Guelph wouldn’t be the same without The Cornerstone. With a 23-year legacy of serving up some of the best food and fostering a strong sense of community, it’s only further enhanced by the live music that fills the space every week of the year.
While some may know The Cornerstone as a vegetarian restaurant in downtown Guelph, the vibe is something that’s hard to describe—it’s something you have to experience for yourself. A cherished hub in the local LGBTQ+ community, and independently owned and operated by Guelph residents, The Cornerstone is truly a cornerstone of the city itself.
Sydney Coles, one of the co-owners who took the reins in the summer of 2021, has played an integral role in shaping the unique vibe of The Cornerstone. We had the chance to catch up with her to learn more about the restaurant’s history and how live music has been an important part of its success.
Can you speak a bit to the history of the Cornerstone and Guelph’s live music scene?
The Cornerstone opened in January 2002 and we have been a part of Guelph’s music scene since. We originally opened up to fill the gap of vegetarian food offerings, and as a much needed community space. It fits right into our ethos to support the amazing artists and musicians in our ever-strong music community.
We’ve had a couple of events running for almost the entirety of our time open. Now in its 23rd year, the Nate Coles Winter Solstice Extravaganza is a big show/party celebrating the end of the year and, more recently, the anniversary of our reopening under new ownership. Host Nate Coles (Hellion Ton) and a rotating cast of his friend’s bands play sets through the evening and set the tone for a lively celebration. We’ve also been hosting Campfire Sessions with Greg Denton and Mark Rodford for 20 years now. Every third Sunday through the winter months, from 9pm-12am, we clear the space and set up a “campfire” of tea lights. It’s an all acoustic event, and we go around the circle singing songs together. It’s been a beautiful way to come together through the darkest months of the year, and we look forward to its return every October. We have also been running a well-attended Open Stage, every Sunday afternoon from 3-6pm with Hellion Ton.
Traditionally we have hosted mostly folk/rock/indie bands, but we have expanded into punk and jazz shows over the past couple of years, and it’s been so much fun to push the limits of what people expect from us and our space, and find more ways to fit into Guelph’s music scene.
How does live music contribute to the community at the Cornerstone?
Live music fits right in with our community. Much of the staff are artists and musicians, and we seem to attract the same from our customer base. Supporting live music and local art has always been important to us as owners and staff, so it simply makes sense to utilize our space this way. It adds so much to the space and we love working the shows, seeing the people that come out, meeting musicians and hearing everything the bands have to offer!!
What are some memorable music moments?
A personal one would be my first Winter Solstice Extravaganza. Back in 2017, as an employee of the previous owner, I got off work and sat at the bar to enjoy the celebrations. I was pretty new on staff and I just remember feeling, for the first time, so at home and welcome in the downtown community, with Nate singing Here Comes Your Man by The Pixies, no less. That moment has been followed up by many memorable Extravaganzas, which always prompt reflections on how much love has filled the room over the past 2 decades, and how lucky we are to have this space to bring people together through music.
In 2024, we had one particularly full day of live music that started right after a busy brunch service, with hosting B.A. Johnston at 2pm, as a part of the Downtown Guelph Music Weekends. That show was absolutely packed and so much fun (if you haven’t seen B.A you’re missing out on a wild ride), and we pivoted in the evening to hosting the Montreal band Pinksnail, supported by Guelph’s Shopkeeper, and A Very Haunted Corduroy Bear. It was VHCB’s first show (always an honor to host first shows), and an incredible way to end a long day of diverse music.
Okay, one more! We also hosted The Calderalls’ first show. They’re an almost-all-Cornerstone-staff band, and they absolutely packed the house for their debut. They play super gentle but lively and fun tunes, and it was so sweet to watch them form partly through working together. They’ve played plenty of wonderful shows since, but that one holds a special place in our hearts!
Any good bands you’ve got booked that you’re really looking forward to?
On May 24th, we are hosting OLEXA’s EP release show, with support from Megan Arnold. We absolutely love supporting the projects of our own staff, and are stoked for this one. You can expect goth/synthpop and electronic pop – music is at 8pm and it’s a PWYC show.
What’s your favourite thing on the menu right now?
I am personally back on my Tempeh Reuben kick, usually with a side of vegan caesar salad. It’s a classic Cornerstone favourite, for good reason. Come and try it 🙂
Where can people find more about the Cornerstone?
Our Instagram is a great place to keep up with what’s going on with us and what we are all about. Check it out at @thecornerstoneguelph
