Wintry evenings call for hot soaks & poolside live tunes at Norris
With air temperatures well below freezing and the early arrival of winter, Norris Hot Springs tops the list of desirable winter destinations within easy driving distance from Bozeman and Ennis. The hot, natural, artesian spring water allows for deep relaxation and rejuvenation. Sit and soak in the beauty of the wintry weather from the comfort of the pool. Bring a stocking cap to keep your head warm in the chill air and be part of the unique hot spring fashion statement! Where else do people wear bathing suits and stocking caps at the same time?
Hatches are battened down at Norris Hot Springs. The icy campground is a little lonely without happy campers strolling back and forth to the pool in the summer sun. The garden has long since been tucked in with black plastic row covers on the main beds. The plastic helps slow the encroaching grass roots and allows the soil to warm up more quickly in the spring time. The garlic has been planted deeply so that it can overwinter. The greenhouse and sheds are closed tightly against the raging winter prairie winds.
The garden harvest for the year came in at 2293lbs of goodness. The tomato harvest exceeded expectations with juicy red slicers and plum tomatoes. The last of the green tomatoes were harvested and racked inside just before the abrupt cold temperatures and are turning red. Onions, garlic and winter squashes have been moved into dry storage. Tomatoes, beets, greens, herbs and various sundry vegetables have been processed and frozen for use in specialty dishes available at the 50-Mile Snack Bar.
The fair weather 50-Mile Grill at Norris Hot Springs is in storage for the winter. Chef Abe continues to whip up delicious weekly specials served poolside. While the fresh tomatoes last, Abe and the kitchen team are dishing up tomato soups, marinara-based specials along with salads, nachos, pizzas and homemade desserts.
The No Loose Dogs Saloon hasn’t changed a bit and still offers a wide range of local Montana craft beers and a carefully curated wine selection, including prosecco for those who like their wine bubby!
Dan Henry
Another thing that stays the same year-round is “Live from the Dome” music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night from 7–9:30pm. Featuring premier local, regional and national musicians, the poolside music always draws a crowd.
Dan Henry is next up on Friday, November 15th. 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.
Aran Buzzas is back Saturday, November 16th. Calling his music “Homegrown Montana Folky Tonk,” Aran performs songs that are easy to relate to, often amusing, and frequently with a regional backdrop.
Christy Hays graces the audience with a Sunday show on November 17th. Hays’ music has folk and country tinges, thoughtfully penned stories and a full band sound that’s both driving alt country and moody folk rock. Compared to Brandi Carlile, Lucinda Williams, Rhett Miller, Kathleen Edwards and Patty Griffin, she has a sound uniquely her own. She’s shared the stage with Hayes Carll, Sturgil Simpson, Bruce Robison, Kelly Willis and Jeffery Foucault to name a few. River Swimmer, Hays’ third full-length and fifth release overall, brings the culmination of her influences and experiences traveling the world. The album is available now.
Dave Provost returns to the Poolside Stage on Friday, November 22nd. The award-winning singer/songwriter plied his craft while engaging audiences on both coasts and points in-between for the last thirty years. His literate, world-weary lyrics sit in a roots-oriented musical context comprised of equal parts folk, country and American rock n’ roll. Funny and knowing, Provost is a memorable and engaging live performer who has shared the stage with Jackson Browne and Jesse Winchester, among others. His albums Home and My Favorite Ghost are available now.
Joe Schwem entertains Saturday soakers on November 23rd. He’s a singer/songwriter from Bozeman who plays a mix of originals and eclectic covers ranging from Americana to rock, and sea shanties to show tunes – all songs with stories and feeling. Joe is often joined by his sons, Jack and Harry, on guitar, mandolin, bass and harmony vocals.
Jordan Lane follows on Sunday, November 24th. The preacher’s progeny brings an old school, gospel feel to a new age sound. He mixes genres with his multi-instrumentation. Both upbeat and laid back, he’s like a dance party in your mom’s basement.
Nathan North heads to Norris on Friday, November 29th. A Billings performer, Nathan uses loops to create complex and wonderful songs. He’ll be performing originals and notable covers.
Crowd favorite The Lucky Valentines close out the month on Saturday, November 30th. Their music has been described by fans as “stirring” Americana, “straight from the heart.” Married in 2010, they have been playing music for the whole of their life together. Crafting songs rooted in honest, raw emotion and blending sounds from alt-country, rock n’ roll, indie and folk, they span themes of joy and pain in the face of life’s trials. They borrow inspiration from their own experience, observation, and the beautiful, lonesome landscape and history of Northern Montana. Their independent release Lion in the Garden is a collection of songs that explore betrayal, loss and joy.
Jacob Rountree is set for Sunday, December 1st. Bringing an indie rock/folk sound to every performance, he sings songs with contemplative and powerful messages that are relatable and help build the soul. If his audience isn’t captivated by the introspective lyrics and unique finger-picking, they’re guaranteed to be mesmerized by his multi-dimensional performance. Inspired by artists such as Ben Howard, Jose Gonzales and Nick Drake, Rountree uses his percussive technique, while looping and layering dynamic rhythms, to create a rare musical experience.
For operating hours, menus and the complete music calendar, visit www.norrishotsprings.com. Follow on Facebook and Instagram (@NorrisHotSprings). •
