Elva Bontrager, coordinator of the event, said the theme is due to the concert location, not to a specific musical style. Many of the names will be familiar to locals from appearances at events like the Alaska Folk Festival, but Bontrager said the intent is to offer a higher overall caliber of talent.

"One difference is that we're taking established performers," she said. "The ones I pursue don't have to apologize. They don't have to say, 'I'm not ready' (or) 'I'm surprised you chose me.'"

Organizers and performers also said it is a chance to add a fall event to Juneau's musical schedule and a way to relax after the busy summer season.

"It's a slow-boat day, so there's not a lot of tourists in town," said Martha Stey, who will emcee the evening and perform with her husband, Jim, as the duo Don't Go - Stey. She said the festival is an opportunity to offer something aimed at the local community.

In addition to the Steys, the lineup includes singer Collette Costa; bluesman Pat Henry; the mixed-genre string quintet, the Zahasky Family Band; storytelling by Brett Dillingham; the vocal-guitar harmony duo of Corin Whittemore and Gani Et Se; singer-songwriter Mike Truax; the teenage bluegrass band College Bound; and Haines singer-songwriter Burl Sheldon.

The Zahasky Family Band is a regular at the top of the tram, playing about twice a week plus special occasions in the gift shop.

Laura Zahasky said the family was playing several years ago at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake when they began looking for more family friendly venues - figuring bars such as the Alaskan weren't ideal - which led to the mountainside shows. She said they try to feature different family members on different songs - originals and covers ranging from folk to blues to bluegrass - and this year's festival will be something of a solo debut for 9-year-old Abby Zahasky.

"Our youngest daughter is coming up and becoming more of an integral player," she said. "She's quite a little singer. She's going to be featured on 'Further On,' a Shapenote hymn. That's where the reading of music with traditional notes is not done, but instead the notes are in traditional shape like triangles and rectangles."

Admission is $10 including the tram ride, which must also be paid by season tram pass holders, Bontrager said. She said those hoping to save a few dollars by hiking up will still be asked to pay admission at the door. The tram's restaurant is offering a quick pre-show meal for an additional cost, and speakers are being set up there for those unable to get into the theater or who want to listen from the dining area.

For more information about the festival, call the tram at 463-3412.

Other Shows

A look at three other big shows this weekend:

Shawn Mullins, 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, at Marlintini's Lounge - Georgia adult-alternative folk troubadour Shawn Mullins will play at 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, at Marlintini's Lounge in the Mendenhall Valley,

Mullins has released 11 albums since 1991 and is most-known for 1998's "Soul's Core," which went platinum on the strength of the Adult Top 40 hit "Lullaby." It also was nominated for a Grammy.

He will play some his hits as well as songs from "9th Ward Pickin' Parlor," his latest folk/rock/country/blues CD. The album was recorded just before Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans.

Tickets are $20 the day of the show or $15 in advance at Marlintini's Lounge and Capital Records.

Concertgoers under 21 will be allowed with a legal parent or guardian. The show is smoke-free.

For more information and MP3s, visit www.shawnmullins.com or www.myspace.com/shawnmullins.

"Mullins' resonant baritone rings through country-tinged tunes colored with mandolin, banjo, lap steel and piano," No Depression wrote. "Feeling like the kind of unfussy but assured recording Mullins has needed to make for awhile now."

Rory Stitt, 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, at Northern Light United Church - Piano animal Rory Stitt, back in town as music director and orchestrator for the Oct. 6 world premier of "Yeast Nation" at Perseverance Theatre, will play one of his semi-annual shows Saturday at Northern Light.

Tickets are $13 in advance at Hearthside Books, or $15 at the door.

In Juneau, Stitt was last seen in Perseverance's spring production of "Tommy." This summer, he resumed his musical career in Portland, Ore. He's planning East and West Coast tours.

Stitt is also working with Perseverance artistic director PJ Paparelli on the all-new production "Rockstar." The show will include a preview of brand-new material from the musical.

For more information, as well as audio and video clips, visit www.myspace.com/rorystitt or www.youtube.com/rorystitt.

Stitt also is conducting private students for piano, voice and songwriting. For more information, write to info@rorystitt.com.

Badd Dog Blues Society, Thursday, Sept. 6 at Doc Water's; Friday-Saturday, Sept. 7-8, at the Alaskan Hotel & Bar - The 12-year-old Badd Dog Blues Society, a Bellingham, Wash.-based blues band, will return this weekend for a string of shows. There's no cover.

Led by Andy Koch (harmonica, vocals, guitar and keyboard), Badd Dog usually travels as a four- or five-piece band. They've toured from Baja California to Alaska, but they always return to the Wild Buffalo in Bellingham.

Their set list includes originals, plus artists such as Willie Dixon, Albert King, Blind Willie McTell, Eddie Vinson and John Mayall.

For more information, visit www.badddogbluessociety.com.