Woodstock welcomed Bertha: Grateful Drag to the Bearsville Theater this past Wednesday, March 25, for a night full of the Dead and drag. The show also raised funds for the local LGBTQ+ organization, Queerly Inc.
Formed in 2023 as a direct response to Tennessee’s drag ban, Bertha: Grateful Drag has quickly built a reputation as one of the most talked-about acts on the road. In a sea of Grateful Dead cover bands, Bertha distinguishes itself not only through its concept but through its musicianship. The seven-piece ensemble, whose members all go by the name “Bertha”, faithfully captures the Dead’s sound while also expanding on it. At the forefront are two lead vocalists whose powerful, expressive voices bring new life to the classic material. The result is a seamless fusion of counterculture and camp.
Shortly after 8 p.m., the band took the stage to an enthusiastic Woodstock crowd and launched into “Truckin’,” immediately setting an energetic tone for the evening. The first set continued with beloved staples like “Brown Eyed Women” and “Cassidy.”
During the set break, Radio Kingston host and Queerly Inc volunteer, Jami Smith, addressed the audience to highlight the band’s commitment to supporting local LGBTQ+ initiatives. Queerly Inc, based in Woodstock, works to foster an inclusive and empowering environment for the community and also organizes Woodstock’s annual Pride celebration. A portion of proceeds from each Bertha show is donated to organizations like Queerly Inc, even more reinforcing the band’s initial mission. The intermission also featured a performance by Hudson Valley drag artist Mirella, who delivered a crowd-pleasing routine to Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time.” Audience members stepped forward to tip their cash in classic drag fashion.
The second set opened with a lively “Dancing in the Street,” before moving into “St. Stephen,” a song the Dead rarely performed in their later years. As the night progressed, the band settled into a particularly moving rendition of “Morning Dew,” highlighted by “Aunty” Bertha’s impressive, Garcia-inspired lead guitar work. The evening concluded with an emotional encore of “Brokedown Palace,” leaving little doubt that the audience had been won over completely.
Bertha continues their U.S. tour with three upcoming stops in New York bringing the run through Ithaca and Buffalo before closing out on September 19 at the Capital Theater in Port Chester. For all tour dates and more information visit gratefuldrag.com.
