BERTHA Shares Grateful Drag Love: Q&A

One glimpse at a BERTHA photo and you know there’s something different going on with this Dead tribute band — full-on wigs, makeup and heels are not so common in the hippie world. Of course there’s a story behind it, and a good one: Nashville musicians united to spread both joy and a message of inclusion.

The members of BERTHA — who all use the drag name "Bertha" (and if that’s a nod to the Ramones, good on them) — are members and allies of the queer community who felt inspired to stand up to the Tennessee legislature’s ban on drag performance. They contend it's a dangerous precedent to pass laws against any kind of artistic expression.

A stand-alone event became a series of fundraisers, which garnered a surprising amount of attention and high demand for a tour. It’s all a bit sudden, however, so they’re taking it slow and starting with a limited run of gigs; you can catch them at Brooklyn Bowl on September 12, Asbury Park's The Wonder Bar on September 14, and the Sea.Hear.Now Festival on September 15.

While at the 2024 Newport Folk Festival, I had the chance to talk to Melody Walker, Caitlin Doyle and Mike Wheeler about the birth of BERTHA, their bluegrass beginnings, the need for a Dead Camp education, and when it makes sense to change a lyric or two.

[recorded: 7/28/24]