Cabin fever antidote available at Norris Hot Springs
With its long, dark nights and crazy weather, mid-February can keep you cooped up inside. Montana has certainly had it easier than the vortex-hit regions, but while you’re feeling a little stir crazy, the fine folks at Norris Hot Springs invite you to learn a bit more about this short month.
The Anglo-Saxons called February ‘Sol-monath’ (cake month) because that’s when cakes were offered to the gods. February was also known to the Saxons as ‘sprout-kale’ from the sprouting of cabbage or kale.
Having only 28 days in non-leap years, February was known in Welsh as ‘y mis bach’ – the little month.
In Shakespeare’s time about 400 years ago, the second month of the year was called ‘Feverell.’ In Isaac Newton’s time one hundred years later it had become ‘Februeer.’ The modern name, February, is only about a hundred years old.
Get outside and let your skin drink in some Vitamin D at Norris. Taking a soak will infuse your pores with healthy minerals that will elevate your mood and soothe your muscles. The healing waters will also aid in respiration, lower your blood pressure and help you sleep.
Enjoy a meal from the No LoOse Dogs Saloon and choose from a wide selection of carefully prepared organic and nutritious choices. As of this writing, there are no plans to make any cakes but you may well find some kale from the on-site garden! Add a craft beer or wine from the expansive selection. Norris Hot Springs is a unique place – where else can you soak in a historic wooden pool while enjoying a meal, in the dead of winter no less?
If your visit happens to correspond with a weekend, you can also enjoy the finest in regional acoustic live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7pm.
Jacob Rountree entertains on Friday, February 22nd. The singer/songwriter has been playing guitar for a decade and released his debut album, The Common Hour, last spring. If his audience isn’t captivated by his introspective lyrics and unique finger-picking, they are guaranteed to be mesmerized by his multi-dimensional performance. Inspired by artists such as Ben Howard, Jose Gonzales, and Nick Drake, Rountree uses his percussive technique, while looping and layering dynamic rhythms, to create a rare musical experience.
Logan Dudding follows on Saturday, February 23rd. Logan is a Butte resident, known for his work with the Chad Ball and Red Mountain bands as a percussionist. Now honing his guitar skills, he’s enjoying putting on solo acoustic performances, covering favorite songs and showing off a few originals. Help welcome him back!
Enjoy the talents of Cole & the Thornes with a Sunday show on February 24th. The Mountain reggae and gypsy-infused soul band began with an infectious restlessness and a heart engraved with longing adventure. The band released its debut, Map Maker, last spring. The album is a collection of songs filled with funky grooves, sultry vocals, and empowering lyrics that capture the true meaning of being in the now. The Thornes have performed throughout the state, playing with popular reggae bands HIRIE, Sol Seed, and TreeHouse.
Joe Schwem kicks off a new month on Friday, March 1st. 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.
Neil Filo Beddow shows off his stuff on Saturday, March 2nd. 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.
Finally, Nathan North returns Sunday, March 3rd. A Billings performer, Nathan uses loops to create complex and wonderful songs. He’ll be performing originals and notable covers.
Further information about the natural minerals in the springs, the full winter menu, operating hours, and more can be found at www.norrishotsprings.com. Norris is located 34 miles west of Bozeman near the intersection of Highway 287 and Route 84. •