Last fall, three friends decided to create a new project.

Michigan singer-songwriters Julianne Ankley, Michelle Chenard, and GlenBrooke formed the group Triana after doing a songwriter round at Lake Orion’s 20 Front Street.

“It was well-received, and we had so much fun performing together that we decided to turn it into something,” Ankley said. “I suggested the name Triana, which means ‘three rivers.’ Since we are three different women with three different styles, it seemed fitting.”

Nearly a year later, Ankley, Chenard, and GlenBrooke are fusing their country, Americana, blues, and rock influences together for Triana’s rich, harmony-driven sound. The trio will share that sound during a September 13 performance at Trinity House Theatre in Livonia.

“We all come from different musical directions, which seem to blend together,” Ankley said.

To learn more, I did an email interview with Ankley about Triana ahead of the show.

Q: How did you meet Triana’s Michelle Chenard and GlenBrooke?

A: I met Michelle over a decade ago. We were seated next to each other in a writers’ round for the Mackinac Island Music Festival. I met GlenBrooke a few years ago while doing a writers’ round at Aretha’s Jazz Café for Yorg Kerasiotis’ “Singers in the Round” event. In both cases, we just hit it off right away. I was impressed with both of their talent and songwriting skills, and they just seemed like fun women to hang out with.

Q: How have you collaborated with them in the past?

A: Michelle and I have written and performed together on and off ever since we first met. She’s an incredibly talented songwriter and performer. I released two songs, “Pass Some Time” and “Hallelujah of My Own,” that we co-wrote on my last album, With Love From Lake Huron. Michelle released a single this year called “Michigan Winter” that we co-wrote as well.

GlenBrooke and I have been writing together for a couple of years now, and she released a song we co-wrote called “Tattoo Ain’t About You” this past year. GlenBrooke came to me with the song idea, and I was honored that she wanted to write it with me. I think it was the first time we collaborated, and I felt it really turned out great. She’s a great writer.

I think songwriting is really important to all three of us. They’re as dedicated and passionate about the craft as I am.

Q: What will your set be like for the September 13 show at Trinity House Theatre?

A: This will be our first performance as Triana. It will be a collaborative night of songs we’ve written together and separately as solo artists. [We will bring] lyrics, songs, melodies, harmonies, and fun stories of how the songs came to be. We [also will] plan on bringing a few new songs to the show.

Q: What does the future look like for Triana?

A: We’d love to do more shows together and see where it goes. I’m sure we’ll continue to write together.

Q: What plans do you have for later this year—both musically and artistically?

A: I have some great shows coming up, including the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest at the end of this month in Fort Myers, Florida. It’s rated one of the best music festivals in the nation by USA Today. I will [also] be releasing a single this fall called “Polar Train.”

I am currently working on a commission piece, and I have plans in the works for several art exhibits. You’ll have to stay tuned for more info. My art website is julianneankleyart.com.

Triana performs September 13 at Trinity House Theatre, 38840 West Six Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan. For tickets, visit Trinity House Theatre’s website.