The halls of Worcester’s Memorial Auditorium have sat in silence for the large part of the last quarter-century. Saturday night, that is set to change, when Pulse Magazine brings the auditorium to life with Downtown Underground: Urban Masquerade, a night of music, dancing and drinks.

“The event is all about bringing together the old and the new,” said Mitch Perry, event manager of Pagio, Inc., which also publishes Pulse Magazine. “We’re taking an iconic, Worcester building that has gone unused for years and repurposing it to draw a younger crowd. We thought the Urban Masquerade theme would be perfect.”

As Worcester’s Canal District and Shrewsbury Street neighborhoods continue to flourish as vibrant cultural and nightlife hot spots, the city center is poised to follow suit. The Urban Masquerade pop-up party is part of a long line of projects and events that aim to draw people downtown for nightlife activities.

“Getting people downtown after 8 p.m. has been a challenge for the city. Our goal is to help show people what this area can offer in terms of a night out,” Perry said.

While many of the guests will be too young to remember the Auditorium’s glory days, this event will offer a unique opportunity for them to experience the grandeur of the building. But this is not your classic masquerade ball. Club attire, matched with a sleek mask will do the trick as you dance the night away to some of your favorite club hits, spun by Hartford, Conn., DJ AfroPanther.

This 21+ event will feature fresh cocktails served up by the Flying Rhino and two floors of beautiful architecture. Come Downtown and join the underground as we experience a new-age twist on a classic theme in one of Worcester’s most magnificent venues. Tickets are $15 online and $20 at the door. For more information and to purchase your ticket, visit worcesterdowntownunderground.com.

Downtown Underground: Urban Masquerade is hosted by Pulse Magazine and sponsored by Wormtown Brewery and Action! Worcester.

By Kyle Sullivan