Bill Kirchen performs at last year's Townie Street Party.

file photo

This is Maureen Riley’s first year as director of the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, so it’s also, presumably, Riley’s first time throwing a party for more than 10,000 Ann Arbor area locals.

The Townie Party — happening Monday, July 19 from 5-9:30 p.m. on North University Avenue, between Thayer and Fletcher — is now in its sixth year, offering natives the chance to hang out, eat, hear live music, see (and purchase) local kids’ art, do activities, and engage with community members and organizations before hundreds of thousands flock to town for the Ann Arbor Art Fairs.

Riley might be new to the event, but she nonetheless knows that over the years, “the most significant change is that it keeps growing. It’s become very popular, and the crowds get larger every year.”

One indicator of that is the Kids’ Art Fair, which this year will feature the work of more than 70 children who presented their work to jurors, many of whom are local art educators.

“(The jurors) talk with the kids about what they’re doing, and ways to expand on what they’re doing,” said Riley.

Riley mentioned one young artist who sold all of her scarves last year and earned more than $300.

“It’s the coolest thing,” Riley said. “(The kids) are really into it. It’s amazing how many kids are interested in art and really like creating these wonderful things.”

Townies may also try their hands at silkscreening, tile art, a community art project, and block printing, while kids can experience face painting, sailboat-making, making a Japanese Carp Kite from recycled materials, or learn about starting a garden.

But if your idea of the perfect evening is to just sit on the grass (or in the Townie Pub with a beer in-hand) and listen to live music, the lineup will be Danny Kline from 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Chris Mills from 6:45-7:45 p.m.; and classic rock/R&B band Relics, from 8:15-9:30 p.m.

“It’s Americana music, but with a get-up-and-dance feel to it,” said Riley. “We wanted to have music that’s pleasing to all age groups, and that would cross demographic lines.”

For the first time at the Townie Party, The Terrace — a private bar with refreshments, premium seating and a wine tasting — will be open to individual donors as well as sponsors this year. A $50 donation (which makes you a Townie Friend of the Fair), $35 of which is tax-deductible, will get you into The Terrace while you show your support for the AASAF.

“As a nonprofit, we’re really dedicated to increasing public knowledge, and an appreciation for, fine arts and crafts,” said Riley. “So we really have an art-driven mission.”

Riley hopes the AASAF can be more active throughout the year by way of educational and outreach programs.

“(The Townie Party) is about more than just coming and having a cocktail or your favorite beverage and listening to music,” said Riley.

Jenn McKee is the entertainment digital journalist for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at jennmckee@annarbor.com or 734-623-2546, and follow her on Twitter @jennmckee.