BERTHA: Grateful Drag
BERTHA: Grateful Drag is a queer-centered Grateful Dead tribute project bringing together bluegrass and Americana musicians for an exuberant take on the Dead’s late-1970s and early-1980s sound. The performance combines reverence for the original catalog with drag, burlesque, community celebration, and fundraising for LGBTQ+ causes.
Formed in Tennessee in 2023 in response to anti-drag legislation, the band began as a one-night benefit and grew into an acclaimed roots collective after its debut sold out and attracted attention from Rolling Stone and the San Francisco Chronicle. Each performance features fresh, never-repeated setlists and is designed for both longtime Deadheads and first-time listeners.
When: Thursday, October 8
Showtimes: Doors open at 7 PM. Performance and set times were not specified and may change.
Format: Two sets running approximately three hours in total.
Lineup: Caitlin Doyle and GRAMMY-winning songwriter Melody Walker, known as Mommy and Daddy Bertha, developed the project. Doyle, Walker, and Mike Wheeler share lead-vocal duties, with Wheeler also playing rhythm guitar. The band also includes Thomas Bryan Eaton on lead guitar, Jacob Groopman on bass, Alex Jordan on keys, and Justin Vorp on drums.
Music: A high-energy interpretation of the Grateful Dead catalog, drawing especially on the band’s late-1970s and early-1980s sound while retaining its signature tones, textures, and deep grooves.
Community impact: One dollar from every ticket sold benefits SMYAL and its work supporting and empowering LGBTQ+ youth. BERTHA shows also include a fundraising element for a local LGBTQ+ organization and feature drag or burlesque performers from the host city.
Tickets: Price not available
Ticket policy: Tickets cannot be transferred until 72 hours before showtime. Tickets believed to have been bought primarily for resale may be cancelled at the discretion of 9:30 Club or Ticketmaster, and purchasers may be prevented from buying tickets to future I.M.P. shows.
Venue: 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW, Washington, DC 20001
Note: Opening acts, door times, and set times are subject to change.