when he attended the University of Missouri-Columbia to earn a degree in Journalism. After years of private school – and the uniforms that came with it – undergrad gave the man we know today to be impeccably dressed his first taste of expression via fashion. Bu ..read more

Okay, fine, so COVID has changed the way we do a lot of things; no, we probably shouldn’t be blowing our spit particulates over a cake we’re sharing with others now….perhaps even ever, but by no means does that mean we don’t celebrate! In fact, in this weird post-COVID world we are all just winging it until normalcy feels familiar. Whether that be Mask Off like Future in ’17 or that lowkey chic 4inch piece of fabric becomes part of the wardrobe, it’s late spring! For most of us spring-early summer babies, it’s time to double down on the celebration and make up for the one we didn’t get last ye ..read more

From a very young age, Angel McGee knew her career path would involve sports in some capacity. As a young athlete herself, some of Angel’s fondest memories revolve around watching Michael Jordan and The Bulls build their dynasty with her late father as she dreamed of one day playing in the WNBA. Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, McGee did not stray too far from home when she attended Truman State University to earn her bachelor’s degree in Communications with a minor in Spanish. While she may not be balling out for the LA Sparks, her aspirations of a sports related passage did come to ..read more

Dallas, Texas native Dayon Hall-Jones set roots here in Kansas City after her time playing basketball for the University of Missouri Kansas City. Because of the connections she made throughout her education, Dayon (affectionately known as Day Day), was given the opportunity to coach at the University of St. Mary. After coaching for a few years, she decided to continue her education and made her way down to Emporia where she earned a Master’s degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology. Upon graduation, Dayon landed a position back in Kansas City, which also led her to stumble upon UpDown ev ..read more