Cathedral Basilica:
Info for Musicians
We're excited to perform at this space for the first time! Please scroll down for information about the venue and how to navigate it.
Questions? Contact mbsweet@njio.org.
TENTATIVE Schedule
Prelude
Sunday
1:30 call time
2:00 sound check
2:55 sit down on stage
3:10 performance
Intermezzo
Saturday
6:30 call time
7:00 rehearsal
Sunday
2:00 call time
3:00 gather backstage
3:20 performance
Symphony
Saturday
7:00 call time
7:30 rehearsal
Sunday
2:00 call time
3:45 gather backstage (intermission)
4:00 performance
Keys2Success
Sunday
1:30 call time
2:15 sound check
2:40 performance
3:00 leave stage
Brass Choir
Saturday
8:45 rehearsal
Sunday
1:30 call time
2:15 sound check
3:05 performance
Where to Go
1. Enter through the 89 Ridge St entrance on both Saturday and Sunday. Someone will be there to open the door for you.
2. Next, proceed to the main "Green Room"/backstage for musicians is in the sacristy. There are two small bathrooms, counters to put your cases on, and a water fountain. This is the ONLY place you can eat any food within the Cathedral Basilica.
3. When not performing or setting up, please sit in the side pews as directed.
Accessibility
89 Ridge St Entrance: 4 steps from street level to the front door, then 4 more into the sacristy (same level as stage).
Side entrance with ramp: 7 shallow steps from ramp at side entrance to stage level. These stairs are wider than the other entrance.
When you are not performing, it may be easier to stay in the sacristy (same level as stage) than to go down the 7 shallow steps to the side pews with the other musicians.
Terminology
Altar - flat table at the back of the sanctuary, used for ceremonies. Surrounded by ornate statues and raised up a few steps. OFF LIMITS.
Ambulatory - semicircle hallway that goes around the sanctuary. Note that you are visible to the audience when walking in the ambulatory.
Cathedra - This is the chair of the Archbishop of Newark, from which he presides over liturgies. The word for this chair in Latin is "cathedra." This is why, in every diocese, the church that holds the seat of the bishop is called the cathedral. OFF LIMITS.
Sacristy - These are the rooms in which priests vest and prepare for liturgical services within the cathedral. This is where you can put your cases and belongings. There are small bathrooms and water fountains.
Sanctuary - the space in the church for the high altar and the clergy. This is the raised area where you will perform.
Click below to virtually explore the Cathedral Basilica
Parking at the Cathedral Basilica
PARKING A: Located behind the Cathedral Residence.
PARKING B: Located at the Archdiocesan Center (171 Clifton Ave).
PARKING C: Located at the North corner of Park Avenue and Clifton Avenue.
No Parking is allowed at the Barringer High School Lot. DO NOT PARK THERE.
Carpooling is encouraged.
Public Transportation
The 41 bus (Lincoln Park <> Orange) and 99 bus (Weequahic <> Branch Brook Light Rail) come right to the Cathedral at Clifton Ave and Victoria Ave.
Both of these bus lines are accessible from Newark Broad Street train station (~10-15min bus ride).
The Cathedral is also a 5 minute ride share away from Newark Broad Street Station, or a 20 minute walk.