Norris finishes off decade with diverse slate of poolside acts
Norris Hot Springs continues to make improvements to support sustainability and customer satisfaction as more and more people find their way to this unique, Montana gem.
Norris has undertaken a rather large infrastructure project this fall, an earth covered ‘root cellar’ for its garden produce and extra kegs of beer. The area on the road side of the No Loose Dogs Cafe has been widened by digging back into the hill, flattened to offer more storage space, and piped with radiant heat to take a little bit of snow shoveling off their list. The completed project will be scarcely noticeable as the soaking venue continuously endeavors to minimize its footprint. Norris hopes this new cold storage system will prove a sustainable solution to the challenges of serving up lots of food, drink and nice hot water to an ever increasing crowd of amiable locals each winter. Time will tell.
The next step in the project is to add a walk-in cooler to increase draft beer choices and to allow the addition of draft wine, as well as local kombucha and hard cider on tap. Wine on draft is considered preferable and much more environmentally friendly, as the wine is preserved in a more stable atmosphere throughout its life and there’s no wasted bottle or cork material. Norris team members are researching ways to build a walk-in with the minimum power consumption while mitigating the noise and heat it creates. Stay tuned this spring.
Someday when there’s enough capital (crowdsource anyone?) Norris plans to re-pave the patios surrounding the pool and in the dressing room floors. And when that’s under way, radiant heaters will be added so everyone is a little happier with a little bit warmer feet in the winter. And yes, no more shoveling or salt. Norris thanks Montana for its support and Ken Fraser’s StoneRidge Builders for their amazing work.
As we move into the December holidays, Norris Hot Springs maintains its regular hours. The pool and 50-Mile Snack Bar hours are Monday, Thursday and Friday from 4–10pm. Weekend hours are 10am to 10pm on Saturday and Sunday. Note: Norris will close for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve in accordance with its regular Tuesday and Wednesday closure.
Norris offers “Live from the Dome” music year round, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night starting at 7pm. Local, regional and nationally recognized acoustic musicians play the poolside stage. Here’s the schedule until the end of the decade!
Bozeman’s Aaron Banfield is next up on Friday, December 20th. Featured in a wide array of local bands like Cole & the Thornes, PermaFunk and King Ropes, Banfield plays a little bit of everything, from folk to rock. He combines his amazing guitar skills with some impressive vocals for the enjoyment of every audience. He’ll bring a fun, relaxing show to the hot springs.
Weston Lewis is back on Saturday, December 21st at 7pm. Lewis plays with a number of local bands, solo performances, and as a sit-in lead guitarist for artists including The Andrew Hand Band, John Sherrill, The Electric Sunday, Lang Termes, Mathias, and MOTH. His solo sets are comprised mostly of acoustic rock covers and some of his original songs. In band settings, he likes to play funk, jazz, country and more.
Christy Hays follows on Sunday, December 22nd. Her 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’ third full-length and fifth release overall, brings the culmination of her influences and experiences traveling the world.
The following weekend sees a set by Nathan North on Friday, December 27th. A Billings performer, Nathan uses loops to create complex and wonderful songs. He’ll be performing originals and notable covers.
On Saturday, December 28th, enjoy the musical stylings of Neil Filo Beddow. He plays original folk rock for the soul, and describes his guitar style as the “West Dakota stutter.” His lyrically scrambled iambic pentameter can be politically bent, spiritually seeking, and tongue-in-cheek humorous with just a twist of serious.
Roots rock duo Acoustic Roll closes out another month of live music on Sunday, December 29th. 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.
For additional venue details, menus and the complete music calendar, visit www.norrishotsprings.com. Follow on Facebook and Instagram (@NorrisHotSprings). •