As with every other city, Providence always has places and venues popping up with new ideas. In this case, it’s a long-standing establishment that has decided to go a different route when it comes to entertainment. Being over on Thayer Street in the heart of the city’s east side for over 20 years, Cafe Paragon has been a destination for people who dig European bistro cuisine with a little bit of flair. Next door is Viva, a lounge that is an extension of Cafe Paragon specializing in cocktails along with being known for having a few dance parties. With all of this to offer, the powers that be decided to include original live music into the fray.
With a complete stage and P.A. system, January is the kickoff month for live music being curated by Tim Davis, who is known around these parts as the manager of The Spot (a venue that caters to the jam and funk fans) as well as the nucleus behind the booking, management and promotions company Torch Alliance.
“Providence for many years has been a city for musicians to develop and express their talent,” Davis says. “The east side of Providence in particular has been lacking a live music venue to specifically do that. Our goal at Viva is to foster a place where patrons, musicians and staff are part of a musical experience that will be remembered long after the show. We have created a venue where performers will have a professional outlet to display themselves and the community can now enjoy shows on an intimate level by both local and touring acts.”
With that kind of love and enthusiasm for what’s happening in The Creative Capital, Davis seems like the perfect guy for the job. Check out a list of upcoming shows below, and follow Torch Alliance on Facebook for further updates on shows going on at Viva on Friday and Saturday nights: