Band bridges generation gap with a unique mix of musical styles

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—With their mix of Southern Gospel, country, bluegrass, traditional hymns and contemporary worship songs, Jason Baird and Justin Rivers—better known as the Dove Award-winning duo Austins Bridge—seek to bridge generations and connect people to Christ.

“When we first talked about starting a band, we wanted to create music for all ages to enjoy,” Baird said. “From our experiences growing up in church, there seemed to be a gap between older and younger generations regarding the style of music. In Titus, it talks about how the older and younger generations need to be linked together because there’s so much wisdom that can be gained. So, we wanted to make sure that our concerts offered something for everyone.”

Jason Baird (left) and Justin Rivers make up the Dove Award-winning duo known as Austins Bridge.

Growing up, Baird attended Friendship Baptist Church in Austin. Later, he majored in music at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton before transferring to Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn.

“During my junior year of high school, I felt like God was calling me to some sort of ministry,” Baird said. “However, itinerant music ministry seemed like such a far-fetched dream. It’s not something that you just go out and apply for. Where we are today shows how God was working in our lives by providing these opportunities.”

Rivers, the son of a pastor, grew up in Alabama and started playing music at an early age—piano, drums, bass, acoustic and electric guitars, banjo, mandolin and fiddle.

“Whenever one of the church musicians didn’t show up, I would fill in, which provided valuable learning experiences for me,” Rivers said. “Throughout high school, I traveled with some local bands around my hometown and moved to Nashville after my freshman year of college. 

“Later on, I ended up in Austin for a while. Through a bizarre serious of events, I was talking to a friend one day and told him about a desire that God had really placed on my heart to create music that would lead people of all ages to Christ. My friend knew Jason and told me to give him a call. Next thing you know, Jason and I were sharing ministry ideas. We both really felt like God was directing and opening doors, which would allow us to impact his kingdom.”

As they began performing at local churches and ministry events, it didn’t take long before word began to spread about their family-friendly concerts, and they became inundated with requests to perform at larger gatherings and festivals.

Four years later, they continue to maintain a busy schedule with events around the country.

“Any venue that God opens up, we want to be able to play there because we want to reach as many people as possible for Christ,” Rivers said. “There are so many people who are desperately needing to hear about the hope and salvation that only a relationship with Jesus can provide. Wherever we perform, we don’t compromise or water down the message at all.”

The duo recently released their second album, Times Like These, produced by Jay DeMarcus, the bass player for the country music group Rascal Flatts. Through toe-tapping and heart-stirring songs, Austins Bridge desires to point listeners to Christ as their source of joy, comfort and strength.

“We want our music to be a magnet that attracts people to Christ,” Baird said. “So often, people come up to us at our concerts and share about the trials that they are going through. Many are so overwhelmed and feel like God isn’t listening to their prayers.  That belief is probably more prevalent today than it has been in years past, because of things people are dealing with in our country. 

“Whether it’s financial or relational, people have some kind of burden that they’re carrying, and we know that Satan is attacking people during their weakest moments. By sharing our own life experiences and telling how Christ has carried us through difficult times in our lives, we really want to encourage people to not give up and to place their trust in him. While we may not understand God’s plans, he will never leave us.”

Rivers agreed, adding: “It’s easy to stand on stage and say that God is faithful and can bring you through your trials. But until you’ve actually been tested and tried with those very words and come out on the other side, that’s when you know that God is faithful and able to do exceedingly above more than you could ask or think.”