Elegant Downtown Farmington Founders Festival Venue Alley Regalley Returns

With just eight days left before the opening of the Downtown Farmington Founders Festival, Diane Cassidy says she's ready for Alley Regalley.

Cassidy created the event several years ago as an alternative for Walker's Tavern, which focuses more on rock music. She describes the atmosphere as "a more refined experience". Alley Regalley will return to last year's location behind the , just south of the Grand River and Farmington Road intersection.

"It's sort of an upscale feeling and an outdoor party venue," said Cassidy, who owns . "There are no walls around you, but you're dining on white table cloths with flowers around you. The music is more laid back, so you can have a date night and speak intimately to the person next to you."

This year's music line-up includes Vinyl Misst (1960s art rock), The Paisley Fogg (British Invasion and 1960s rock), The Sheila Landis Trio (jazz), The Fun Guys (classic rock), Metro Jazz Voices and Twistin' Tarantulas (rock-a-billy). Music will be going continuously while the venue is open, from 5 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

"I think our music line-up will be a little peppier," Cassidy said. "It might even inspire some people to get up and dance."

Farmington-based Destiny Catering returns to provide food that is "out of this world", Cassidy said. They'll serve up cold Cajun salmon, shrimp and chicken dishes, among other items. 

Food items are $5, and there is a cover charge, with funds going to the City of Farmington Hills after-school program. If enough money is raised, a second charity will be chosen, Cassidy said. After launching a partnership with the last year, Alley Regalley raised $2,500.

Cassidy said she remains thankful for the partnership and for the many sponsors who make Alley Regalley possible. This year's main sponsor is Suburban Real Estate; other major sponsors include Talmer Bank and Bright House Business Solutions. To see the full list of nearly 20 sponsors, and for more information, visit alleyregalley.biz.