Jackson Browne sings for Boarding House Mentors
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

AS GOOD AS EVER- Jackson Browne entertains the crowd at The Canyon with favorites from his three decades in music. The concert benefitted Boarding House Mentors, a group that introduces inner city kids to board sports- surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding- in an effort to keep them out of trouble. JANN HENDRY Acorn Newspapers

After 30-something years, rock legend Jackson Browne still exudes a boyish charm and croons as smoothly and melodically as he did in the 1970s.

Browne and a slew of other musical talent performed at The Canyon in Agoura Hills on July 29 to raise funds for Boarding House Mentors, a nonprofit group that introduces at-risk, inner city youth to surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding.

Browne took to the cause last year when the band, Triple Scoop, put on a benefit concert for Boarding House Mentors at The Canyon. Browne said he was in the audience and after the show approached the organizers with the offer to perform at this year's benefit concert.

Maria Busby, founder of Boarding House Mentors, was thrilled with the offer. And Browne didn't disappoint. Not only did he perform such old favorites as "The Pretender," and "Running on Empty," "Fountain of Sorrow" and others, but newer songs like "About My Imagination," resonated with the same depth and passion as earlier recordings.

Browne brought a bevy of performers to The Canyon to open for him, accompanying him on keyboard and even performing threepart harmonies.

Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals opened the show and wowed the sold-out crowd in his own right by delivering a passionate performance on guitar followed by mesmerizing music created on a hollow-neck acoustic Hawaiian lap slide guitar.

Todd Hannigan, writer, producer of surf films, also performed as did many other musicians and friends of Browne during the night. Triple Scoop took the stage following Browne. Darren Leader of Oak Park is a member of Triple Scoop.

Browne and his gang of talent managed to shrink The Canyon into a tiny, intimately relaxed club, chatting to the audience and seemingly performing as if he were in someone's home.

Except for a short, graying beard, Browne, 58, looked- and sounded- like he drank from the fountain of youth.

To further support of the Boarding House Mentors, Browne and all the musicians donated a variety of items for an auction. Signed surfboards, T- shirts, CD's, posters and a guitar, prompted generosity from the crowd. The auction raised more than $15,000 for the organization. The benefit raised an estimated $45,000 for the cause.

Lance Sterling, owner of The Canyon, donated the use of the club and all ticket sales to the charity. Agoura Hills resident Evan Kanes donated snowboards and Oak Park resident Andy Kastenberg managed the event with his wife, Grace PadillaKastenberg, executive director of Boarding House Mentors.

Boarding House Mentors was founded in 2003 to introduce at-risk children to exciting sports, including surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding. The intent of the organization is not to just provide fun in the sun, but to show young people there are plenty of positive, healthy outlets to choose from rather than getting involved with drugs and crime.

Mentors help teens master the sports, which in turn builds confidence and the resolve to meet other challenges.

"I went surfing today," said 14year-old Paul Lanier, a member of Boarding House Mentors. "I liked it, but it's kind of rough for me," he said. Although he doesn't expect to take up surfing, Paul does enjoy the organization. "It helps kids stay away from gangs, have fun and learn new things," he said.

Browne said Boarding House Mentors allows kids to be seen and know that they matter and count.

"All they need is a chance to be seen," Browne said.

For further information on becoming a mentor for Boarding House Mentors or about donating money to the organization, visit www.boardinghousementors.org.