Local DJ kicks off “Love Urself First” series promoting self-care through music

The poster for the Love Urself First Rave.

Listen to the interview with Papa DomBy Jimmy Coffman

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Local DJ and community organizer Domingo Ward, also known as Papa Dom, joins Wildcat

91.9’s Jimmy Coffman ahead of his “Love Yourself First” event, a love-themed rave at Manhattan Brewing Company that will kick off a four-part series centered on self-care and personal growth. The show is set for Feb. 7 on the Brew Deck and is billed as “18 to dip, 21 to sip.” Five DJs with Kansas ties will perform heavy dubstep, drum and bass, Detroit-style techno and house, alongside flow arts from Little Apple Pilates, live painting by local artist Shay Estrada and zine vending by Bri Shock.

“Love Yourself First” is planned as the first in a sequence of events with themes “Give Yourself

Grace,” “Go at Your Own Pace” and “Universe (Y-O-U-niverse).” Ward said the series aims to

encourage attendees to slow down, avoid comparison with others, and focus on self-love rather

than the traditional Valentine’s Day couple culture.

The event doubles as the debut of CTRL.KS, a new Midwest rave collective whose name stands

for “cultivate the rave life.” Ward formed the group with fellow DJs such as Fanta Show and

Chaos after years in Manhattan’s 2010s electronic scene and work at bars like Salty Rim and at

the Northern Nights festival in Northern California. He said CTRL intends to host periodic

events without over-saturating the scene, giving local fans a consistent space to experience rave

culture with higher production values than traditional warehouse raves.

Papa Dom and Jimmy Coffman smile and shake hands in front of the Wildcat 91.9 sign.

Manhattan Brewing Company was selected for its inclusive reputation, including its support of

the queer community, and will collaborate on specialty sweet, fruity drinks while keeping the

show safe with ID checks. Drawing on his own story of traveling widely and learning to be

comfortable alone, Ward says he wants the rave culture in Manhattan to emphasize presence over phone use and clout-chasing. Simply showing up, being present and “being you” are the main expectations for attendees as he closes the night with a love-themed house set built around songs about self-love and connection.