Some people walk into a room and instantly make it better. DJ Darla Bea is one of those people.
My friends and I have been dancing with her since the very beginning of her career, and over the years she’s become more than just a favorite DJ — she’s a bright spot in the Santa Barbara community.
Every time I see her, I’m reminded why: the bold colors, the perfectly executed themes, the glorious wigs, and most of all, the way she makes you feel like you’re part of the party the second the music starts.
It’s no small feat to be voted “Best Event DJ in Santa Barbara” for nine years straight, and when I ask what’s kept her so passionate, her answer comes without hesitation:
“I love making people happy through the power of music!” she exclaimed.
“Whether it’s 5,000 people on the Fourth of July, a senior prom at a retirement center, a mermaid festival for kids and families, or opening for Diana Ross at the Santa Barbara Bowl — I thrive on bringing together people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures through song, dance and my emcee skills.”
That sense of joy is infectious. Watching the UC Santa Barbara alumna work a crowd is like watching someone paint with sound — layering tracks, reading the energy, and knowing exactly when to drop the song that gets everyone moving.
You can’t help but smile, dance, and maybe even lose track of time.
Award-winning Santa Barbara DJ Darla Bea went from toy tape recorder to radio waves to live beats — and she still loves them all. Credit: Robert Bernstein photo 
Elaborate costumes and ostentatious wigs are all part of the energetic musical act of DJ Darla Bea. Credit: Robert Bernstein photo 
DJ Darla Bea lights up every party with bold style, big wigs, and beats that pull you in from the first note. Credit: Robert Bernstein photo
Style That Speaks Volumes
Of course, anyone who’s seen her knows that Darla’s style is its own form of performance art.
“I’m both an audio and visual person,” she said. “Playing dress-up as a kid was my favorite thing — one of my first letters to Santa was for a pink wig.”
Over the years, she’s built a wardrobe that’s become as recognizable as her playlists. Fans love her Sci-Fi Space Cadet costume (a.k.a. Darbarella) and her Beehive Wig Queen Bea bumblebee look — “that one really stung!” she jokes.
Her fashion inspirations are as eclectic as her music library: Linda Evangelista, Lady Miss Kier of Deee-Lite, Debbie Harry, Cleopatra, Freddie Mercury, The B-52s, Khruangbin, Dr. Demento and Jack Black.
She swears by the David Lee Roth quote, “Music should look like it sounds,” and lives it every time she steps on stage.
Roots in Radio
Before she was Santa Barbara’s go-to event DJ, Darla was a voice on the airwaves, hosting Rock It Properly on KCSB-FM.
Radio gave her the foundation for live DJing, and she still loves both equally.
“One of my first memories is carrying around a tape recorder and microphone as a 3 year old,” she explained. “Radio is free-form, while events are custom to a client’s vision.
“I get so much satisfaction from both.”
Life Beyond Turntables
When she’s not spinning, Darla finds her reset button in nature — camping on the coast, taking walks or having breakfast by the harbor.
“I love making people happy through the power of music.”
DJ Darla Bea
After a gig or late-night radio show, you might find her at Restaurant ROY downtown.
“They’re open till midnight, which is perfect for me,” she said. “Roy once had me DJ a huge Bowie Bash after David Bowie passed away — it had a line around the block.”
Her work has taken her to some of Santa Barbara’s most iconic stages and events, yet she brings the same energy and excitement whether she’s playing to a massive crowd under fireworks or spinning for an intimate private celebration.
It’s that consistency — of joy, color and connection — that keeps people coming back.
Next Generation Advice
After nearly two decades in the business, Darla keeps her advice simple:
“Be yourself.”
And that’s exactly what she does. Whether she’s in a beehive wig, a space helmet or just a great pair of headphones, DJ Darla Bea brings people together in a way that feels rare these days.
She doesn’t just play music — she creates moments you’ll talk about for years.
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Follow DJ Darla Bea on Instagram @darlabea to stay updated on her upcoming shows, themed events and the colorful looks that have become her signature.
