Use the extra hour to come for a soak at Norris Hot Springs!
Spring is just around the corner in Southwest Montana, with snow and ice changing to flowers and green grass. The historic wooden pool at Norris Hot Springs is the perfect vantage point to enjoy the shifting season. Wildlife will return soon with the birds already arriving – each week brings new songbirds of all sorts. The dozens of feeders around the wildlife wetlands surrounding the pool keeps birds up close and personal for you to enjoy from your soaking spot.
Early microgreens will begin to appear in salads soon, and plans are underway to reopen the 50 Mile Grill in May. Aptly named, 50 Mile is proud to serve organic regional produce and proteins procured from local farmers and ranchers. Norris thinks it’s important its customers know where their food comes from and is proud to serve beef, chicken, and pork from known ranchers. Enjoy the weekly specials paired with homegrown produce and salads for a true taste of Montana.
Local applies to microbrews at Norris as well. The No LoOse Dogs Saloon serving a wide selection of local beers for your enjoyment. Wines from all over the country are also featured. Make a day or night of it when you bring your friends or family to Norris Hot Springs for a perfect spring getaway.
Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7pm, the Poolside Dome presents the finest in regional and touring acoustic music to add to your soaking pleasure. There are no fireworks or fancy lights at Norris. You’ll be soaking surrounded by a native protected wetland and hillside where sandhill cranes, deer, and those previously mentioned birds will keep you company.
Neil Filo Beddow performs Friday, March 16th. He plays original folk rock for the soul, and describes his guitar style as the “West Dakota stutter.” His lyrically scrambled iambic pentameter can be politically bent, spiritually seeking, tongue-in-cheek humorous with just a twist of serious.
Willy James follows on Saturday, March 17th. He’s a singer/songwriter from Dillon whose musical taste and style is varied, but always carries a hint of the blues. James is a spectacular lyricist and vocalist. His vocals have the soulfulness of yesterday’s greats like John Fogerty, Bob Seger, and Waylon Jennings, with lots of power and expression. Whether he’s singing a joyful melody or a tune of a broken heart, you will feel it. He’ll be performing mostly original songs, with some favorites thrown in.
Lang Termes
Settle in with the sounds of Lang Termes on Sunday, March 18th. Lang’s vocal style ranges from mellow folk ballads to growling boogie blues. His style of songwriting — both original music and lyrics — comes deep from the heart, or in some cases, bubbles up from his whimsical sense of irony. Lang’s selection of covers ranges from early country blues to the full gamut of contemporary classics.
The next weekend’s music gets off to a fine start with Mathias on Friday, March 23rd. 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.
The Road Agents return on Saturday, March 24th. The band, composed of Jeff Peterson and Justin Ringsak, play acoustic rock n’ roll. They’re a guitar and mandolin duo people can dance to — even in the pool! Jeff is known for his original music around the Bozeman area, and Justin lends his talents to several area artists including Sean Eamon, Los Marvelitos, Volcanus, Crack Sabbath, and El Dealbrakers. Both are veterans of the Missoula band, PunchTruck.
On Sunday, March 25th, Norris welcomes a new performer to the Poolside Stage – Daniel Kosel. The Montana-based singer/songwriter and guitarist performs originals from his albums Beartooth Stage and The Rain, plus a delicious bevy of covers. Kosel’s emotionally intelligent poetry, soulful vocals, and pretty guitar stylings make a delightful listening experience best described as “Crues Music,” a self-styled blend of country, rock, and blues.
As the month goes out (hopefully like a lamb) on Friday, March 30th, Norris welcomes Henry & Isla. A duet from Bozeman, very new to the scene, Henry and Isla are monsters of folk music. They’re currently working on originals and couldn’t be more excited to see where their harmonies and dynamic oddities take them.
Chad Ball is next up on Saturday, March 31st. The Butte-based singer/songwriter brings a mixture of acoustic folk/blues with catchy storytelling melodies. He’s strongly influenced by ‘70s folk/rock.
Finally, kicking off a new month on Sunday, April 1st, Norris welcomes another Butte performer – Chad Okrusch. Okrusch is a fifth-generation Montanan. He makes his Rocky Mountain Americana music in backwoods bars near his favorite trout fishing spots from Red Lodge to Seattle. In addition to his original songs, he sings tributes to his favorite songwriters, from John Prine to Prince.
Norris Hot Springs is located 34 miles west of Four Corners near the intersection of Highway 287. Operating hours, menu items, the designated driver and free kid swim programs, among so much more, is available at www.norrishotsprings.com. Call (406) 685-3303 with additional questions. •
