Jack Johnson still green after 3 No. 1's

Singer/songwriter Jack Johnson has always been aware of the environment.

"Growing up in Hawaii and getting to spend time in nature biking, hiking or surfing was what inspired working with the environment," Johnson said during a phone call from his home in Hawaii. "And as I started playing and getting an audience, I was approached by organizations of surfers who cared about the environment to play fundraisers and other functions."

Johnson has been hooked on the environment ever since.

This year, he is raising money to aid the cleanup efforts in the gulf oil spill. And people can donate just by buying a concert ticket.

"In 2008, we set up the nonprofit Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation with money from the that tour," Johnson said. "We are now using the money it raised to commit $70,000 to the nonprofit organizations that are helping with the gulf oil spill.

"Plus, 100 percent of the profits of this tour is going to charity," Johnson said.

Johnson was instrumental in helping the USANA Amphitheatre become a green venue.

Johnson said the venues complied to his request of becoming environmentally friendly if he played a show.

"I'm sure there were some venues that went back to being what they were after we played," he said. "But some have continued to work to become the greenest venues in the state or region."

Johnson's show at the USANA Amphitheatre tonight officially kicks off the second leg of his tour, supporting the new CD "To the Sea."

Most of the 13 songs were written after his previous album "Sleep Through the Static" was released in 2008.

"There were a couple of songs that we had that weren't finished from those sessions," he said. "We had some of the music, but not the lyrics. The first song on 'To the Sea,' called 'You and Your Heart,' was one of those songs."

Johnson said his whole band — himself, drummer Adam Topol, bassist Merlo Podlewski and keyboardist Zach Gill — all had a hand in producing the disc.

"We are all great friends and have played in the band together for years," he said. "While we all may not have been able to produce an album a few years ago, it felt right this time."

When "To the Sea" was released in the United States on June 1, it became Johnson's third CD to debut at the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200.

"It's been a surprise to me that the last three CDs have been No. 1 albums," he said. "But it doesn't really affect how we write the songs.

"The songs usually start off with me on an acoustic guitar and Adam playing a hand drum," Johnson said. "Then, Zach will play a hand-held keyboard and it will go from there."

Johnson said he's looking forward to the USANA gig.

"We always have a great time when we're in Utah," he said. "We can't wait to get back."

If you go…

What: Jack Johnson

Where: USANA Amphitheatre, 5150 S. 6055 West

When: Aug. 13, 7 p.m.

How much: $35-$55

Phone: 801-467-8499, 800-888-8499

Web: www.smithstix.com

e-mail: scott@desnews.com