Celebrate local musical talent Sept. 6 with Island Songs at the San Juan Community Theatre. Fan favorites Desolation Sound, Tara Craig, UGAIA and Trinity Althoff will all be in one location for one event and one event only.

“Nathan Kessler-Jeffery [the Theatre’s artistic director] and I met a few times to discuss the music aspect of the theatre and what could be done to boost this part of the theatre’s offerings,” musician Scott Sluis said. “One idea was tribute bands like the Queen tribute band that played, and was a huge hit, and the other was this idea of an island-based musicians’ locals show.”

The show’s goal is to present the audience with the passion each performer has for their music, Sluis explained. “It is a scary undertaking to put your heart and soul into writing a song or songs, and then deciding to present them to an audience for their enjoyment. Will they like it? Will they understand it? Come and partake of the songwriter’s passion, talent and art – you will not be disappointed.”

This will be a high-quality musical show in a concert-type setting that is simultaneously visually appealing with a professional sound and lighting crew.

Desolation Sound’s Daniel DeShon’s goal for the evening, he said, is to give the audience a fun, artistic, entertaining show.

“I hope to provide a glimpse into how I approach songwriting, some of my process, and how Desolation Sound creates our unique music.”

Althoff noted that her solo work can be surprising for people who know her through the lens of Mudbath, “It is more thoughtful, sweet, soft and warm. They can expect folk songs with a twist from the new age.”

From UGAIA, band member Mosa Baczewska said, the audience can expect thoughtful lyrics and luscious harmonies.”

UGAIA bandmate Laura Chorba added, “Our heart music, we write our songs from the experiences of our life, we tell the stories as we see them and feel them, some of these stories are difficult, some stories are celebrations, and some stories are the truth as we understand them.

From Craig, expect a high-energy, fun and thought-provoking set of songs that serve as a salve to today’s troubling times, she said, and fans will hear many of their favorites.

As far as the actual set list, Sluis said, “The focus of this event is to highlight the local musicians’ songs – it was the basis for this event. It will be all original music – if there is a cover song, it will be done uniquely.”

DeShon expanded on that saying from Desolation Sound, songs will include some of their most well-known songs. “It is important to have a nice mix of the familiar with the unknown, and speaking of the unknown, we will play several new songs as well. We think our new songs are some of the best ones yet.” Their third record, “Cascadia,” is almost finished. He describes it as a concept album based on the novella he is writing about a dystopian future, “a future where the people of Cascadia defy the dictator of the United States and form a new nation. It’s a love story, an adventure and I wish I could say it was pure fantasy!”

Each of these musicians has been involved in music at a young age. When asked how she got into music, Althoff replied that she wanted to be a singer since she watched a movie where a woman made a bird burst with the power of her voice. “I was 6, this movie was Shrek and Fiona was my first inspiration to sing.”

It helped that Althoff’s stepmother was a piano teacher. It was the piano that provided Althoff a musical structure to flourish as a singer, songwriter and musical creative. She explained, “I began playing when I was 8 and writing out musical scores when I was 12. When I was 14 my mom bought me a guitar and that was where my songwriting really began to grow.”

DeShon said a defining moment for him was being very closely connected to the early Seattle music scene, saying, “Talk about a magical experience. That scene and those early shows played by bands that would later go on to become some of the biggest acts on the planet really cast a spell on me.” He picked up his father’s guitar and started learning how to play. He later became a founding member of the Chameleons with Kira Sable, Michael Linehan and Darvis Taylor. “That was the band where I truly learned what being a musician and working with my fellow bandmates was all about. We had some good times at the Rumor Mill, Herb’s Tavern and many other places that are no longer in existence.”

Craig started singing in her church and in school at a young age. “When I was 13, I wrote my first song and have continued writing ever since.”

Sluis has also been involved in music from a young age, playing drums since he was a child.

“As I grew older, I honed my skills and then directed them towards the music genres I enjoy personally. My favorite music is original music where I get to put my signature on someone’s art,” he said.

The musicians of UGAIA have also been around music since they were children.

“My mom taught me to sing in harmony with my two sisters at ages five, six and seven while we did the dishes. It has been a lifelong skill and passion,” said Baczewska. “I took piano lessons for a time. As a teen, my older sister and I taught ourselves guitar. We sang together as a family. At age 19 I wrote my first song. I have been in various groups but mostly a solo performing songwriter for over five decades.”

Chorba reflected on when the Beatles performed a televised concert at Shea Stadium in New York on Aug. 15, 1965. “I was mesmerized,” she said. “When the concert was over, I immediately cut up a cardboard box and made my own guitar. I even put strings on it.” She was determined to be a singer and guitar player just like Paul McCartney and John Lennon. She began writing songs at about 15 years old. “It helped me cope with the usual teenage angst,” Chorba said.

River Wylde began singing with her brothers at the age of 4, along with her grandfather and parents in her family band “The Williams Family.” At 7 years old, her grandfather dropped out, and she began playing drums. The family band played all throughout the United States and Canada.

The musicians all credited the beauty of the islands when reflecting on why the island music and artist scene is so vibrant.

“Being surrounded by all this water and beauty, people can’t help being inspired and want to express themselves through art, whether it’s photography, painting or music or any other expression of the arts, it just brings it out in people. There are folks that move here for other reasons and end up becoming some sort of artist,” Sluis said.

Althoff agreed, “I feel the natural beauty and the pace of life make the island a compelling muse. I feel free from the hum drum of the mainland here and that freedom gives me the room to enjoy a long afternoon at the beach with my guitar or quiet mornings with my piano. I think other creatives may also see or feel this.”

DeShon summed it up like this: “When I hike up Mount Young, I feel compelled to write a song. When I go for a paddle on the ocean, I am motivated to write a song. When I visit my favorite beach, another song seems to come along.”

Baczewska agreed that the islands are a mecca for creatives. “There are so many brilliant people here. Island life is conducive to following your creative passion. The other creatives around are a boon to the whole process, a synchronicity greater than the sum of its parts. I think people feel this and want to be a part of it.”

Wylde said she is honored and excited to be taking the stage with so many talented musicians, Craig, Althoff and Desolation Sound. and DeShon gave a shout-out to those involved in organizing the event, “Three cheers to everyone involved with San Juan Community Theater who put this one-of-a-kind show together! A very special thank you to Scott Sluis for spearheading the project. The concept of showcasing local, original songs is a brilliant idea, and we (Desolation Sound) feel very lucky to be a part of this special event.”

The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults, $15 for students and student rush is $5.