Spring thinking, snow falling at Norris Hot Springs
Everyone has a favorite way to signify the arrival of spring: birds returning, flowers blooming, insects buzzing, or trees budding. At Norris Hot Springs, the crocus buds emerging from still snowy ground let us all know that spring is right around the corner. The crocus blooms were one of the first additions alongside the road more than a dozen years ago and are indeed a harbinger of spring.
While robins can live year round in the Madison Valley, there are a lot of other birds that return annually to enjoy the poolside bird feeders. Before you know it, the red-winged blackbirds and sandhill crane family will take residence once again in the native wetland adjacent to the Hot Springs’ historic wooden pool.
As the daylight extends with each passing week, plans for the garden are already underway. The garden yielded a record amount of produce in 2018. Each year, the Norris staff meets to discuss changes in planting strategy: they determine what herbs, vegetables, and greens will rotate and choose the optimum date for getting seeds started in the year-round greenhouse. By the time the calendar shows spring, the Norris garden is in full planning mode.
Now is the perfect time to make a trip to Norris. The No LoOse Dogs Saloon is serving delicious organic meals for lunch, afternoon snacks, or dinner. There’s something for everyone with vegan and vegetarian options, as well as nachos for kids who really only ever want nachos! The grown-ups can enjoy a fine local craft beer or wine from the wide selection, and sodas and juice options are available for younger soakers.
And if your visit happens to correspond with a weekend, you can also enjoy the finest in regional acoustic live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7pm.
Aran Buzzas will play for Norris-goers on Friday, March 8th. Calling his music “Homegrown Montana Folky Tonk,” Aran performs songs that are easy to relate to, often amusing, and frequently with a regional backdrop.
John Sherrill performs Saturday, March 9th. The singer/songwriter plays “a lot of guitar and also sings some” and has been playing around the Bozeman area for quite a while. Developing his artistry during stints in different areas of the country, Sherrill has created a sound that’s truly unique. He brings his twangy jazz-pop and unique personality to every performance. Sherrill returns to Bozeman after some time away, with his incredible music to boot!
On Sunday, March 10th, Weston Lewis takes the Poolside Stage. Lewis plays with a number of local bands, solo performances, and as a sit-in lead guitarist for artists including The Andrew Hand Band, John Sherrill, The Electric Sunday, Lang Termes, Mathias, and MOTH. His solo sets are comprised mostly of acoustic rock covers and some of his original songs. In band settings, he likes to play funk, jazz, country and more.
Mathias kicks off the next weekend on Friday, March 15th. The Bozeman-based singer/songwriter has been playing music under the big sky for nearly two decades. With powerful vocals and a percussive guitar style, he’s known for his dynamic live performances full of acoustic folk, rock, and funk tunes. Mathias recorded his debut album, Walk Alone, with the help of Emmy Award-winning producer Jeremiah Slovarp.
Heather Lingle is back on Saturday, March 16th. She’s a Montana-based singer/songwriter. A truly American roots writer, her music encompasses heartache and conquest that reflect the rugged independence of the West through good times and bad. Triumph always. She’s a soulful, rebellious, genuine Americana artist. Her latest album, Wild Blue, is available now.
Finally, enjoy the talents of Headwaters on Sunday, March 17th. The duo plays acoustic blues in the manner of Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, Mississippi John Hurt and other blues legends. Art Butler drives the music on the resonator. Phil Cohea plays rhythm guitar, harmonica and vocals for that genuine juke joint sound. No leprechauns in sight, but this should be a fun St. Patrick’s Day show.
Further information about the natural minerals in the springs, the full winter menu, operating hours, and more can be found at www.norrishotsprings.com. Norris is located 34 miles west of Bozeman near the intersection of Highway 287 and Route 84. And listen for their sponsored music every week on KGLT, a proud underwriter for years. •