Chris’ Jazz Cafe to host tribute and fundraiser for legendary local guitarist Pat Martino

Chris’ Jazz Cafe will host two virtual tribute shows and fundraisers for Philadelphia jazz guitarist Pat Martino, who has been dealing with severe health issues for the last two years.

Saxophonist Eric Alexander and the Young Philadelphians (Joe Block, Byron Landham, Alex Claffy) will perform a livestream show on Saturday, August 1, and guitarist Peter Bernstein & His Quartet will follow on August 8. Both shows are available on Chris’ Jazz Cafe’s website and free with an RSVP, and donations can be made to the Pat Martino Fund on GoFundMe.

Martino has not been able to work since November 2018 due to his Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which was exacerbated by a virus he contracted after touring in Italy. According to the GoFundMe, the legendary artist “has exhausted his savings and sees no other options before him other than to appeal to the larger community for help.”

Chris’ Jazz Cafe, the 30-year-old Sansom Street club, has faced the same struggles as most local music venues during the coronavirus pandemic. However, they’ve found a way to keep the music playing by producing professional quality live stream shows. Find a full schedule at chrisjazzcafe.com.