DOWNEY - While you won't see a big, glamorous sign lighting up its exterior, one of Downey's newest venues has many young adults in the area talking.The Epic Lounge, located on 2nd street in Downtown Downey, is one of the newest locales for adults of all ages to meet up for a variety of different occasions. It doesn't boast a grand entrance or pretentious interior design, but the events that the lounge hosts allow for a perfect meeting place for Downey's youth, as well as adults. The lounge is located in the plaza next to Ichiban restaurant and across from Krikorian Theaters, and adds a new element to Downtown Downey's growing nightlife. The venue hosts a number of different acts such as musicians, comedy performers and even hosts a nightclub. It caters to a large audience and diverse community, and serves a variety of food as well as alcohol to those of legal drinking age. The lounge recently hosted a comedy and music night that featured two comedy groups: Cherry Spitz and The Rotatoes. Jeff Echegoyen, Downey High School alum and comedysportz veteran, performed with The Rotatoes and had positive things to say about the venue after the comedy group went on. "I really liked the people that came out," Echegoyen said. "We were a little scared about how everyone would react to our show, but everyone was really great, and the energy was fantastic. We can't wait to go back to the lounge on the 8th." A native Downey resident, Echegoyen said he was pleased with Downey's latest addition. "I think The Epic Lounge is a great place for Downey," he added. "It's such a great place and I hope it sticks around for a long time to come - people need a place like that." The lounge was previously open but was closed down due to violations of state regulations. Owner David Devis has revamped the venue and changed age restrictions for its 2011 reopening. The lounge is now open to people of all ages. He recently completed building renovations on the property, including the installation of fire alarms and additional bathrooms, and the planning commission will review the nightclub's operating permit in six months. "This is what we're trying to promote downtown, have some people some dancing, have a good time," planning commissioner Michael Murray told Devis last month, when the lounge was granted its liquor license. "I hope you're successful and do a good job. I'm in favor of this."

********** Published: September 08, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 21