Music from the live bands, scented candles and the smell of freshly brewed coffee enticed passersby. But the adults who tried to enter seemed somewhat surprised to be turned away.

It was an evening of acoustic entertainment for teens, put on by teens, called "Turn it Down a Notch." The event was hosted by the Under 21 Club, a division of the "Alive ... and Loving Life" movement, a program designed to support youth and promote a safe community.

"It sounds corny, but I really do care about giving kids an alternative to drinking and driving," said Julia High, a Los Gatos High School junior and Under 21 Club member.

She said the lounge-type environment gave students a great option besides partying. And the comfortable, low-pressure setting served as a venue for students to chat with friends, catch up about summer adventures and relax.

The event, attended by about 110 students, was sponsored in conjunction with the coffee shop and Pizza My Heart, and featured pizza, drinks and snacks with the $5 admission. High schools represented included Los Gatos, Saratoga, Mission San Jose, St. Francis and Castilleja. Teens also came from as far away as Redding, Boston and London.

This was the third event hosted by the Under 21 Club, and it's growing so much in popularity that student organizers are hoping to feature one event a month, following the start of school. The three local bands that performed were Indra, The Basics and Penny Lane, offering a variety of music that drew different groups of students.

"[The Under 21 Club] is important because they have a good cause, and I like the fact they give local musicians the chance to perform," said Kyle Goodison, on guitar, piano and vocals with The Basics.

Between sets, open-mic sessions provided students an opportunity to read poetry, sing or strum a tune on the guitar.

"It's really up for anything you want to do," said Sanishya Fernando, a Los Gatos High junior and Under 21 Club member.

The participants said events like this are valued because there just are not enough places open late where they can hang out. The event was chaperoned by adults and college students who were not related to the high schools. They included Candy and Barry Bakken, Mary Elliott, Patrick Lynch and Chris Miller.

Jacqui Kemp, a Los Gatos High junior and Under 21 Club member, said it was important to not feel like they were being watched over by high school administrators, staff or parents. Chaperone and organizer Marsha Palitz-Elliott added the night allowed students to be trusted citizens.

"This isn't about them being students," she said. "It's about them being young members of the community."

Jacqui described the mature atmosphere as something students have been waiting for to become a reality.

"I'm just so excited about how it's been going," said Jacqui. "Everyone in town has been so receptive, helpful and willing to bend corners and make it happen."

For more information about the Under 21 Club, email under21club@comcast.net.