Symes Hot Springs Hotel hosts annual Blues Festival

The eighth-annual Symes Hot Springs Blues Festival this weekend brought new names, but that still had the same great Blues music locals and tourists have come to love.

“We always aim to get the best blues bands in Montana to come and entertain the crowd,” said organizer and Symes Hot Springs hotel owner Leslee Smith.

“You always see a unique crowd on Friday nights, but it’s Saturday that the real fun begins,” she added.

The headliner for this years event was C.D. Woodbury who hit the stage as the finale act on Saturday night.

“Slow Cookin’ was the first band to kick it off this year on the Friday night and they were fantastic,” said Smith.

The front lawn of the Hotel recently saw a $10k upgrade to the lawn so the historic hotel could easily accommodate those that wanted to lay back and relax or get up and dance.

“I have loved blues music since I was little, and loved the idea of bringing the sound to Hot Springs,” said Smith.

The hotel was purchased by Smith and her husband around 21yrs ago and through the years they have maintained that feel of stepping back in time to a place where you can truly unplug and unwind without the distractions of modern life living.

Though it wasn’t just the locals and staff of the hotel that enjoyed the soul infusing music, there were also plenty of out of towner’s that came down to enjoy the full Montana blues culture.

Some guests said they enjoyed the ability to soak in the water with a cold drink and listen to the bands while they relaxed. They added that the atmosphere really made the event as far as festivals went.

“This is a great event that is affordable for locals,” said festival goer Laurie Gibson.

“It’s been great music and it’s a really nice summer day, I’m really enjoying be able to sit back and relax,” added Laura Lanfear.

“I really enjoy helping locals to discover blues, there are some really great bands here in Montana and the North West that people just haven’t discovered yet,” said Smith.

Not only did you have great music for both locals and tourists you also had a great menu to compliment the music.

The Symes Hot Springs Hotel put on an array of choices for everyone in attendance. From pulled pork to pizza and even satay chicken with peanut sauce, gave the taste buds something to dance about as well.

Daniel S. said it was a really easy afternoon to be able to immerse yourself in the afternoon sitting in the shade. Originally from Las Vegas, he and his dog Isis where kicked back enjoying their first ever Blues Festival.

“The vibe is fantastic, and it’s a pleasantly kind of intimate event where you can enjoy the music but still be able to talk to others as well,” said Mike Schlosser.

“Bringing the festival to Hot Springs is like bringing the community a new genre of music to love,” said Smith.

“Not only do I enjoy the music, but I also enjoy being able to bring people to our small authentic western town,” added Smith