Upon entering Barbès, the Park Slope's tranquility quickly recedes into the night's shadows.

A lively bar any night of the week, Barbès draws in crowds for its diverse lineup of nightly musical performances. Since 2008, The Mandingo Ambassadors, a Guinean Afro-Jazz band lead by Mamady Kouyate, have been in residence on Wednesday evenings at 10:00 PM in the back room. The sound derives from a state funded Guinean musical movement of the 1960's and 70's, when musicians began playing traditional Guinean music on modern, western instruments, like the electric guitar and drum kit.

The bartender will walk through the audience and happily take drink orders, while soliciting a $10 donation for the band. Take her up on the offer, as the space will get tight and, in the summer, sweaty as the evening goes on.

Wallflowers and late-comers will have the view below:

ESSENTIAL INFO:

-Total cost: About $25 per person for drinks at the bar and donation for the band.

-The front bar of Barbès, separate from the performance room in the rear, is also a vibrant scene. While you won't actually see the band play from the bar area, you can hear the music loud and clear and it will save you the $10 donation.

NEARBY:

Grab a $30 three course prix-fixe at Applewood before the show.