The sunshine and the rain have helped prep the growing season at Norris Hot Springs. The greenhouse was planted March 17ths and all sorts of things are up and thriving. Growing and serving the finest and freshest organic food has been a priority for the staff at Norris for several years now, and owner Holly Heinzmann is enjoying her Xth year at the helm.
When Holly took over the place in 2004 (?), the “cuisine” at Norris was every kind of packaged chip and several ice cream bars. Lucky for us, that has changed over the years and the soon to reopen 50 Mile Grill serves the finest in locally procured and sustainable beef, pork, and poultry. The name refers to the distance the meat has traveled to get to your plate – Holly believes in knowing where her food is from, and her commitment to raising the bar at the menu both at the seasonal grill and year round at the No LoOse Dogs Saloon and Snack Bar makes a trip to Norris a culinary delight. The 50 Mile Grill opens on weekends starting April 28th, serving Montana Meat, and home grown salads and vegetables until June 1st, when the Grill will be open six nights a week. She and her staff have also worked with craft breweries to bring a fine selection of beer and wine for your poolside enjoyment.
The Norris Campground will be opening April 27th with 13 campsites, both full hook ups and tent sites, and reservations are available online at www.norrishotsprings.com. Camping will be available through October 1st.
Music is always a draw at Norris Hot Springs, with the best in regional acoustic music live on the Poolside Stage every Friday, Saturday at Sunday starting at 7 PM. Starting things off on Friday, April 14th is Joe Schwem. Joe is a singer songwriter from Bozeman with Americana, Folk & Rock influences. He plays a mix of original songs and covers. https://www.facebook.com/Joe-Sings-Songs-186072028141587/. A new band at Norris makes their debut on
Saturday, April 15th – The Lucky Valentines. The Lucky Valentines are Montana native songwriters Shaun and Jamie Carrier. Their music has been described by fans as “stirring” Americana,”straight from the heart.” Married on February 14, 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 north-central Montana. Their 2016 independent release “Lion in the Garden” is a collection of songs that explore betrayal, loss, and joy. Check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/theluckyvalentines , or CD Baby Page @ https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/theluckyvalentines , and you tube content @ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcCH_rERNlbojE_AFaqa6OA
Rounding out the first weekend on Sunday, April 16th is Mathias. Bozeman-based singer-songwriter Mathias has been playing music under the big sky of Montana for nearly two decades now. With powerful vocals and a percussive guitar style, he is known for his dynamic live performances. In 2010 Mathias headed into the studio with Emmy Award-winning producer Jeremiah Slovarp culminating in the release of his debut album Walk Alone. The following year he spent several months performing nightly for international audiences on the popular resort island of Koh Tao in Thailand. 2013 began with a return to Southeast Asia, this time playing in a wide range of locales from the megacities of Hong Kong and Jakarta to the quaint backpacker haunts of Chiang Mai and Siem Reap. He’s a favorite on the Poolside Stage. https://www.reverbnation.com/mathiasmusic
Another crowd favorite returns on Friday, April 21st when Nathan North takes the stage. Nathan is a Billings performer, who uses loops to create complex and wonderful songs – as a solo artist. He’ll be doing originals and favorite covers and always draws a large crowd. www.facebook.com/nathanjnorth,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCPFsNoFuCg. Next up on Saturday, April 22nd is another new performer for Norris -Willy James. Willy is a singer/songwriter from Dillon MT. His musical taste and style is varied, but there’s always a hint of the blues in whatever he does. He is a spectacular lyricist and vocalist. His vocals have the soulfulness of yesterday’s greats, such as John Fogerty, Bob Seger, and Waylon Jennings, with lots of power and expression. Whether he is singing a joyful melody, or a tune of a broken heart, you will feel it. He will be performing mostly original songs, with some favorites thrown in. http://www.willyjamesgang.com, https://www.facebook.com/willyjamesgang/?fref=ts https://www.youtube.com/c/willyjamesgang . On Sunday, April 23rd, Norris welcomes Chad Ball. Chad does a mixture of acoustic Folk/Blues with catchy storytelling melodies. From Butte, he has a strong influence from 70’s folk/rock. Listen to some of his music here – www.chadballmusic.com.
Wind down the month on Friday, April 28th with Logan Dudding. Logan is a Butte resident, known for his work with the Chad Ball Band and the Red Mountain Band as a percussionist. Now honing his guitar skills, he’s enjoying solo acoustic performers while he covers favorite songs and crafts his original songs. Welcome him to his first solo performance on the Poolside Stage. Next up on Saturday, April 29th is Kalyn Beasley. Kalyn is a talented Wyoming-based singer/songwriter who recently returned from Austin to his Northern Rockies roots to pursue a solo career. He plays an acoustic show featuring Americana and Texas country, and also shares many of his original songs. Kalyn was previously with the Bozeman based Bad Intentions band as front man and bass guitarist. You can follow him at: www.kalynbeasley.com, www.facebook.com/kalynjbeasley ,
http://www.reverbnation.com/thebadintentions/song/14854075-coppertown-home. On Sunday, April 30th, enjoy Britchy. Missoula’s original acoustic Americana duo features the fine pickin’ and timeless songwriting of Richie Reinholdt and 907 Britt. http://britchymusic.com, http://www.facebook.com/BritchyDuo , www.reverbnation.com/britchy.
Information on operating hours, menu options, camping, directions and more can be found at www.norrishotsprings.com or phone Norris Hot Springs at 406/685-3303.
