Alley Regalley Makes a Comeback

Alley Regalley, the low-key jazzy alternative to the rockin' Walker's Tavern, is one step closer to making a comeback during this year's Farmington Area Founders Festival.

Farmington Hills resident Diane Cassidy, who owns in downtown Farmington, told Farmington City Council members last month that she planned to organize the event again, after a one-year hiatus. On Wednesday, the board of directors voted to partner with Cassidy and co-host the event.

"It was wonderful to walk into the meeting knowing I was going to have a chance to talk to them and answer questions," said Cassidy, whose passion for Alley Regalley seems boundless. "They were so encouraging and positive, and I am thrilled to partner with the chamber."

Chamber director Mary Engelman said helping chamber members such as Salon Legato has always been a priority for the organization. In addition, she said, "We tie businesses to the community at large."

"The board felt this would be an opportunity to raise some funds for a nonprofit in our community," she added. "Whenever the chamber does anything, it's always who can we help."

Cassidy and the chamber have been in touch with the , which now oversees the Founders Festival. Cassidy stressed that Alley Regalley, which will be located behind the Village Mall off Farmington Road, is not designed to compete with other festival venues.

"Originally, it was just a little brainstorming idea about doing something different than the beer tent, in a more intimate environment with upscale wine and beer, where people could enjoy great music," Cassidy said. "It has evolved into a fairly well-branded, well-known alternative."

Alley Regalley, she said, appeals to a different audience than Walker's Tavern, the festival's wildly popular beer tent. While Walker's has become an annual all-school reunion, with popular rock bands and a party atmosphere, Alley Regalley aims at people who are looking for a quiet venue.

"We thought it was a great complement to Walker's Tavern," Cassidy said, adding she has had a few conversations with representatives from the DDA, all with positive, encouraging results. 

The event has always benefited charities, and this year will be no exception. Engelman said no official charity has been designated. The after-school program was mentioned at the board meeting, she said, adding, "The general consensus was that it makes sense."

"It's awesome" to bring Alley Regalley back, Cassidy said. "It's a good little event."

Cassidy is looking for local food vendors and for musical acts that will fit with the event's atmosphere. Contact her at alleyregalley@yahoo.com or call the Chamber of Commerce, 248-919-6917.

To keep up with plans for Alley Regalley, visit alleyregalley.org or check out a Facebook page set up for the event.