Live Latin Music in Tampa

Tampa as a city isn't nearly so infused with the Latin influence as is Miami, of course, but there are several nightclubs and bars there that feature salsa/Latin live music. Some of them are very popular with the dance crowds, because that's the thing about Latin music-it was made for dancing. Some of these clubs swing well into the early morning hours and a few have started showcasing the new Latin rock bands that are bringing innovative rhythms into the Tampa Bay area.

La Cueva Club
1707 E 8th Ave
Tampa, FL 33605 813-242-4249
La Cueva means "the cave" in Spanish and it really lives up to its name. It's a true mysterious nightime little dive that can get crowded because of the small space. But this is considered one of the hippest salsa clubs in the Tampa area and it consistently has great bands. Dancers just love this place and the college age and twenty-something crowds really dominate here. Dancing is done outside under the stars and it just makes the place all that much more fun. It's the sort of club where kids love to show off their hip dance outfits and glitter is not frowned on here one bit. The more "Latin" the dress, the better. There's a cover after 11:00 at night and on Saturdays before midnight ladies get in for free. The margaritas are supposed to be great. The music here is a new style of Latin rock played by the bands in a Latin collective, Rock en la Bahia, where they share their camaraderie, and their ethnic pride. Some of the bands are Ecco, A Limine, Espiritu and Zur.

The Rare Olive in Tampa:
The Rare Olive serves great food and specialty martinis and it is indeed an unusual place. Where else would you be able to enjoy the camaraderie of friends in a special back room cigar lounge? It's one of the few clubs in the Bay area that offers nightly entertainment and regularly scheduled jazz bands. The Latin jazz king, Gumbi Ortiz plays his famed congas with the Aldi Meola Band weekly. Other entertainers include Bus Stop, Paper Stanleys and Le Jazz Quartet play danceable pop and smooth grooves. The fact that old and young gather here also makes it seem special. European tourists touch shoulders with staffers from the St. Petersburg Times and graduate students from South Florida mix with baby boomers out for a night on the town. No one set age group dominates. The drinks are really something with names like the Sexual Alligator, which just adds to the lively flavor of this club. They also have an 80s night that showcases music for the older GenXers for some good plain fun.
300 Central Ave
PO Box 922
St Petersburg, FL 33701 727-822-7273

http://www.studioincnightclub.com/
Saturday night is Latin night at Studio Inc. Sassy salsa dancing goes on from 9-3 every Saturday, but they specialize in hip hop, R&B and reggae too. Studio Inc. is one of the several clubs that is recognizing and showcasing the new Latin Rock and as such, its one of the hottest Latin scenes in Tampa. The music is really swingy and upbeat-just made to dance to, and they put on live shows every week. The cover is $5 on the weekends, and the club features 3 exclusive VIP rooms for private parties. People can also take some lessons in swing there during the week and polish up on their Saturday night partying. The weekends, especially Saturdays, are supposed to be really rocking with lots of partyers in the younger age group and it can get pretty wild. The music is salsa, merengue, bachatas, reggea, and lots more. But it's all upbeat dance rhythms. It's the only Spanish club that brings in live shows every single week with special concerts like Gilberto Santa Rosa, El Gran Combo, and Grupo Mania.
Sudio Inc. is located on 3603 W. Waters Ave., Tampa. 813-935-5339

Paracas
3602 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa
813-348-4806
This is one of the hottest Salsa Clubs in the Bay area. People who love to swing to the great rhythms of genuine Latin rock and salsa definitely should not miss this place. On Thursday they have Salsa Power night! Fridays and Saturdays there's a cover of just $5.00. Fridays and Sundays they play Latin mixes, but Saturdays very little Salsa is played. Especially great are the dance lessons offered here for novices and advanced alike. It's taught by one of Tampa's best Latin dance studios in casino style Rueda salsa dance on Thursdays: Beginners 7 - 8 p.m., Intermediate 8 - 9 p.m. and Advanced 9-10 p.m. They have been recently remodeled and the flavor of the club is supremely Spanish. The wooden dance floor has been expanded too. Because they also serve food all the way up till closing with good seating, people have a chance to relax and socialize. The music is always Latin