The Mandrágora Tango Orchestra is one of the few large tango orchestras outside of Argentina and is based right here in the Twin Cities. Perhaps you have caught them at the Theatre de la Jeune Lune's production of Maria de Buenos Aires last spring, on Minnesota Public Radio, or on Sunday nights at the Loring Pasta Bar. You need not be a dancer to enjoy the allure of the tango, but you may find yourself drawn to their sultry rhythms all the same.

The Mandrágora Tango Orchestra is led by accordionist Bob Barnes, who founded the group in 2001. Mandrágora Tango started playing regular Sunday night milongas as a quartet and started to attract a loyal following of tango dancers. In 2003, Bob added a string trio and piano to the quartet and created the Mandrágora Tango Orchestra, which plays 3 or 4 milongas a year.