Any inexpensive Latin Bands?

I am having a DJ for the majority of the night but I come from a Puerto Rican background & would love to surprise my family with a LIVE latin set.
I would only need them for 2 hours . Basically, the set will probably be only 25min- 40 minutes but I know it takes time to set up the equipment so that's why I say 2 hours.
I priced a few place but they are charging me full price for the entire 4 hours- They say the musicians won't go out for less. I'm in the industry and I know thats not so.

Re: Any inexpensive Latin Bands?

You could try visiting clubs that feature live music of the kind you're looking for, and then see if you can hire the band during a break. That's the best way I know to find a bargain in any kind of popular music (rock, jazz, world musics) and it solves the audition problem too.

I have musician friends who play in Latin bands and those particular friends are getting paid union scale+ for non-union jobs. Certainly there are always people willing to play for less, but with the market for Latin music being what it is, you may need to hunt for a bargain.

Good luck!
--Karla.