Darla Bea is a Santa Barbara native, award-winning DJ and radio personality, and an SBCC alumna. She earned her associate degree from SBCC in 2002 in Liberal Studies with an emphasis on Art History and Multimedia Communications (Graphic & Web Design) before transferring to UCSB and completing her BA in History of Art and Architecture.
“I had some amazing teachers at SBCC,” Darla said. “I loved Dr. David Lawyer — his classes were eye-opening and his teaching style was humorous and memorable. Chuck Wood’s Jazz History and Music Appreciation courses were instrumental to my current career as a Radio Hostess and Event DJ. He laid the foundation for what I play publicly and at home.”
“My astronomy class was also brilliant,” she added. “We took field trips to Griffith Observatory and woke up at 4:00 a.m. to see the planet Venus next to the moon from a telescope on campus for extra credit. I also loved my art history and graphic design courses, which included class trips to see a paper mill and printing press.”
As a senior at Santa Barbara High School, Darla was set on attending SBCC before transferring to UCSB. “I felt empowered by this decision, and was very glad to experience being an undergrad there. It was great to celebrate at commencement with my classmates who were also transferring to UCSB — we felt ready and prepared. I learned so much at SBCC. It was a great experience and I continue to apply everything I learned to my life and career today.”
After UCSB, Darla continued her education by earning professional certification through UC Extension in Marketing and Public Relations and Visual Communications. She worked in digital marketing and website creative direction for many years many years prior to becoming a full-time event DJ and radio hostess. She started her weekly radio program in 2007 on UCSB’s KCSB 91.9-FM, “Rock It Properly,” and continues to host every Sunday 8–10 p.m. to this day.
“This is my 17th year on the radio airwaves. Since my start as a radio hostess, I was asked to DJ weddings by radio listeners and it snowballed from there. I have been voted ‘Best Event DJ in Santa Barbara’ for the past 8 years in a row by the readers of the SB Independent,” Darla said. She’s curated music for the UCSB Art Museum, Multicultural Center, Student Queer Commission, Alumni Association and Arts & Lectures, and is the go-to DJ and MC for community festivals, corporate events, nonprofit fundraisers, weddings, block parties, and more.
Darla has been featured in 805 Living Magazine, Mesa Living, Independent, SB News-Press, The Voice and Santa Barbara Magazine. She says, “My greatest career achievement thus far was opening for Diana Ross DJ’ing on stage at the Santa Barbara Bowl right before the diva took to the microphone.”
For more information, visit the DJ Darla Bea website.
