News Summary Murmur HiFi Lounge is set to open in Providence, offering a unique musical experience inspired by Japanese jazz kissatens. Co-owned by music enthusiasts Robert Troutman and Alison Johnson, the venue will feature a private listening room and a curated cocktail menu. With a seasonal food selection from chef Samantha Kundrat, Murmur aims to revitalize the local music scene and provide a space for immersive music appreciation. Providence Welcomes New HiFi Listening Lounge ‘Murmur’ in December 2025 The city of Providence is set to welcome a new addition to its music scene with the opening of Murmur HiFi Lounge in December 2025. Located on the ground floor of the historic WIT Building at 276 Westminster St., this innovative venue aims to provide an immersive musical experience inspired by Japanese jazz kissatens, traditional establishments known for enhancing music listening since the 1920s. Co-owned by Robert Troutman and Alison Johnson, both passionate about music and design, Murmur plans to stand out by not only offering a diverse selection of musical genres but also a unique cocktail menu curated by bar manager Parker Luthman. The lounge will serve cocktails crafted with unique spirits, sakes, beers, and wines, shifting away from traditional offerings of tea and coffee associated with similar venues. Murmur will also feature a private listening room, allowing guests to enjoy music in a more intimate setting. Notably, the bar will include a Toki Highball machine designed to create perfectly blended Japanese whisky highballs, ensuring a distinct experience comparable to champagne. Community Focus and Culinary Offerings The culinary aspect of Murmur will be designed by chef Samantha Kundrat, featuring a seasonal menu that includes skewers, dumplings, and sandos made from locally sourced ingredients. The lounge will operate six days a week, from Wednesday to Monday, 4 p.m. until closing, with potential plans to introduce a brunch service in the future. Murmur aims to revive and enhance downtown Providence’s music scene, which has faced a downturn with the closure of numerous venues in recent years. Previous occupants of the WIT Building have included popular local spots, making Murmur a hopeful reimagining of what the space can contribute to the community. Background and Vision Robert Troutman and Alison Johnson, who both transitioned to Providence from Minneapolis and Philadelphia, respectively, bonded over their shared love for music during their studies in the city. Troutman, a talented pianist and graphic designer, along with Johnson, an architect and guitarist, brings their creative backgrounds and musical passions to the project, hoping to enrich the local culture. The establishment finds its inspiration from Troutman’s travels to Tokyo, where he was captivated by the ambiance and practice of music appreciation in the city’s kissatens. Murmur seeks to replicate this experience for the Rhode Island community, allowing audiences to experience music in a new light. Providence residents and visitors can stay updated on Murmur’s progress and offerings by following their Instagram account, which will showcase the venue’s development leading up to its anticipated opening. Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic HERE Resources Additional Resources Rhode Island Monthly: Murmur HiFi Lounge Turn to 10: Downtown Providence Welcomes New Thai Restaurant Boston Globe: Murmur Listening Bar in Providence, RI Providence Journal: New Dining Options in RI Wikipedia: Listening Bar
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PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
