Comedian Willie Barcena a 18-year comedy veteran never shies away from a challenge. He just completed a two year run with The Morning Show on KSFM 102.5 Sacramento. During that time The Morning Show shot to the number one spot in this highly competitive market.

Willie’s talent has garnered him 10 appearances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” Jay even invited Willie to perform for the troops in Afghanistan. Barcena helped provide much-needed laughter to that part of the world.

Willie’s numerous jobs prepared him for his comedy career. His security guard plumber roofer and limo driver gigs gave him a background for his humor about everyday life. After 12 years of stand-up road work Willie is now ready for new challenges. He has written and performed a one-man show entitled “Cry Like a Man.” This highly acclaimed performance demonstrates the struggle of a blue-collar comic in today’s society.

In addition to being a comedy road warrior Willie has appeared on many TV shows including: “Moesha ” “The Wayans Brothers ” and he was chosen to be the host of the popular Si-Tv production “Latino Laugh Festival – The Show.”

He’s also made multiple appearances on tours such as “Que Locos ” “Latino Laugh Festival ” “Montreal’s Just for Laughs ” and “Crown Royal Latin All Stars Comedy Explosion.” Most recently Willie had his one hour Comedy Central which was received with raved reviews.

The American dream came true for Catalina Popescu in October of 1986 when she and her husband Bob created a supper club devoted to serving an experience of superb eats and the shared magic of live performance. That grand experience began at the door where every night her mother Maria would greet each guest as family and share in their love of music. Housed in Hollywood and decked out in a timeless charm, the club offers a cozy ambience under sparkling stage lights garnished with its signature concoction — Jazz. The first artist to grace the stage was the masterful flutist and saxophonist Buddy Collette, and ever since then, over the past 36 years, the Catalina Jazz Club has hosted the most illustrious legends of all time — from the powerful puffers of Dizzy Gillespie to the electrified fingers of McCoy Tyner, the bubbly belt of Dee Dee Bridgewater and Lynda Carter, the flirtatious saxophone of Joshua Redman, the slick strumming of Kenny Burrell, the insane drum clinic of Steve Gadd, the romance of Steve Tyrell, and the masterclass of Mike Stern.

For Catalina, Jazz is our way of life. It breathes pain. It knows love. It dreams hope. It bleeds courage. Whether we’re showcasing Broadway, Soul, R&B, or stand-up comedy, the lesson learned from all the greats who have serenaded our spirits is how to connect to one another. And that’s why the Catalina Jazz Club will always have a table ready for you.

The Catalina Jazz Club has been honored by A.S.M.A.C., California Jazz Foundation, Los Angeles Jazz Society, and a City of Los Angeles Certificate of Appreciation on their 25th Anniversary, which was awarded by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the LA City Council which included then City Council member and current Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.