Cold nights, hot water at Norris Hot Springs

These shorter days and longer nights are a busy time for Norris Hot Springs. As one would imagine, colder temps and hot springs go together very nicely. The staff has ensured the pipes and pumps are ready for whatever winter brings. The last of the fall harvest has been gathered with record bounty processed and frozen for future use. The spices have been dried and are ready to keep the delicious flavors of summer present in food specials all winter long.
The winter menu at the No LoOse Dogs Saloon features nutritious, organic specials including Buddha Bowls, pizzas with homegrown ingredients, and much more. The craft beer and wine options are always available to accompany meal choices.
The staff at Norris is welcoming another round of MSU students who have quickly become regulars like the classes before them. Part of the bonus of choosing to go to school in Bozeman or Butte is that you get to live in Montana – and visiting a hot springs in the cold is a truly unique experience. It’s almost time for the traditional “hey, my beard is frozen” photos that get shot in the pool this time of year and sent home.
Live music is another huge draw at Norris. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night brings the best in regional and touring acoustic musicians starting at 7pm, with a minimal music surcharge.
Tom Kirwan is next up on Friday, November 16th. He performs a blend of folk country and Americana. Tom’s songs evoke nostalgia of long-ago dreams and people, while weaving stories of human longing both past and present.
On Saturday, November 17th, enjoy Joseph Running Crane. “At twenty-six years old, and representing a completely new generation of Americana musicians, Joseph Running Crane is already a seasoned veteran of the Missoula music scene, having played in some of the state’s most-respected hardcore bands,” wrote Aaron Parrett, author of Montana Americana Music: Boot Stomping in the Big Sky. “Running Crane made a name for himself playing guitar and bass in what might be the best-named band ever to come out of Montana: Goddammitboyhowdy. Lately, however, he has softened his delivery into a distinctive Americana country sound. Joseph was weaned on punk rock and hard-core, a huge fan of The Minutemen and The Dead Kennedys since practically grade school. He grew up in Browning, Montana, on the Blackfeet Reservation, and his early influences were loud, heavy, and hard rock. Still, his recent songs have taken on a more wistful tone and use an acoustic sound far removed from the angsty and frenetic electric punk sound.”
Weston Lewis is back on Sunday, November 18th. 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.
              Norris welcomes Butte performer Chad Okrusch on Friday, November 23rd. 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.
Nathan North follows on Saturday, November 24th. A Billings performer, Nathan uses loops to create complex and wonderful songs. He’ll be performing originals and notable covers.
Aaron Williams closes out the weekend on Sunday, November 25th. From rock/reggae band In Walks Bud, Aaron will be playing a variety of tunes including rock, folk, and reggae. He’s a real favorite at the hot springs.
Samuel Isaac closes out the month on Friday, November 30th. He’s a soulful singer/songwriter and musician from Brighton, England, now living, exploring, and playing music in Bozeman.
Rawbone kicks off the home stretch to a new year on Saturday, December 1st. The Bozeman-based duo plays original acoustic folk, blues, and Americana. Their array of instruments includes a cigar box guitar, clawhammer banjo, acoustic guitar, harmonica, bass, a percussion variety and vocal harmonies. As they describe their sound, “Always melodic but keepin’ it raw.”
Make way for Dan Henry on Sunday, December 2nd. The Montana native is a singer/songwriter with a unique vocal style coupled with acoustic guitar and bluesy harmonica. He’s driven by a blues influence, but covers a wide range of music from folk and rock to reggae, and so much more.
Norris Hot Springs is a unique and historic Montana wonder. For more history, information on the menu, designated driver program, winter hours and much more, please visit www.norrishotsprings.com. The hot springs are located 34 miles west of Bozeman near the intersection of Highway 287 and Route 84.