By Tim Parsons / Lake Tahoe Action

Our Satori’s singer often hears that he sounds like Jack Johnson, and it’s no coincidence.

“He definitely was an inspiration for me to mellow out from my punk-fanatic age,” said Asher Stern, who fronts the Santa Cruz trio that will make its Tahoe debut Friday, March 20, at the Divided Sky in Meyers.

“I liked the intense energy of (punk) music, and I was angry at the time,” he said. “Jack Johnson’s ‘Brushfire Fairytales’ album showed me it was OK to be mellow. I can see why people make that comparison, and it’s definitely been the most common one.”

Our Satori’s EP “Remember to Breathe,” has a jam feel, albeit without extended solos, with the flavor of Jack Johnson and perhaps the jazz-rock sounds of the Guess Who.

Our Satori, which has made a couple of short tours to Southern California, comes to Tahoe on a two-week trip, its longest tour.

Stern, who performed solo as an acoustic guitarist met bassist Aaron Glass in August 2007.

“Aaron’s a glutton for music and he soaks up whatever kind of musical experience he can get,” Stern said.

Mike Pinette is the group’s third drummer, and the current lineup sounds like it should last. The trio is prepared to relocate anywhere in hopes of becoming a success, Stern said.

“Satori” is a Japanese Buddhist term for enlightenment.

This will be the first time Stern has visited the south end of Tahoe.

“I’ve no idea what to expect at any of these shows,” he said. “I’m just going in with an open heart and hoping for the best.”