Cristina Martinez and Chris’ Jazz Cafe Collaborate on a Benefit for Undocumented Workers

Cristina Martinez and Ben Miller of South Philly Barbacoa are heading to Chris’ Jazz Cafe in Center City on Thursday, January 17, for a Tacos & Tequila fundraising party benefiting undocumented workers. Along with the highly praised tacos at their casual Mexican eatery, Martinez and Miller are known for their activism, using the attention South Philly Barbacoa has garnered to advocate for immigrant rights.

Tickets to the fundraiser are $10, plus a pay-what-you-want donation. The $10 goes to the band, Conjunto, which plays the music of pre-revolutionary Cuba. Donations go to P.A.U.W.R., the Popular Alliance for Undocumented Workers’ Rights.

Chris’ Jazz Cafe owner Mark DeNinno says the event was originally just going to be a collaboration between his restaurant and South Philly Barbacoa, but several other chefs wanted in. Expect small plates from Kurt Evans of South, Han Chiang of Han Dynasty, Ari Miller of Musi BYOB, Catzie Vilayphonh of Laos in the House, Katie Briggs of Eclectic Domestic, and Jena Harris of 1149 Cooperative. 1149 Cooperative is taking over the El Compadre space — Martinez and Miller closed El Compadre late last year.

Tequila cocktails will be $12.

The party, at 1421 Sansom Street, goes from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., with tickets timed for the band’s performances. As of January 14, tickets for the 9 p.m. show and dinner are available. You can buy them at the door, but since they’ll likely sell out, it’s a good idea to buy in advance.