The number of area clubs adding nights with Latin DJs is growing. Sadly, that doesn't hold true for live Latin music.

"For obvious reasons of cost, there is a tendency for clubs to bring in a DJ instead of a live band," said Alex Alvear, a local musician who plays in several bands and leads the Latin/jazz band Mango Blue. "But the thing about this music is that if you don't have the live element, it really takes away the essence of the whole thing. It's ... a band inspiring dancers and dancers inspiring the band."

Another advantage to hearing live music is the wonderful cross-pollination of styles that takes place. Mango Blue mixes Afro-Latin elements into jazz and rock. A side project of the band, called Manguito, plays more traditional Latin music Friday nights at El Bembe at the Jorge Hernandez Cultural Center.

Even more adventurous is Babaloo, a band that describes itself as "punk mambo-juju pioneers." Its music mixes merengue, bossa nova, and punk. Just picture Desi Arnaz and Green Day co-writing a song together that is then performed by Astrud Gilberto, backed by the Gipsy Kings and Blink 182, and you'll get the idea. The band's next area show is at the Attic in Newton Centre on Nov. 13. A side project of Babaloo, the Cha Cha Cha Allstars, plays Tuesdays at the Milky Way Lounge in Jamaica Plain.

Keyboardist Eduardo Tancredi, a fixture on the local live scene, leads the bands Sonabo and Bandon 33; plays solo; and pinch hits with several other bands such as Sol y Canto. Originally from Uruguay, he is an assistant professor at Berklee College of Music. Tancredi plays in all styles, but favors Latin jazz, bossa nova, and light Latin. He performs at Sophia's Wednesdays through Saturdays. Later this month, Sophia's basement will open with live Latin jazz. A DJ spins salsa, cha cha, and merengue on the second floor Thursday-Saturday.

Ryles Jazz Club in Cambridge offers three nights of Brazilian sounds: Wednesdays, lighter bossa nova styles akin to Brazilian master Antonio Carlos Jobim; Fridays, all Brazilian styles; and Sundays, instrumental Brazilian jazz. While Wednesday is intended as a calmer, sit-down kind of night, many in the crowd just can't seem to keep their seats, jokes promoter Ursula Arauja.

The Attic 107 R Union St., Newton Centre. 617-964-6684.

El Bembe Jorge Hernandez Cultural Center, 85 West Newton St., Boston. 877-302-1707. (Get directions).

Milky Way Lounge 403 Centre St., Jamaica Plain. 617-524-0457

Ryles Jazz Club 212 Hampshire St., Inman Square, Cambridge. 617-876-9330. (Get directions).

Sophia's 1270 Boylston St., Boston. 617-351-7001. (Get directions).

Other weekly live music shows:

Cafe Ole Latin jazz, Thursday 10 p.m.; 11 Springfield St., Cambridge. 617-492-4495.

Green Street Grill "Origins of Salsa," Thursday 10:30 p.m. Also traditional Latin, Saturday 11 p.m.; 280 Green St., Cambridge. 617-876-1655. (Get directions).

Johnny D's Latin salsa with Rumbon 33, Sunday 9 p.m.; 17 Holland St., Davis Square, Somerville. 617-776-2004. (Get directions).

Wally's Cafe Latin jazz, Thursday 9 p.m.; 427 Mass. Ave., Boston. 617-424-1408. (Get directions).