Since fall of 2001, Refuge has combined pumping music with touching lyrics to create an original, moving sound. They play for the love of music, for the need to expel raw energy, and for the desire to communicate a message. Delivering their artistically dynamic sound with an involving stage performance, Refuge enters their music with the passion, determination, and talent to envelop their listeners.

Monte Jones is the lead singer, frontman, and songwriter for Refuge. His original, rock-based voice is very distinct and adds color to the spectrum of Refuge's vocals. With style and meaning intertwined, Monte's poetry also sings an impacting message. Josh Hollier is the band's amazing guitarist. Playing guitar (and piano) for almost as long as he has been walking, he truly is a brilliant musician. He also adds his mellow voice to Refuge's mix in his back-up vocals, and he provides Refuge's music with complex keyboard parts to interpret some of their softer songs. Though Refuge does not yet have a steady bassist or drummer, they have implemented several session players to reach their anxious audiences.

As of July 2004, Monte and Josh have split off in their different directions - Josh to Montecello Ar, where he pursues a music major at UAM; Monte to Tucson Az, where he attends UA and carries Refuge to new heights from a new perspective.

Monte's Professional Goal: 'I want to be in an artistic alternative band. By that, I mean I want a band that can put together a tight package of dynamic music. I want to be able to play hard-hitting, high-adrenaline songs and soft-sung, melodic - even ethereal - songs in the same set. I want to be in a fun band, a serious band, and an effective band all in one.'