DiMeglio Septic , Inc .
RODIO , from Page 1 according to rodio , an entire tribute concert series is planned , with the music of the Beatles , frank Sinatra , elvis , Neil Diamond , Garth Brooks , tim Mc- Graw , Celine Dion and tom Jones being sang and played live on stage at Kathedral event Center . a Doo Wop concert series featuring the music of the Platters , Drifters , Duprees , 5 Satins and Under the
Streetlamp will also be featured at the venue in the coming months . in addition to those acts “ and many more ,” rodio said it is hoped that “ one to two original series performances ” will also be live on stage every month .
The Gazette was given a tour of the facility last week and found
DiMeglio Septic , Inc .
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that it was well on its way to being ready for its opening in a few weeks . Kevin rodio and andrew rivenbark , the managing director of the facility , were present and excited to talk about the upcoming events and the work that has gone into making Kathedral event Center ready for business .
Last week , it was also announced that Kathedral event Center would be hosting the Greater Hammonton Chamber of Commerce ’ s annual awards and installation Dinner . this year ’ s event honors Charles Crowley with the “ Nice Going ” award and Stockton University with the Business of the Yea ” award [ See related article on page 1 .] rodio said the event center can handle many other kinds of events in addition to entertainment .
“ We are just now releasing that we are opening the schedule to host weddings and private events as well ,” rodio said in an email to The Gazette last week . rodio said the work has been moving swiftly since the center received approvals from the zoning board shortly after it was purchased by Spellcaster Productions LLC in November for $ 600,000 .
“ We ’ ve done a lot of painting and cosmetic work . We ’ ve removed the pews . But our thought
Wednesday , February 15 , 2017 • The Hammonton Gazette • Page 3
Kevin Rodio : Kathedral Event Center opening in March
Soft opening March 4 , grand opening March 25 , Chamber dinner May 16
was that we wanted to keep as much of the building ’ s original design as possible ,” rodio said .
Walking through the former church , it ’ s apparent that rodio has achieved that goal , as the vaulted roof , pendant lights , terrazzo tile flooring , stonework , stained glass and choir loft are all still intact . the painted backdrop behind the altar area also remains , although the altar area has been replaced with a large stage that runs from the altar rail to the back wall in depth , and from one side of the church to the other in width . rodio said he has received many compliments from people regarding the transformation of the former church into a new facility .
“ they are amazed . We are receiving kudos from every walk of life ,” he said . rivenbark , who said he has a theater background , said people are impressed by Kathedral event Center , adding that it impressed him enough to make him want to work with rodio .
“ the space is a lot bigger than anyone anticipates . i met Kevin a year ago doing sound for a project . He told me about the space , and i came and checked it out , and everything fell into place ,” rivenbark said .
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March 4 will be a “ soft opening ” with Camille Peruto , rodio said .
“ We wanted to do a dry run ,” he said . the grand opening of Kathedral event Center will follow shortly afterward , on March 25 , with the U2 tribute band Unforgettable fire .
“ i remember seeing them at Princeton University in 1997 , so it ’ s great to have them here for our grand opening night ,” rodio said . acts have been receptive to the new venue , so much so that it has not been a problem booking talent , rodio said .
“ they ’ re reaching out to us ,” he said . in addition to entertainment acts , Kathedral event Center , with its large basement hall with a complete kitchen and flexible seating can also handle brides and weddings , corporate people and conventions , rodio said .
“ We haven ’ t even released a calendar of events yet , but we are booking events ,” rodio said , adding that the calendar of events would be posted online on the Kathedral event Center website and social media . the municipality has been supportive of the project of convert-
See EVENTS , Page 14
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