By George P. Hassett

A gritty stretch of concrete typically home to traffic jams and highway noise became the site of a funky retro dance party last Saturday night. Project MUM (Meet Under McGrath) brought two turntables, a microphone and a disco ball to the rugged underpass of McGrath Highway on Washington Street and turned the neglected stretch of land into a 1970s-themed party for one evening.

More than 200 revelers danced the night away to sounds of the 70s as a giant screen flashed vintage pictures from the era, complete with peace signs, polyester and sideburns. Tom Walsh and Marna Eckels said the occasion was a perfect opportunity to wear their bellbottoms.

‚ÄúWe have these clothes in our closet anyway, so tonight was a great excuse to dress silly and dance all night,‚Äù Walsh said.   

A 1970s dance party underneath the highway was the brainchild of Susan Berstler, director of ArtSomerville, and is part of ArtsUnion, a series designed to bringing economic and cultural attention to Union Square, a once-neglected part of the city known more for tough traffic patterns than cultural innovation.

However, in just a short period of time, the series has brought more people and a new reputation to the square, said Mimi Graney, of Union Square Main Streets, an organizer of the series along with the Somerville Arts Council. A University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth study concluded the series had generated $352,470 for vendors and businesses in Union Square.

On Saturday night, no one was concerned with facts and figures. As James Brown tunes blasted from the speakers, the crowd under McGrath Highway was only concerned with having a good time.

“It’s not everyday you walk by McGrath Highway and see a disco ball and a full DJ set,” said Chris Little who showed up after seeing a flyer advertising the party.
Berstler said she was inspired to organize a party beneath the highway by the way she has seen space used in Europe.

“Maybe because they have less space in Europe, they use it in very interesting ways. In Germany, it is not unusual to see restaurants, stores or discothèques under a highway. I wanted to use that concept and this open space for a fun, safe summertime gathering,” she said.

Berstler said the 70s-era photos that flashed on a big screen were collected from the photo albums of her friends and neighbors in Somerville.

Melissa Hale Woodman, from the Somerville Arts Council, said the 70s theme is perfect for a lighthearted get-together where fun is the goal.

‚ÄúThe 70s represent unabashed fun. Nothing pretentious just letting loose and having fun,‚Äù she said.