From underground roots to cultural landmark, Epic Live turns 20
DOWNEY — The Epic Live, formerly known as the Epic Lounge, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with two special performances at its intimate entertainment space on 2nd Street.
Nationally and internationally recognized, Britain’s Finest: The Beatles Experience offers an immersive journey through the Beatles’ evolution, from early 1960s Beatlemania pop to the band’s later, more complex sound. Part theater and part concert, the production is sponsored by the Epic Live and produced by the Downey Arts Coalition.
The first performance is set for Saturday, Dec. 27, at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door and on Eventbrite.
David Devis, owner and operator of the Epic Live, said he welcomes the opportunity to invite longtime patrons, the Epic family, and the broader community to celebrate the milestone.
The second performance will take place Sunday, Dec. 28, at 3 p.m., also at the Epic Live. Continuing the 20th anniversary celebration, the show will serve as a fundraiser for the Downey Symphony. Tickets are also available at the door and on Eventbrite.
The Epic Live’s two-decade journey has not been without challenges, but it has been marked by persistence, reinvention, and a deep commitment to music.
Devis said he has been “in love with music from birth” and enjoys all genres. Each Saturday performance, he said, is a new musical adventure.
Before opening the Epic, Devis worked as a promoter in Los Angeles’ underground music scene, focusing on house, electronic, and techno music. He also brokered publishing and distribution for entertainment posters and flyers.
“It wasn’t mainstream music, and I was excited to be part of it,” Devis said.
He leased the current Downey location in 2003 and initially opened Icons Cyber Cafe, arriving just as the cyber cafe trend was fading. That experience prompted him to return to his first love, music.
In 2005, Devis obtained an entertainment license and opened the Epic Lounge, initially operating with a kitchen from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. He booked tribute bands, classic rock, alternative rock, and Rock en Español. By 2006, the venue had developed a strong following, particularly among Downey youth. Parents dropped off and picked up their children, and the shows were loud and popular, perhaps too popular.
“It was apparently too loud for downtown Downey,” Devis said. “In 2007, the City of Downey threw the book at me. Code enforcement. The Fire Department.”
The venue was shut down and required to meet a long list of improvements before reopening, including an additional restroom, fire alarm system, and structural upgrades.
“It took me a year to work through everything,” Devis said. “The fire alarm alone was $10,000. It ruined my credit. I ate Cup of Noodles for a year. Finally, I did everything they asked.”
Although the venue did not initially serve alcohol, Devis recognized that all-ages concerts were creating community concerns. After securing a beer and wine license, the audience shifted to 21 and older.
From 2007 to 2009, the Epic survived the Great Recession.
“I sold beer and wine out of a cooler,” Devis said. “As soon as I made some money, I bought a small refrigerator. Then I bought another.”
He continued reinvesting in the business, remaining open to any programming that could work in the space.
In 2011, Devis became a founding member of the nonprofit Downey Arts Coalition, marking the start of an ongoing partnership. The Epic hosted coalition meetings and events that expanded into theater performances, blues concerts, Downey Symphony fundraisers, poetry readings, art exhibits, and film shoots. Screenings included films by Downey filmmakers Paul Tully, Julian Park, Adrian Hernandez, Alex Caron, and others.
In 2012, the Epic began its annual partnership with Glenn Stephens’ GlennFest Film Festival through the Downey Film Society.
A major highlight came in 2013 with a hometown performance by The Blasters, featuring Downey’s Dave Alvin, along with Phil Alvin, Jon Bazz, Bill Bateman, and Gene Taylor of Norwalk. Jon Bazz would later return for multiple blues events presented by the Downey Arts Coalition.
That same year, the Epic hosted playwright Bill Blush’s “Bill’s Shorts,” produced and directed by Sylvia Cervantes Blush. The production returned in 2016 with “Bill’s Shorts Two.”
From 2013 to 2015, the Epic served as a primary venue for Make Music Downey, an all-day, free citywide music festival organized by Bea Romero and Carol Kearns.
“I was honored to be part of Make Music Downey,” Devis said.
In 2015, Devis acquired a full bar license, calling it a turning point for the business.
“It was a game changer,” he said.
That year also included a breakout performance by Cuban rapper Mellow Man Ace.
In 2018, the Downey Arts Coalition presented “Love, Life and Art,” featuring live music, visual art, a film screening, and a book launch.
In 2020, Devis made a major investment by purchasing the property. Notably, he owns the sidewalk area in front of the Epic to the center of 2nd Street, while Porto’s owns the other half.
The Epic survived the COVID-19 pandemic, though it remained closed for an entire year. During that time, Devis kept his restaurant, LA Buns, operating for takeout orders, retained five employees, established a food pantry, and delivered meals to Downey fire stations.
In 2021, the Downey Arts Coalition presented the premiere of Michael Gonzalez’s solo play “The Ivory Thread” at the Epic. Directed by Debra De Liso, the production later won awards at the Hollywood Fringe Festival and went on to Off Broadway at the New York Solo Festival, earning best play from California.
Additional highlights included Legendary Blues Concerts, Sunday Blues performances, Downey Pride after-parties, and the introduction of Sunday drag shows. The 2025 Downey Pride after-party was the Epic’s largest event to date.
In 2023, the venue was featured on the television show “Bar Rescue,” leading to a remodel and rebrand as the Epic Live. The upgraded full bar became a centerpiece of the transformation.
Weekly karaoke nights, featuring performers of all ages and a full production setup, have also become a crowd favorite.
“They’re rock stars,” Devis said. “They sound great, and we make them look great.”
Over the years, Devis has been recognized by the Downey Arts Coalition as Volunteer of the Year and received the City of Downey’s Mayor’s Excellence Award.
And so in 2025 the Epic is a Phoenix rising from the ashes. A survivor celebrating its 20th anniversary with the Britain’s Finest The Beatles Experience performance. For 2026 and beyond Devis looks forward to even more major improvements.
The Epic Live has become part of the cultural landscape of Downey. It reminds me of the eclectic cafes and venues in 1960’s Greenwich Village. A gift to Downey.