Anyone who’s been to a Latin nightclub will tell you it’s an exhilarating experience filled with vigorous dancing, delicious drinks, and a melodic beat you can stomp your feet to. Often, many establishments hire a live band to provide the best experience to club-goers rather than a DJ. Here are three instruments you’ll likely see the band members play.

Common Instruments You’ll Find at a Latin Nightclub

1. Guitar

Latin music is known for being lively and melodic. The guitar is used to create these effects and enhance the voice of the singer. You’re likely to spot the guitarist playing the Spanish classic version of the instrument if you’re at a club that has its proud roots in Latin American. Or, you may see a Portuguese viola if the band is paying homage to Brazilian roots.

2. Bongos

Of course, it’s necessary to create a beat everyone can dance to. No instrument is better for this than the bongos. This Afro-Cuban percussion instrument is played with the hands and creates a pulsating beat that makes everyone in the nightclub want to get up and dance.

3. Marimba

Did you see something on stage that resembled a large xylophone? This is a marimba — a percussion instrument that’s made up of wooden bars set on a supporting structure. The player uses it to create a melodic beat and strikes at the appropriate bars with mallets to produce a sound.

You’ll find these instruments and more at Mamajuana Cafe Queens, a nightclub located next to a restaurant of the same name in Woodside, NY. After eating a delicious meal of South American and Caribbean dishes, head over to dance the night away on Fridays and Saturdays when they play live music. Additionally, they offer brunch all weekend with an all-you-can-eat menu on Saturdays and a large spread of delicious food on Sundays. For more information, call (718) 565-6454 or visit them online today.