Digital Scene - KC: Audio Engineering
The Sound of Success: An Evening at DistrKCt Studio
How do you build a national reputation for sonic excellence from the heart of the Midwest? Find out on July 16, 2026, when DistrKCt Studio opens its doors to the KC creative community. We’re bringing together the city's top digital media practitioners and educators for a happy hour focused on the intersection of creativity and sound technology. Join Kansas City’s leading digital media professionals and educators for an evening of networking and insight hosted by Distrkct Studio at their impressive new KC facility. Whether you’re interested in DistrKCt’s award-winning work with the nation’s top musical performers or its impressive facilities available for use by KC’s digital media producers, this gathering is designed to spark new ideas and local partnerships.
Connect with KC area digital media professionals in a casual, happy hour event while you learn more about this major player in KC’s digital scene.
Connect & Collaborate: Network with KC’s top-tier professionals and creative innovators.
Enjoy Free Food & Drink: Beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks for your happy hour.
Fuel Your Inspiration: Learn how DistrKCt Studio brings the best of sound engineering and media production to Kansas City
Tour the Studio: Check out the many recording and production areas and see the state-of-the art equipment available to studio users
Grow Your Circle: Expand your professional network in a dynamic, innovative setting.
Who Can Attend?
Digital media professionals and digital media educators. (Sorry, no students under 21 as beer & wine will be served).
This event is free, but you must REGISTER to attend.
Host Profile
Joseph “Jo Blaq” Macklin is a multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated producer and songwriter whose career is a testament to the power of Kansas City roots meeting global ambition. A native of Wyandotte County and a former standout Division 1 basketball player, Macklin transitioned from the courts of Kansas to the studios of Los Angeles in 2008, where he quickly became a sought-after "100 percenter"—a rare talent capable of handling songwriting, vocals, instrumentation, and production. His decade in L.A. saw him reach the pinnacle of the industry, earning Grammy nominations in 2015 and 2016 for his vocal production on Ariana Grande’s My Everything, Jill Scott’s Woman, and Tim Bowman’s Listen, while building a resume that includes collaborations with icons like Stevie Wonder, Justin Bieber, and Kendrick Lamar. In 2016, Macklin returned home to Kansas City to bridge the gap between local talent and national opportunity, founding DistrKCt Studio. Today, he leads DistrKCt as a premier multimedia hub and record label in the 18th & Vine District, where he combines world-class production services with a deep commitment to mentorship through his DistrKCt IS Foundation, ensuring the next generation of KC creatives has the tools to make their own mark on the global stage.
About Our Host:
Located in the heart of Kansas City’s historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, DistrKCt Studio is a 7,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art creative headquarters designed to bridge the gap between local talent and the global industry. Founded by Grammy-nominated producer Joseph “Jo Blaq” Macklin, the facility is far more than a traditional recording studio; it is a comprehensive multimedia coworking hub that features three elite tracking suites (including the flagship "Voltron" room), a 4,000-square-foot event space with a live sound stage, and dedicated suites for photography, videography, and podcasting. By providing 24/7 access to industry-standard tools like the Adobe Creative Suite and Pro Tools, DistrKCt serves as a "one-stop shop" where artists, producers, and entrepreneurs can collaborate under one roof. Beyond its professional services, the studio acts as a community pillar through the DistrKCt IS Foundation, offering mentorship and workforce training to ensure the next generation of Kansas City creatives has a direct pipeline to national success
This event is part of the DIGITAL SCENE KC series and is sponsored by:
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