Harvest is ON at Norris Hot Springs

Norris Hot Springs has had a banner year in 2018. They’ve enjoyed record attendance throughout the summer, a full campground of happy campers, and have served more meals than any other year. Look at the numbers on the produce from the Garden of the Gods: they’ve harvested over 150 pounds of onions and 100 pounds of roma tomatoes with much more to collect. It’s been a summer to remember.                  When Holly Heinzmann bought the place, this was not the case. The pool was surrounded by a solid wood fence topped by barbed wire. Shade was hard to find. It was more gulag than oasis.
Holly’s vision for Norris Hot Springs was just that – an oasis, filled with trees and a productive garden feeding visitors with organic vegetables, fresh salad greens and locally sourced proteins. She’s planted over 800 trees since 2004. The campground was transformed from a field to individually landscaped spots offering privacy and views of the wetland. And the No LoOse Dogs Saloon is serving up delicious meals to accompany your soak.
This month will mark the return of the winter menu, and the kitchen puts out delicious pizzas, Buddha bowls and specials. Summer’s produce shows up in specials each week – and make sure and check out the ever-expanding collection of craft beers and wine. There’s something for every taste, so bring your vegans, vegetarians and carnivores for a soak and a meal at Norris soon!
Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights also offer the finest in live regional and touring acoustic performers on the Poolside Stage at 7pm.
New month, new band! Wolf and the Moons make their first stop at Norris on Friday, October 5th. The Missoula-based Americana/bluegrass band is known for their rich harmonies and extensive mix of originals and covers that make for a unique and entertaining experience.
Dan Henry follows on Saturday, October 6th. 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.
Lang Termes will entertain on Sunday, October 7th. 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. A few of his biggest influences include Muddy Waters, Woody Guthrie, Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Vedder, and Townes Van Zandt.
Aran Buzzas will play for soakers on Friday, October 12th. 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 brings an evening of tunes on Saturday, October 13th. “Like Lucinda Williams in a Carhartt jacket, Christy Hays works rugged metaphors into emotionally charged country folk,” wrote a reviewer for The Austin Chronicle. 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, Hays has a sound uniquely her own. She has 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.
Nathan North closes out another weekend on Sunday, October 14th. A Billings performer, Nathan uses loops to create complex and wonderful songs. He’ll be performing originals and notable covers. He’s also a Norris crowd favorite.
Enjoy the sounds of Todd Green on Friday, October 19th. Originally from Michigan, Green has lived in the area for more than thirty years. He is known for his acoustic light rock musical style and passion for vinyl records. Expect to hear ‘60s–‘80s rock classics including favorites from America, The Eagles to David Bowie, Pink Floyd and everything in between.
Aaron Williams stops in on Saturday, October 20th. 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.
The Lucky Valentines are back on Sunday, October 21st. 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 2016 independent release Lion in the Garden is a collection of songs that explore betrayal, loss, and joy.
Norris Hot Springs is a unique and historic Montana wonder. For more history, information on the menu, winter hours, and much more, please visit www.norrishotsprings.com where you can even see what the place used to look like. The hot springs are located 34 miles west of Bozeman near the intersection of Highway 287 and Route 84.