Photos by Cassidy Rose Friedman

On Thursday, October 2, BERTHA, “The world’s first all drag Grateful Dead tribute band,” pulled into the Brooklyn Bowl’s New York location. As expected, the ensemble revived classic picks from the original San Francisco jamband’s songbook, initiating “A long, long, crazy, crazy night” on “Feel Like a Stranger” and rolling into beloved renditions of “Mississippi Half Step,” “Ramble on Rose,” and “Dancing in the Street,” just to name a few, during the concert’s first half.

The second half leaned into “Samson and Delilah” before party-starter “Playing in the Band” and a well-received “Iko Iko.” Ahead of the latter frame’s traditional instrumental interlude, BERTHA turned in “Terrapin Station,” coming out of a haze and performing “Morning Dew.” They reprised “Playing” before emanating good feelings via “Good Lovin’.” For the evening’s encore, the group administered some “US Blues.” 

On location was Cassidy Rose Friedman, who shared her photos from the event.