“Mad as a March hare” at Norris Hot Springs
March has arrived and it’s an often a turbulent month. What better time to head out to Norris for a soothing soak? While you’re enjoying the magical “Water of the Gods,” and savoring a tasty meal made with the finest organic and sustainable foods, ponder what makes March such a special time. A quick search reveals these fun facts:
1. March is the only month with three consecutive consonants in its name (in English).
2. An old proverb says “March comes in a like a lion and goes out like a lamb,” which means that winter is ending and spring is beginning.
3. In ancient Rome before Julius Caesar’s calendar reform, March was the first month of the year.
4. The expression “mad as a March hare” dates back to 1529. It refers to the wild behavior of male hares during the mating season in March. (Wonder how male hares acted before 1529?)
Back to the subject at hand — and that is Norris Hot Springs. In addition to the delicious and healthy food, there’s a wide selection of craft brews and wine to enjoy. The best in live acoustic music is another draw, unfolding every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night all year long. March finds some terrific performers on the Poolside Stage with all music beginning at 7pm.
Friday, March 9th, brings Dan Henry to Norris. The Montana native is a singer/songwriter with a unique vocal style coupled with acoustic guitar and bluesy harmonica. He’s driven by a blues influence, but covers a wide range of music from folk and rock to reggae, and so much more.
Rawbone is next up on Saturday, March 10th. The Bozeman-based duo plays original acoustic folk, blues, and Americana. Their array of instruments includes a cigar box guitar, clawhammer banjo, acoustic guitar, harmonica, bass, a percussion variety and vocal harmonies. As they describe their sound, “Always melodic but keepin’ it raw.”
Then on Sunday, March 11th, check out returning favorites The Lucky Valentines. Their music has been described by fans as “stirring” Americana, “straight from the heart.” Married in 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 Northern Montana. Their 2016 independent release Lion in the Garden is a collection of songs that explore betrayal, loss, and joy.
Neil Filo Beddow performs Friday, March 16th. 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, tongue-in-cheek humorous with just a twist of serious.
Willy James follows on Saturday, March 17th. He’s a singer/songwriter from Dillon whose musical taste and style is varied, but always carries a hint of the blues. James is a spectacular lyricist and vocalist. His vocals have the soulfulness of yesterday’s greats like John Fogerty, Bob Seger, and Waylon Jennings, with lots of power and expression. Whether he’s singing a joyful melody or a tune of a broken heart, you will feel it. He’ll be performing mostly original songs, with some favorites thrown in.
Settle in with the sounds of Lang Termes on Sunday, March 18th. Lang’s vocal style ranges from mellow folk ballads to growling boogie blues. His style of songwriting — both original music and lyrics — comes deep from the heart, or in some cases, bubbles up from his whimsical sense of irony. Lang’s selection of covers ranges from early country blues to the full gamut of contemporary classics.
Norris Hot Springs is located 34 miles west of Four Corners near the intersection of Highway 287. Pool hours, menu items, and so much more is available at www.norrishotsprings.com. •
