Aberdeen unplugged
Indigo Coffeehouse's new owners vow to keep the music alive
BY TOM CAIAZZA
Staff Writer

ABERDEEN - John Siehl was channeling Curtis Mayfield.

"People get ready for the train to Jordan," Siehl sang to the hushed crowd of 15 souls, warm-handed and smiling.

The room was cool, the air thick with espresso. Paintings and pictures hung on the warm, painted walls.

"People get ready, there's a train a-comin," Siehl sang.

All the while, the faint sound of hissing could be heard over Siehl.

Sheli Aarden was behind the bar. Aarden bought the Indigo Coffeehouse, Route 34 in Aberdeen, barely two months ago, she said while steaming milk for an espresso drink.

"I love this place," she said while tamping the coffee.

The singer/songwriter and her friend, chef Rob Lowther, purchased the shop from the previous owners who were closing it to focus on other businesses, Aarden said.

"I was heartbroken when I heard it was closing," Aarden said.

Aarden had been a regular at the Aberdeen establishment for more than two years. She garnered the role of running the open mic nights and helped to foster a strong support for the artists and musicians of the shore area.

It wasn't until Lowther, her friend's fianc, said he was looking to open a luncheonette that it became possible for them to keep the coffeehouse open.

Aarden said the transition was made simpler by the fact that she had been so involved in the shop already. It was almost organic.

"That's how it felt," Aarden said. "We had no doubts about this at all, we never felt like it wasn't going to happen."

After the pair bought the shop in April, they embarked on a huge campaign of live acts, open mics and open jams aimed both to bring people through the door, and to give back to the musicians who have helped to build the place.

"Musicians are our main clientele," Aarden said. "We want to give back to the musicians who give 100 percent to us."

PHOTOSBYPAT HICKEY Clockwise from top left: Indigo Coffeehouse co-owner Sheli Aarden steams milk for a latte on Saturday night. The coffeehouse drew a crowd, thanks to local musician John Siehl who played folk music. Tim Niland, of Old Bridge, enjoys a book.

And give back she has. Indigo hosts live music nearly six days a week. Weekends promise two acts each night and showcases for singer/songwriters are common.

"I want the edge," Aarden said. "I don't want them to go to Starbucks. You can hear music at Starbucks, but not like this."

Along with coffee and other typical coffeehouse fare, Indigo boasts a full menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It encourages involvement in the community and considers itself a family establishment.

"We want to get the locals to come around," Aarden said. "Bring your family, have dinner, have lunch."

Indigo hosts birthday parties and art classes and is even planning belly dance lessons.

Aarden said that the shop has always had a loyal clientele base - none more loyal, however, than Todd Goldin.

Goldin, 20, spends most nights at the shop, Aarden said. He often comes with his mother and brother to listen to music, and strongly supports the acts that come through.

"I call it Sheli's place because I know the owner and I love it," Goldin said. "It is such an intimate place for musicians. I think the place has gotten better since it changed hands."

Goldin is such a staple of the shop that he knows the words to all of Michael Brett's songs, and the singer/songwriter performing that night even let Goldin come on stage and take the lead.

"So this is what it's like to be in heaven, never thought I'd meet an angel like you," Goldin sings along with Brett.

Aarden said that Goldin was Indigo's mascot. She beams when talking about him, and said that they threw him a birthday party at the coffeehouse after which Goldin told Aarden, "Just when you think your days are awful, your friends come through for you."

Brett said that he likes playing the coffeehouse because the people really listen to the music, unlike at bars and clubs.

"Any performer appreciates people actually listening," Brett said. "Even before Sheli and Rob took over, they really stressed that music comes first."

For more information about the Indigo Coffeehouse, a schedule of events or hours of operation, visit www.indigocoffeehouse.com.

Goldin wore a pin on his shirt that said "Indigo Coffee House." He is the shop's biggest fan and he knows why.

"This place has always been special," Goldin said.