Catalina Bar and Grill, one of the few jazz clubs left in LA, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.  Longevity isn’t something associated with jazz clubs;  there were many of them in the 70s and 80s:  Donte’s, Carmelos, Concerts By The Sea, Hop Singh’s, Chadney’s, Marla’s Memory Lane, to name just a few.  They’re all gone now, which makes the continuing existence of Catalina’s even more valuable.

Catalina Bar and Grill is named after Catalina Popescu, who came here from Rumania 35 years ago.  Perhaps it’s because she survived the brutal Ceaucescu regime that she is persistant, stubborn, and steely, and it is these traits that have helped her establishment survive.

I have many wonderful memories of Catalina’s.   Read More →