Live music & moon gazing as Norris marches toward Spring
The temperatures are cold and it feels like winter in Montana! Norris Hot Springs is the perfect place to enjoy the tail end while soaking in hot, artesian spring water, heated by the earth’s mantle, burbling up into a wood-lined pool.
As we approach the Spring Equinox, the days get longer. By March 21st, we actually get two more hours of evening light, compared to the Winter Solstice. At the Solstice, the sun sets a little before 5pm, whereas by the Equinox the sun sets closer to 7:30pm. Norris is a lovely setting to enjoy the sunset and moonrise in Montana.
The first of three supermoons of 2020 occurs on Monday, March 8th. A supermoon occurs when a full Moon coincides with the Moon’s orbit of Earth where it’s closest to our planet. Norris features a great viewing place for the full Moon and night sky, given the remoteness of the springs from city lights.
Even though Montana remains locked into winter, the longer days herald subtle changes in the environment. The March full Moon is known in the Farmers’ Almanac as the “Worm Moon.” Deep in the soil, life begins to stir. In warmer climates, the ground softens and earthworms make their way to the surface. In Montana, the tree sap starts to flow, but the ground still freezes.
At Norris Hot Springs, March is the time to start organizing organic and heirloom seeds in preparation for planting up the greenhouse. After a winter of sun beating through the windows, the soil has warmed but is still very dry. It takes patience to rehydrate the soil in a way that allows for maximum absorbency. Annie of the North will plant up the greenhouse on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th; long considered an auspicious day for planting soil-enriching, nitrogen providing peas. Annie will companion plant the peas with spinach, chard, kale and winter lettuces. By mid-April the first of the precious, homegrown, tender greens will be served poolside.
The kitchen team at Norris stay busy year-round, creating healthy, delicious, local and organic meals for the hot springs’ clientele. Choose from salads, paninis, pizzas, nachos, homemade dessert and comfort food. All food from the 50-Mile Snack Bar is available during pool hours and can be packaged for takeaway, too! Food can be paired with quality wines, local craft beer, along with a variety of non-alcoholic and hot beverages, including spicy, homemade chai from the No Loose Dogs Saloon.
Let Norris Hot Springs be the place to come relax, revitalize and enjoy the best of what Montana has to offer. Visit early on the weekends or just after opening for a chance at a quiet soak.
And if you’re looking for quality entertainment and love live music, Norris hosts local, regional and nationally recognized musicians every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night at 7pm.
JEB is next up on Friday, March 6th. The local singer/songwriter, guitarist and producer brings his vibrant, red hair persona to his indie pop and hip-hop inspired dance music. His EP, dragonfly, released last year.
Todd Green entertains Saturday, March 7th. 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 to 80s rock classics including favorites from America, The Eagles to David Bowie, Pink Floyd and everything in between.
Roots rock duo Acoustic Roll closes out the weekend on Sunday, March 8th. Comprised of Rod Morrison and Mike Voeller, they’ll bring their guitar and percussion based acoustic music to the poolside stage. Expect to hear mellow sounds from the 60s and 70s (Stones, Beatles, Clapton, James Taylor, The Who, Dylan, Young) mixed with tasty jams and original tunes.
Aran Buzzas is back Friday, March 13th. Calling his music “Homegrown Montana Folky Tonk,” Aran performs songs that are easy to relate to, often amusing, and frequently with a regional backdrop.
Joe Schwem serenades Saturday soakers on March 14th. 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.
Travis Yost, a Norris favorite, returns Sunday, March 15th. He performs thoughtful sad stories with happy endings, on top of guitar and looper acrobatics. Travis has guested on Eric Funk’s 11th & Grant and performed at Red Ants Pants. He’s shared the stage with James McMurtry, Alejandro Escovedo, The Decemberists, The Lumineers, Jason Spooner, Martin Sexton, Wartime Blues, Sallie Ford, Jason Isbell, Dale Watson, and Brandi Carlile – to name just a few.
For operating hours, menus and the complete music calendar, visit www.norrishotsprings.com. Follow on Facebook and Instagram (@NorrisHotSprings). •