Kathedral Event Center is the Ultimate Heartland Host: Offering Top-Tier Performing Arts and a Premier Events Space
Party planners and event coordinators hustling to refill their calendars after months of canceling events can now look to a local gem. Kathedral Event Center, one of the newest additions to the South Jersey arts scene, has been outfitted to meet the needs of virtually any function. The historic performing arts center, nestled in the heart of Hammonton, was forced to close when the coronavirus pandemic hit South Jersey. Now, as restrictions ease, Kathedral is preparing to get back to business with a bevy of musical and theatrical productions. It’s also gearing up to utilize its 16,000-square foot venue space for functions of all kinds: from weddings and corporate events to private parties, mitzvahs, and proms.
The Kathedral property, formerly St. Martin De Porres Catholic Church, was purchased and renovated into a state-of-the-art performance center in 2016. Kevin Rodio, owner of Spellcaster Productions, purchased the property when he saw its potential in adding to the cultural vibrancy of Hammonton.
During renovations, Rodio and his team worked to uphold the structure’s original architecture. Most of the property’s elements were restored to their original state to sustain historic integrity—only pews and religious symbols were removed. Keeping the structure’s mid-century style intact, the original paint colors, stone, and bathroom tiles were all kept. In addition, the venue’s stage has the same marble that surrounded the former church altar.
The old-fashioned interior serves as a unique backdrop for events, which can be rented in two spaces: the main concert hall or the downstairs banquet hall. Kathedral can hold up to 500+ people for concerts and its open-plan floor space can be customized to the client’s imagination.
Rodio’s vision in opening Kathedral was to bring high quality programming to Hammonton, featuring a wide range of national and local artists. Today, Kathedral is just that: a hotspot in the Hammonton Entertainment District. The space has welcomed an assortment of musicians, comedians, singers, and performers. In the fall, Kathedral hosted The Midtown Men, borrowing from the original Broadway cast of Jersey Boys. In October, The Rocky Horror Picture Show was screened at midnight to the delight of the film’s cult fan base. During the holidays, The Philadelphia Boys Choir visited for their annual concert, “Sing, Choirs of Angels!” featuring classic and contemporary carols.
Kathedral also has events slated for Summer 2020 and beyond. The national touring Beatles stage show Beatlemania Again performs on August 14. Popular South Jersey comedian and self-proclaimed “Queen of Delco”, Aunt Mary Pat Disabatino, will take the stage on September 18. In the fall, Italian-American comedy duo The Uncle Louie Variety Show will act out their signature sketches on October 9. Also, returning to Kathedral for the second time, The Belmonts will serenade guests with an evening of doo-wop classics on October 17.
For an updated events calendar, visit www.Kathedral.com. The Events Center is also ready to book private events! Email info@kathedral.com for inquiries.
