Jeff Gut

A key reason that I am a member of Living River is my wife Dawn. She was the one who said "you're supposed to do this". Being the father of three great kids, Ashleigh, Taylor & Mitchell and working full-time, I could never be a part of this awesome music ministry if it were not for Dawn's love and support. Whether taking care of things at home, or helping out at our concerts, I just couldn't do it without her.

My musical roots run deep. I was first influenced by my father and mother, Ron & Linda. I grew up hearing my father sing and play accordion. It didn't matter if he was playing a polka or singing a Hank Williams Sr. song, he always gave it his all. His passion for performing planted a strong seed in me. My mom taught us the traditions and music of her native land, Hawaii. Growing up with my sister, Julie and my brother Tug, you would often find us singing & performing as a family.

Some other memorable music experiences I had growing up were: being in the Wausau Boys Choir, participating in local musical theatre performances and learning how to play guitar. Later, in High School, I learned about teamwork and goal achievement under the musical direction of Phil Buch. When my classmates Rich & Perry (also of LRQ) asked me to join their high school quartet, I quickly gained a love for 4 part, power harmony. After High School we went on to form a Country group called "American Made" which performed locally until college & careers took us in separate directions.

As an adult, my career led me to the Fox Valley and through a business associate; I was introduced to a Bible teaching church. Dawn & I learned what it meant to have a personal relationship with Jesus. Since that time, our marriage and our life has never been the same.

Fast forward to September 2001. God had a plan to put me in the audience at a Living River concert. It had been years since I had seen the guys but I knew they were singing as a Gospel Quartet. I did happen to notice they were a trio that morning; however, I was most impressed by the Gospel message that was shared confidently in word and song. At the same time, I was going through a career change and I felt God challenging me to consider a new direction. Within a week I was reunited with my old High School buddies in Living River. Not only have I developed a greater friendship with the guys, I now have the honor of sharing the platform with Rich, Perry & Bryan as we share the message of salvation through song and praises. God is good!