It’s about time an adventurous group of talented, open-minded individuals gave the good ol’ Grateful Dead’s music a fresh, vibrant makeover. BERTHA: Grateful Drag has added a joyous splash of color to one of the most cherished musical catalogs in existence. The timeless music of the Grateful Dead is now being presented with all the sparkle and wonder it deserves. As far as we know, BERTHA is the only Grateful Dead drag tribute band in our galaxy—though who’s to say what might be happening elsewhere? The excitement and colorful energy the band brings to the music are astounding, with musicianship that dazzles the mind, loaded with improvisational, psychedelic instrumentation.
Saturday's show at the Aggie Theatre was more than just a vibrant, shake-your-bones musical experience—it was a powerful message of a movement. The loud and proud voices are speaking, and they are speaking with authority and love. BERTHA, a group of musicians from Nashville, Tennessee, is dedicated to spreading magic through music. They are also fierce advocates for freedom of expression and the fundamental right to be unapologetically yourself. Loving who you want to love is your choice, wearing what makes you happy is your choice, and dressing in drag is most certainly not a crime! These topics shouldn’t need discussion, but sadly, they do. For this reason, we are forever grateful to Bertha for bringing fire down from the mountain and ensuring that every voice is heard.
BERTHA features Melody "Daddy" Walker on vocals, Caitlin "Mommy" Doyle on vocals, Thomas "Auntie" Eaton on lead guitar, Michael "Baby" Wheeler on rhythm guitar and vocals, Jacob "Big Sissy" Groopman on bass, Hank "Cousin" Long on keyboards, and Justin "Cousin" Vorp on drums. This magnificent, sparkling group of seven are all exceptionally talented musicians who have fully embraced the music of the Grateful Dead. Following their viral debut performance, the band is now on their first tour, spreading incredible musical vibes while sharing vital information about combating anti-LGBTQ laws across the nation. Additionally, they support local LGBTQ charities in every city they visit, blending music with a meaningful mission.
Arriving late to the party after photographing another musical event in Fort Collins, I walked into the Aggie Theatre and was immediately embraced by a soul hug of peace and love. The audience was elegantly twirling to the glorious harmonies of Black Muddy River, filling the room with warmth and joy. The vibe was off-the-charts cool, with everyone in the packed theater smiling and singing along. It felt like a modern-day gathering of Merry Pranksters, adorned with wigs, rouge, and guitars, as the music seemed to seep directly into the souls of the audience. Each member of the band was dressed to kill—and kill they did, both in style and musicianship. Their performance was flawlessly rehearsed, with music that flowed effortlessly, delivering buttery grooves that rocked the senses.
The show was hosted by Queen Laura Menorah, who not only introduced the band but also kept the audience entertained between sets. The front-line trio of voices—Melody "Daddy" Walker, Caitlin "Mommy" Doyle, and Michael "Baby" Wheeler—delivered elegant and powerful vocals that brought fresh energy and life to the lyrics. Wheeler, doubling on rhythm guitar, showcased an incredible fluidity on the fretboard, reminiscent of Bob Weir’s intricate strumming style. Justin "Cousin" Vorp on drums and Jacob "Big Sissy" Groopman on bass anchored the band with a groove-heavy, rock-solid rhythm section that carried the music effortlessly. Hank "Cousin" Long on keyboards elevated the performance with commanding organ solos and cascading piano runs that flowed as smoothly as fine wine. Meanwhile, Thomas "Auntie" Eaton, clearly a graduate of Grateful Dead University, delivered guitar work so masterful it could make Jerry Garcia blush.
The band’s blend of cohesiveness and looseness was as soothing as it was powerful. The familiarity of the music transported many in the audience to another time and space. The show radiated great energy and featured enthusiastic interaction with the crowd. The entire production was a fantastically fun experience, created by a group of genuinely positive individuals who clearly share a deep love for one another and the people they meet along the way.
As Mother Earth keeps spinning, we’re fortunate to have many bands that honor and preserve the music of the Grateful Dead. However, no band has done it with quite this much glitter and pizzazz. It was truly a wonderful experience—one more Saturday night filled with the sweet, soulful sounds of the Grateful Dead, caressing the hearts of everyone in the room.
The set list from Saturday was stacked with tasty nuggets from several different era’s of the Grateful Dead’s journey.
Bertha: Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, 11/23/24
Set 1:
Cold Rain and Snow - E
Promised Land - E (talk: welcome)
Dire Wolf - C
It’s All Over Now - G (talk: Bonnie/Taylor)
Friend of the Devil - Bb
Loose Lucy - E (talk: bring out Bridget)
Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo - D
Box of Rain - A
Set 2:
Golden Road - D
Shakedown Street - D >
The Other One - E >
Turn On Your Love Light - A >
Drums / Space >
Black Muddy River - C (bring back Bonnie/Taylor/Bridget)
Iko Iko - D
One More Saturday Night - D
Encore:
Brokedown Palace - C (bring back Bonnie/Taylor/Bridget)
Goin’ Down the Road Feelin’ Bad - E (transition to C)
We Bid You Goodnight
Special guests for the evening's performance included Bonnie Sims on mandolin and vocals and Taylor Sims on guitar and vocals. Joining the party as well was Bridget Law on fiddle. Each brought their unique musical inflections and energy, enhancing the night’s music with an extra layer of magic and mystique.
