Local DJ dropping the beat after 35 years
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following article was written by two high school students who are part of the IV High program. Read more on B7.
EL CENTRO — Lights are low, casting shadows across the walls that are quickly disrupted by flashing lights of all colors. Music blares through the speakers. People laugh and dance. Adrenaline pulses through the partiers as the DJ plays.
Imperial Valley resident Oscar Garcia is the owner and disc jockey/master of ceremonies for Blanc Image Productions. He said he enjoys spreading his love for music through the work he does at events such as parties, wedding, receptions and dances.
Reflecting on his 35 years as a DJ, Garcia said he feels the quality that has contributed to his success is his experience and professionalism.
“I have an office in El Centro where I set up appointments with my clients to find out their needs and type of music they want for their event to make sure the event is organized,” Garcia said. “(I want) guests to say at the end of their event that they had a really great time.”
Cheryl Bogue, event coordinator of Cheval Farm, said she has appreciated Garcia’s professionalism over the course of 15 years working with him.
“Garcia demonstrates his professionalism with his presentation,” Bogue said. “He’s always well-dressed and very respectful with the type of music he plays for his audience.”
She also said she admires the way he puts full effort toward giving his clients the best experience possible.
“He’s just good with the way he works with clients and listens to what they want to achieve with their events,” Bogue said.
When Imperial Valley resident Karen Lang said when she and her husband were planning their wedding reception back in 2016, they decided to hire Garcia because they liked how Garcia incorporated videography into his performance.
“Our initial impression of Garcia was that deejaying was something he is passionate about,” Lang said. “Not only did he start his own business, but he built it around doing something that he loves.”
Lang said Garcia impacted her and her husband’s wedding in many positive ways.
“He did a great job keeping the energy up and keeping our guests on their feet,” Lang said. “He was comfortable enough being the [master of ceremonies] and did very well managing time and announcing various transitions.”
Garcia said he dedicates time before events to making sure everything is set up and ready for the guests.
“We always set up in the morning to [finish] before noon,” Garcia said. “This way we are not doing sound checks or taking equipment to the hall when guests are there.”
Although preparation is a major part of being a DJ, Garcia said the ultimate key is passion.
“Passion is what you need not only to become successful as a DJ, but in anything you do,” Garcia said. “You have to love what you do and that will push you to learn with every event and become better.”
Garcia is often hired when clients wish to add a special something to their events, and said he’s gotten a lot out of being a DJ in return.
“I’ve learned how to be humble, and I do everything for my clients to make their event memorable,” he said.
Garcia was proud to announce Blanc Image Productions has celebrated 35 years. He hopes to continue doing what he loves through his company for more years to come.
“I would like to continue at least for another 10 years and maybe not be the actual DJ, but have my partners take care of the music,” Garcia said. “[I’d like] my company to continue doing the video production and me focusing as a master of ceremonies.”
Garcia’s desire to entertain crowds and keep them dancing inspires him to stick with his career as a DJ.
“Deejaying is my passion and hobby that I turned into a full-time job on the weekends, as we get booked up to two years in advance,” he said. “If I didn’t have music in my life, I would not be the Oscar Garcia that people know right now.”