JB Honored at Duke

Diane, your pictures of Jackson reminded me of a news item I had intended to share with everyone... which I've delayed sharing in hopes of being able to provide a link to some long-promised video from the event (...still waiting for the video).

I read somewhere that Jackson had been named the 2010 recipient of the Duke LEAF Award... presented by Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment for Lifetime Environmental Achievement in the Fine arts... so I decided to add my applause at the award ceremony back on April 17th. JB is the second recipient of this award, following Robert Redford, the award's inaugural recipient. Pretty good company... which certainly doesn't surprise any of us.

Jackson's long-time and close friend Ariel Dorfman, a Duke professor, enlightened and entertained the audience with his introduction. Among the anecdotes offered, he told a great story about how, during a visit Jackson made to visit Dorfman in Chile, he and Jackson found themselves being quietly tailed by a tinted-windows SUV in a remote region of Chile. Dorfman felt sure this surveillance was related to some lingering government interest in him... having been declared an enemy of the state and basically under a death threat during Pinochet's rule.

After becoming hopelessly lost, Jackson suggested they ask the guys in the SUV for help, figuring they were probably locals and may know how to get un-lost. That inquiry was made, and he learned that these fellows were also lost... but also that their mission really wasn't Dorfman-focused but, rather, was simply to make sure Jackson Browne, who had by then achieved world-wide fame, didn't encounter any difficulties while visiting their country.

And the fitting ending to the story? They finally reached their intended destination, and when it was clear after the evening meal that there were abundant leftovers, Jackson requested that a couple of take-out plates be prepared... which he delivered straight-away to the boys in the SUV, along with his "mil gracias!" Ariel is quite a story teller, and it was great fun to watch JB's many expressions as this story was told.

As always, Jackson was very gracious in his remarks following the presentation of the LEAF award... but he was also very focused in his observations and position regarding the environment, and his message that everyone needs to do their part. During the days that bridged this ceremony, an exhibit of Dianna's art was on display at one of Duke's libraries... serving to drive home his point.

I suspect many would agree the highlight of the whole shebang was Jackson's impromptu mini-concert... a very casual three (or four?) song set that included parts of a surfing- and environment-related work-in-progress song. The Page Auditorium has wonderful acoustics, which helped make the musical portion of the event a real treat for everyone. Now... among the links on the right side of the event's web page, there is a non-link note that says, "Event video will be online soon." No offense to the folks at the Nicholas School, but that's been there for three months, so don't hold your breath on seeing such video. But do check back - they may yet post some video.

Hope you found this now-old JB news item interesting. It's always fun to see people appreciate our old friend for his passion for and commitment to outreach. Best regards to all from hot-and-humid Raleigh! - Tony