Spring sighted at Norris Hot Springs!

It’s been a one step forward, two steps back sort of season out at Norris Hot Springs, but the telltale shoots of crocus and daffodils peek up through the snow. And there’s plenty of that to keep things green for a long while this year. Migrating birds are on the move and the poolside feeders are being visited by all sorts of songbirds. The sandhill cranes will soon be arriving for their annual summer vacation – you can watch them teach their babies to fly from your spot soaking in the historic wooden pool.
Early microgreens will begin to appear in salads soon, and plans are underway to reopen the 50 Mile Grill on Cinco de Mayo. The 50 Mile Grill is aptly named and proud to serve regional, organic produce and proteins procured from local farmers and ranchers. Norris thinks it’s important its customers know where their food comes from and is proud to serve beef, chicken and pork from area ranchers. Enjoy the weekly specials paired with their homegrown produce and salads for a true taste of Montana.
The campground will also open in May, and reservations can be made online for a full-service or tent campsite, each with a unique view. After you enjoy a soak, a beverage from the No LoOse Dogs Saloon and a delicious dinner, is there anything better than walking to your own campsite to enjoy the wetland from your favorite chair? Well, if it’s a weekend, you can add the finest in regional and touring acoustic music to that. Visit Norris on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday for live music beginning at 7pm.
Joe Schwem is first up on Friday, April 20th. He’s a singer/songwriter from Bozeman with Americana, folk and rock influences. Joe plays a mix of original songs and covers.
Aran Buzzas is back on Saturday, April 21st. Calling his music “Homegrown Montana Folky Tonk,” Aran performs songs that are easy to relate to, often amusing, and frequently with a regional backdrop.
Mathias will be live from the Poolside Stage on Sunday, April 22nd. The Bozeman-based singer/songwriter has been playing music under the big sky for nearly two decades. With powerful vocals and a percussive guitar style, he’s known for his dynamic live performances full of acoustic folk, rock, and funk tunes. Mathias recorded his debut album, Walk Alone, with the help of Emmy Award-winning producer Jeremiah Slovarp.
       Marcedes Carroll performs on Friday, April 27th. Carroll is a spunky and fun Gallatin Valley local who brings a variety of flavor to her live shows, performing tunes ranging from Turnpike Troubadours to Ella Fitzgerald to Led Zeppelin, along with plenty of originals you just have to hear!
Lane Norberg is set for Saturday, April 28th. His music is heavily inspired by faith, love, and all of life’s ups and downs. Many of the lyrics to Norberg’s songs are easy to listen to, and often involve elements from his own life. “I believe that music is a unique way to express the kinds of things we all go through every day,” he says. “I want my music to be relatable to people because I think you can really communicate an idea through song if your lyrics are believable and authentic.” NEEDTOBREATHE, Ben Rector, John Mayer, and many other artists have served as inspiration. Norberg spent last summer recording Under the Trees, his first record, at Bozeman’s Basecamp Recording Studio with producer Chris Cunningham. The EP is available now.
The Road Agents return Sunday, April 29th. The band, composed of Jeff Peterson and Justin Ringsak, play acoustic rock n’ roll. They’re a guitar and mandolin duo people can dance to — even in the pool! Jeff and Justin will bring danceable, original songs about firewood, larceny, and resolve.
Dan Martin kicks off a new month on Friday, May 4th. His music is influenced by the likes of Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, John Prine, and others. Dan’s from Tulsa, but does not “live” anywhere. He considers his songs to be poetically telling of the nostalgic and inescapable human condition.
Charlie Denison follows Saturday, May 5th. 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.
Andrea Harsell closes out the weekend on Sunday, May 6th. The Missoula native has been honing her craft as a songwriter and solo artist by singing and stomping her way in brew houses across Western Montana for the last five years. Harsell blends elements of Americana, rock, and R&B into her original sound. Filled with songs about the human experience, social issues, love and love lost, an Andrea Harsell performance is high energy and feels good. Something for the Pain, Harsell’s new album released with her band Luna Roja, is available now.
Norris Hot Springs is a historic treasure in Montana, and has proudly offered locals and travelers a soothing place to ‘Eat, Drink, Soak and Enjoy’ for many years. Operating hours, menu items, and information about the designated driver program is available at www.norrishotsprings.com. Call (406) 685-3303 with additional questions. Norris will be moving to summer hours in June.