New cafe offers drinks, live music and comfort

Torri Donley

A local woman is sharing her love for coffee and music with Ridgetown. Load Error Amber Nussey has always had a passion for music and warm drinks. After moving to Ridgetown in 2012, she often pondered the idea of opening up a cafe shop. For years, nothing came of it. […]

A local woman is sharing her love for coffee and music with Ridgetown.

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Amber Nussey has always had a passion for music and warm drinks. After moving to Ridgetown in 2012, she often pondered the idea of opening up a cafe shop. For years, nothing came of it.

According to Nussey, the idea for opening up her new cafe shop came when she laid eyes on a brick building, located on Erie Street, next to the post office and steps from students. It was love at first sight.

Today, Nussey spends a lot of time in the building, as the owner of Common Ground Acoustic Cafe.

Her cafe, which regularly hosts live music performances, is more than coffee and live music. It’s a supportive, inclusive place where everyone feels welcome.

“I love the idea they (students) can just come down and grab something and be safe to go right back upstairs,” said Nussey.

To go along with a long list of drinks and food options on the menu, Nussey’s cafe frequently welcomes all talent levels to the stage. While the cafe is home to an acoustic style, Nussey said she has had talented musicians perform Adelle and Kesha songs, with a country twist.

The first Friday of the month is an event called “First Friday”, where the cafe introduces the new artists of the month. Additionally, the cafe will host a singer or duo to perform live music that night as well.

Despite events and scheduled performances, Nussey hopes her stage can be a platform for artists to gain experience or try something new.

“I love the idea of having a stage for people to be able to come and gain experience or try it if they have never played in public,” said Nussey.

To go along with “First Fridays”, the first Saturday of every month is open mic night at the cafe, hosted by Phil Smith.

According to Nussey, whether it be students, residents or regular performers, open mic night is geared towards having a fun time.

“That’s what the open mic nine is all about — It’s just about making the stage available and inclusive,” said Nussey. “It’s this place where you’re totally welcome to come and be yourself and perform. Just get up there and do your thing.”

While the stage welcomes many, there is just one rule.

“No drum kits. It’s not about rocking loud. It’s about the vocal and the guitar and it being a certain experience where you’re able to connect with the artists. You can sit and have coffee while they’re performing,” said Nussey.

Additionally, the cafe hosts Sunday Worship, which is held the first Sunday of the month from 2-4 p.m.

Despite the fact that her doors only recently opened to the public, Nussey said she is blown away by Ridgetown’s support.

“It has been overwhelmingly supportive,” said Nussey about her opening weekend. “We are busy all the time, there’s a lineup out the door half the time, it’s just absolutely incredible. I go to bed every night, and I can’t believe it. It’s just so wonderful.”

Common Ground Acoustic Cafe is located at 5 Erie Street South. Stop by and say hello to Amber and her crew.

Bird Bouchard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Ridgetown Independent News

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