Brian Wentz is The ‘Dogs lead guitar and vocalist. Growing up in a small town in the late ‘50s, Brian’s love for music began listening to 50s and old country artists like Hank Williams, Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash. But when he heard The Beatles at a neighbor’s house on her 45 RPM record player, his world got a whole lot bigger. Mom noticed, bought him and his brother guitars at Monkey Wards and paid for lessons. In Jr. High, on a ski trip a “blonde girl” played her guitar and sang John Denver’s “Rocky Mountain High” and he fell in love, mostly with the “blond girl”, but also with that beautiful guitar and voice. So, Brian saved his money from work and bought a new guitar at age 15 for 89 dollars and started concentrating on artists like Cat Stevens, John Denver, Noel Paul Stookey, America, the Beatles and James Taylor. Brian’s first gigs included Young Life Club in high school, worship bands weddings and some memorials.
In the 80s Brian earned his master’s degree and spent the next 33 years as a high school counselor. During this time he began writing songs. “I’ve written hundreds of songs in my life, some good, some not so good, but I’ll keep trying. Music influences me, moves me, stirs my soul, communicates in ways nothing else does. As long as I have breath and am able, I’ll be playing my guitar. My life really began when I discovered that God loves me and really likes me too. He’s blessed me with an amazing woman and 40 years of marriage, two incredible children who also play, sing and write music, a beautiful daughter-in-law and two happy, smart and beautiful granddaughters. Life is full, I’m so grateful and music helps connect us all.”
When he’s not on stage with Big Dogs you’ll find him on the golf course or playing softball. He and his wife Julie live in PebbleCreek.
The Big Dogs 