Happy hibernal solstice from Norris Hot Springs!
Winter solstice, also called hibernal solstice, refers to the two moments during the year when the path of the sun in the sky is farthest south in the Northern Hemisphere (December 21 or 22) and farthest north in the Southern Hemisphere (June 20 or 21). At the winter solstice the sun travels the shortest path through the sky, and that day therefore has the least daylight and the longest night.
According to the astronomical definition of the seasons, the winter solstice also marks the beginning of the season of winter, which lasts until the vernal equinox (March 20 or 21 in the Northern Hemisphere, or September 22 or 23 in the Southern Hemisphere). After the solstice, the days get longer, and the day has thus been celebrated in many cultures as a time of rebirth (lifted from Britannica, with thanks).
Winter is when things at Norris Hot Springs really get cranking – the staff has insured that all pumps, lines and support gear are ready to ensure the Water of the Gods is ready for happy people to soak. The kitchen is primed with delicious, nutritious food and many drink options for the whole family or gang. The night sky getting darker gives you one of those amazing Montana opportunities to sit in a soothing wooden pool full of hot water with stars twinkling above on a freezing night. That just doesn’t happen in Florida.
If you’ve got folks on your shopping list that are hard to buy for, pick up some soak passes at Norris Hot Springs. They fit everyone and work twelve months a year! They’ve also got some other gear that would fit into a stocking quite nicely.
And, if you’ve decided to skip the holiday hubbub, head on out to Norris Hot Springs on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday to catch the finest in acoustic music on the Poolside Stage, starting at 7pm.
On Friday, December 21st, Norris welcomes a new artist – A Band Called Luck. Currently based out of Bozeman, the bluesy alt-country group is inspired by the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughn, Chris Stapleton and Audioslave. The band is set to release its first album early next year.
Aaron Banfield will take the stage on Saturday, December 22nd. A member of local bands BoZambique and Cole & the Thornes, Banfield sings and plays originals along with some known and obscure covers ranging from ballads to up-tempo tunes.
Wind up solstice weekend on Sunday, December 23rd with Jessica Eve Lechner. Bringing a folk sound driven by genuine, honest original songs as well as a few covers from acts like Grace Potter and The Beatles, Lechner is an amazing performer. Her originals are passion-filled stories from her life experiences and growing up in Montana, creating a musical portfolio any audience can relate to.
The final weekend of 2018 kicks off on Friday, December 28th with John Sherrill. The Montana musician is a self-described “guy with a guitar from Ennis” who plays an eclectic mix of covers and originals. Over the years, he has developed a unique sound and approach to presenting the songs he’s labored so carefully over. No matter where he finds himself on the map, Sherrill is grateful that writing songs and playing music remains a constant.
Heather Lingle follows on Saturday, December 29th. 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.
Tom Catmull closes out the year on Sunday, December 30th. Tom has been writing, recording, performing, eating and breathing music for nearly two decades. He likes telling stories, making acoustic and electric guitar sounds and using them to wrap words around a melody. The style of Tom’s music usually lands somewhere between the blurred lines of country, country swing, pop, and folk. His band, Last Resort, is an all original rock/pop four-piece.
Neil Filo Beddow kicks off a new year on Friday, January 4th. 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, and tongue-in-cheek humorous with just a twist of serious.
Joe Schwem is set for Saturday, January 5th. 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.
Finally, Nathan North returns Sunday, January 6th. A Billings performer, Nathan uses loops to create complex and wonderful songs. He’ll be performing originals and notable covers.
As always, for more information about operating hours, the designated driver free soak program, winter menu and 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. Happy holidays to all! •
