Like many aspiring comedians, Willie Barcena went through his share of lean years in pursuing his craft.

"I was making below minimum wage and just surviving on Top Ramen noodles and Kool-Aid," he said. "But the fact that someone would give me 30 bucks to do standup had me on such an emotional high. I think I went through the rough times without even realizing I was in it."

Scheduled to perform Saturday in the Celebrity Ballroom at Merrillville's Radisson Hotel as part of the "Locos of Comedy," the California-based Barcena began performing stand-up nearly two decades ago. Inspired by comedy masters from Richard Pryor to Lenny Bruce to Bob Newhart to Cheech and Chong, to name just a few, Barcena honed his comedy on stages throughout the country.

Barcena's hard work and determination paid off; he appeared on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" nearly a dozen times and joined him on a trip to Afghanistan to perform for U.S. troops. He also lent his talents comedy shows ranging from the family minded "Brothers Garcia" and "Moesha" to the more adult-themed "Wayans Brothers."

For two years, Barcena was the co-host of a morning talk show on a Sacramento radio station. The show was a ratings success, but Barcena left the airwaves about a year and a half ago to pursue other creative ventures.

"I have a lot more respect for disc jockeys now," Barcena said.

"You have to get up at five in the morning and come up with new topics every single day and get the audience involved. It's a lot of work, but I really enjoyed it."

A veteran of stand-up shows such as "Culture Clash" and "The Apollo Comedy Hour," Barcena had the spotlight to himself last year in "Deal with It," an hour-long Comedy Central special. Its title may very well also serve as his philosophy on life.

 "I feel that society right now is overthinking and overreacting," he said.

"Right now with the (H1N1) flu going around, yeah, the flu's going around, but if you do your research, it's always been around -- or, my kid's not hyperactive and doesn't need a pill. He's just a kid that has more energy than the average kid. I put that on stage and I think it resonates with the average Joe or Joette."

Joining Barcena at Saturday's "Locos of Comedy" are former "Mad TV" comedienne Jill-Michele Melean, California-based comedian Alfred Robles and Carmen Lynch, who has performed with the "Latinas of Comedy" and on Comedy Central's "Premium Blend."

Proceeds from Saturday's "Locos of Comedy" will go to the Gary-based International Community Alliance, which provides educational and social services to Latino and immigrant individuals and families throughout the region.

'Locos of Comedy,' 6 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Radisson Hotel, Celebrity Ballroom, I-65 and U.S. 30, Merrillville

COST: $25 in advance, $35 at the door

FYI: (219) 791-4926