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Jay Snow started into music at a very early age. Before most would have ever considered playing their own show.  Jay started playing in clubs and bars at the young age of fifteen. This first taste of being on stage set him on his own personal quest in music. Having an undying love for Blues and Jazz music, Jay was fortunate to have found music mentor and now lifelong friend Frank Chiaverini. Frank’s musical mastery was the guidance Jay found early in his playing career.

Jay immediately set out on his own path to find his own voice. Jay worked as a traveling craftsman across much of the United States. This would put Jay in a very unique playing environment and in contact with many different types of musicians. This would only continue to grow his education as a Bluesman. Some memorable Bluesmen Jay has played with are Philip Walker, Joey Fender, Rockin Jake and Tommy Pruit.

Coming from a small town in Northwest Montana, Calen’s musical background originated with his family. Calen is the youngest of four brothers, with both of his parents playing and teaching music locally. He started playing the bass at the age of fifteen and studied bass theory with Thomas Rutley, a former bass player from Santana, at North Idaho Community College.

Calen’s passion for music later led him to manage a music store, listening to many different types of music. Calen’s taste for unique styles of music and passion for funk gives him a unique style of playing he brings to his bass. Calen has played with various local bands around the way, starting in Amarillo, Texas with a local band called ‘Friar’, featuring some incredible musicians, such as drummer Terrance McDaniel and guitarist David Fryer. Joining the Tonekeepers with local blues legend Jay Snow has been the highlight of Calen’s musical career. 

John Ague spent most of his youth in Oregon where he learned to play drums, playing in both stage and jazz bands throughout junior high and high school. After moving to Montana in the 70s, John’s love for music grew as he continued playing in high school and playing for local bands. Later John would play drums as part of the worship teams at various churches. John’s music influences range across Gospel, R & B, Jazz, Fusion, and the Blues. His favorite drummers include Tony Coleman, Buddy Miles, Dennis Chambers, and Ginger Baker. John brings his enthusiasm for playing and more than 50 years of experience to the Tone Keepers.

Marcus is from Seattle originally and started playing harp in the sixties. He’s been playing blues for half a century. Marcus caught the Blues Flu when in 1967 to the sounds of Paul Butterfield Blues band to Sonny Boy Williamson. His influences are Charlie Musselwhite, Little Walter and various similar musicians. He has played and lived in Libby for 45 years and counting. For over 20 years he played in a band “The Chameleons” with his wife and was in other assorted bands. In Marcus’s words,” I’m just a white boy with the blues.”