The Hollyhocks of Norris Hot Springs
Hollyhock flowers herald peak summer at Norris Hot Springs. The rich depth of multiple colored blossoms brings an old-fashioned farmstead beauty to the epic Norris landscape.
Early settlers brought Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) with them to adorn their rustic homesteads. Hollyhocks are particularly well suited to the harsh Montana climate. They ruggedly withstand the hot summers and the cold winters. Hollyhocks are biennials and take two years to flower. Fortunately, they produce an abundance of seeds and perpetually reseed, providing a continuity of flowers year after year.
Hollyhocks, in addition to being beautiful, have a long tradition of apothecary uses. They are in the same family as marshmallow, Althaea officinalis, and have soothing, softening qualities when used in herbal applications. The flowers also make a lovely base for precious, fairy-esque dolls.
Annie-of-the-Garden tends the hollyhocks. In the autumn she spreads the seeds to encourage new starts. These towering beauties are only part of Annie’s abundant legacy. Right now, the garden at Norris is also in peak production with homegrown vegetables and herbs that are skillfully transformed into vibrant, eclectic, delicious pool-side meals.
The 50-Mile Grill is open every day except Tuesday from noon til 9. Local meat and garden vegetables are available with myriad options for dietary desires ranging from gluten-free to vegans and carnivores. And, for soakers with a sweet tooth, freshly made brownies with Haagen dazs ice cream make a dream come true.
Local craft beer, a glass of wine or some homemade tea from the garden are also available to complement everything from nachos to a local trout entrée.
There’s also live, acoustic music on the poolside stage every Friday, Saturday, Sunday night at 7pm, all year round featuring top regional performers.
Jessica Malone is next up on Friday, August 16th. The singer/songwriter was raised in the tall mountains of Northern California. Her original music evokes a sense of wanderlust, self-discovery, positivity and moving forward. On her latest release, The Waiting Hours EP, Malone accompanies her powerfully soothing vocals with drums, upright bass, violin, acoustic and electric guitar. Her raw, unfiltered approach to folk/Americana songwriting creates music that will take you back in time, while her heartfelt lyrics will keep you rooted in the present.
A crowd favorite returns to the Poolside Stage on Saturday, August 17th – The Lucky Valentines. 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.
Enjoy the talents of Headwaters on Sunday, August 18th. The duo plays acoustic blues in the manner of Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, Mississippi John Hurt and other blues legends. Art Butler drives the music on the resonator. Phil Cohea plays rhythm guitar, harmonica and vocals for that genuine juke joint sound.
Todd Green entertains on Friday, August 23rd. Known for his acoustic light rock musical style and passion for vinyl records, Green has lived in the area for more than thirty years. Expect to hear 60s–80s rock classics including favorites from America, The Eagles to David Bowie, Pink Floyd and everything in between.
Nathan North takes the stage on Saturday, August 24th. A Billings performer, Nathan uses loops to create complex and wonderful songs. He’ll be performing originals and notable covers.
Christy Hays is back on Sunday, August 25th. Splitting her time between Austin and Southwest Montana, the singer/songwriter’s 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’ latest release, brings the culmination of her influences and experiences traveling the world.
Relación Brevísima head to Norris on Friday, August 30th. Made up of members of the extremely funky Bozeman-based Left on Tenth, Relación slows it down a bit with some relaxing, groovy Latin music. Consisting of acoustic guitar, trumpet, and various percussion paired with some amazing latin vocals, this trio will bring the soothing latin vibes to enjoy while you soak.
Paul Lee Kupfer will bring the acoustics on Saturday, August 31st. Originally from the mountains of West Virginia, Kupfer has travelled as a solo performer and band leader for more than a decade. He has a distinctive approach and his arrangements are inventive and fun. Restless touring and writing has allowed him to share the bill with some of his heroes and bring his music to many different kinds of people across the United States. Kupfer is a member of local trio the Bus Driver Tour alongside Danny Freund and Ian Thomas.
The pairing of Charlie Denison and Chris Hildebrant open up a new month on Sunday, September 1st. The duo mix original Americana with fun-filled covers spanning the decades, whether those of Bob Marley, Van Morrison, Neil Young or more contemporary artists.
For operating hours, directions, menus, and information about the on-site campground, please visit www.norrishotsprings.com or call (406) 685-3303. •