Summer is in full swing at Norris Hot Springs!
Joe Schwem
The rains have brought the greenest and most lush wetland in memory at Norris Hot Springs, and with the verdant surroundings, the bird life is beyond belief. Pick a day or evening to come soak in the Water of the Gods and add a relaxed meal while you enjoy the pool. You’ll see the resident sandhill crane family, red-winged blackbirds, swallows, and songbirds of all varieties. There’s no better place to spend sunset than Norris.
Greens from the onsite garden are being incorporated into daily specials, and the 50 Mile Grill is bringing you locally-sourced meats from partner farms for your lunch or dinner. Chef Abe’s smoked special and seasonal veggies are getting rave reviews! Add a craft beer or selection from their terrific wine list and be sure to ask about dessert! The staff at Norris is committed to making sure your meals are delicious, organic and local – more and more people are just coming for the food. But, of course, the soothing water in the natural hot springs is also a draw. And weekends, Friday through Sunday, you’ll find the best live acoustic music on the Poolside Stage beginning at 7pm.
Three returning favorites cover the next weekend, starting Friday, June 22nd with Sean Eamon. The Butte-based songwriter puts an original twist on Americana and alt-country with the help of his acoustic guitar.
On Saturday, June 23rd, Norris welcomes back Charlie Denison. The bluesy singer/songwriter will bring a mix of folk, rock, soul, reggae, a little country, and – his favorite – blues. Charlie performs a diverse repertoire of covers and originals.
Finally, on Sunday, June 24th, the Poolside Stage hosts Christy Hays. “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.
The final weekend this month brings some familiar voices to the hot springs. Enjoy the sounds of Tom Kirwan on Friday, June 29th. Tom performs a blend of folk country and Americana. Tom’s songs evoke nostalgia of long-ago dreams and people, while weaving stories of human longing both past and present.
Joe Schwem is next up on Saturday, June 30th. 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 kicks off a new month on Sunday, July 1st. Also known around town as Love is a Dog from Nebraska, Travis is a musician, engineer, and producer from Missoula. He’s performed all over the West as a solo artist, and with other performers including Tom Catmull, Stellarondo, and NextDoorPrisonHotel. 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. He performs thoughtful sad stories with happy endings, on top of guitar and looper acrobatics.
For more information on the historic pool, a link to the campground where you can reserve your spot, a look at the menu, directions, or details about the Norris designated driver program, please visit www.norrishotsprings.com. Norris is located 24 miles west of Bozeman near the intersection of Hwy 287 and Route 84. They can be reached at (406) 685-3303. •
