Bertha brought all the glitz, glamour, and Grateful Dead grooves to the Mishawaka Amphitheatre last night. Bertha is a Grateful Dead drag tribute band way beyond description; they have improvisational psychedelic musical skills that would make Jerry smile—and probably blush a little, too. The band's brilliant makeover of one of the greatest musical catalogs in the world is not only musically on point with the music of the Grateful Dead; it also adds a sparkling dimension of pride and peace, and love and understanding to the whole divine situation they have created.
Bertha is a beacon of light and musical diversity for all who are willing to participate. Last night’s show was not just about paying tribute to the Grateful Dead’s music; it was also an eye-opening experience of positivity. Bertha is a group of musicians from Nashville, Tennessee, who are powerful advocates of freedom of expression and the fundamental right to love whom you love and dress how you see fit. Behind the lipstick and guitars are people who give a damn about the earth and all of its inhabitants. The band's ambitious attitude on and off stage is something to behold, and we are grateful for the time and efforts of their voices.
The band of seven is 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, and the twins Alex Jordan on keyboards and Justin Vorp on drums. Together this group of talented musicians took the audience on a wild ride of musical nostalgia meets a big splash of glitter and dazzle. The band sounded and looked amazing, and the high energy from the stage to the audience was fun and alive with magical moments that filled every corner of the packed amphitheatre. The vibes were thick with happiness and joy as the band lit up the night sky with classic Grateful Dead tunes from many eras of the band's career.
For many in the audience the music had a soothing familiarity that felt like home. For the younger fans who have never experienced seeing the Grateful Dead in person, they had a wonderful opportunity to hear the timeless music presented in a setting so reminiscent of the glorious days of the communal spirit the Grateful Dead brought along. The canyon came alive with bodies of all ages twirling and shaking their bones to the kaleidoscope of sound emanating from the stage. The musicality of each band member and their attention to detail of each song played were exceptionally well-presented and delivered with high energy and soulful expression.
Bertha’s glamorous style and musical commitment, coupled with vital information regarding combating LGBTQ+ laws in communities across the nation, were well received and well respected among the audience. The blend of music and a meaningful message and mission was truly spirit-lifting and educational. The band also had special guest appearances from local drag artists Liz Agna, Regina Quartz, and Ambrose. Proceeds from the show will benefit Rocky Mountain Equality, a local organization providing advocacy, education, research, and cultural events that ensure LGBTQ+ people, families, and communities thrive.
Opening the first set with “Feel Like a Stranger” automatically set the tone for a crazy, crazy night! The dusk start time of the show provided an amazing backdrop of the lush mountainside and the fast-flowing Poudre River behind the stage. The seven-song first set was packed with tasty treats, including “Ramble On Rose,” “Samson & Delilah,” “Peggy-O,” “The Race Is On,” “China Cat/Rider,” and “Deal.” The extended jams of each of these songs were moody and melodic psychedelic masterpieces that had all the elements of a musical adventure you could ask for. Bertha stretched the imagination of each song to places far and wide with no stop signs or solid yellow lines to stop the twisting, turning instrumentation swirling around the venue.
The frontline trio of vocalists was Melody “Daddy” Walker, Caitlin “Mommy” Doyle, and Michael “Baby” Wheeler. The vocal distribution among the three was powerfully fresh, invigorating, and seriously beautifully executed. Wheeler, also on guitar, brought all of the fluidity and unique fretboard prowess reminiscent of Bob Weir’s intricate strumming style. The low-end grooves were rich and thick as the rhythm section of Jacob “Big Sissy” Groopman on bass and Justin Vorp on drums kept it tight with melodic, soulful expression that built a wall of sound for the music to launch from. Thomas “Auntie” Eaton on lead guitar brought many elements of adventure to the overall sound of the band with expressive flowing rhythms and soul-scorching note selections on the solo duties. Alex Jordan on keyboards provided cascading melodies and powerful solos, giving a warm roundness to the overall sound.
Each of the two sets was filled to the brim with classic Grateful Dead songs being reinvented and reintroduced to the adoring audience. The smiles were a mile high, and the band's powerful energy resonated through each and every person in front of them. This band and many other bands that are keeping the eternal flame of the Grateful Dead’s music alive are true heroes. They are preservers and historians of the most magical musical catalog on earth, and for that I feel very comfortable speaking for every soul in attendance last night when I say thank you! Both setlists are included in this article, and please go see Bertha—they will dazzle your senses, make over your mind, and rock your soul!
That’s a wrap for the debut of drag at the Mishawaka, and wow, it was a fantastic glittering wheel of wonderful! Thanks to the special guests of the evening, who were local drag queens Liz Agna, Regina Quartz, and Ambrose, each lip-syncing and dancing to classic pop hits during the intermission portion of the show. Thank you to Bertha: Grateful Drag for bringing all the good stuff to the Mish and to everyone who attended. Thanks to the Mishawaka for hosting, and thanks to their entire staff! Special thanks to Pilgrim on lighting and Bertha’s tour manager, Meemaw.
