Abby Gordon On November 15, 2025, BERTHA exemplified drag and took the stage at Eastside Bowl in Nashville for a night brimming with energy and connection. Opening the evening, Old & In The Slay, also a drag act, set the tone with an engaging and dynamic performance that had the crowd buzzing in anticipation. As BERTHA launched into their set, the atmosphere surged with excitement, blending powerful riffs, tight rhythms, and vocals that commanded attention. Fans moved in unison, drawn into each song’s momentum, creating a night of shared energy and unforgettable moments. From the first note to the final chord, BERTHA showcased why they continue to captivate audiences across the country.
Old & in the Slay
Old & in the Slay is a Grateful Drag tribute project honoring Old and in the Way, led by members of BERTHA and featuring guest musicians including Kimber Ludiker (fiddle), Frank Evans (banjo), and Morgan Blaney (bass). The group brings drag performance, storytelling, and virtuoso musicianship together to reinterpret bluegrass and folk classics with a playful, theatrical twist.
The project combines queer performance art with musical homage, transforming familiar tunes into vibrant, unforgettable experiences. Whether covering classic songs or improvising alongside their collaborators, Old & In The Slay excels at creating a fun, inclusive, and immersive environment for audiences. Their live shows encourage engagement, dance, and celebration, making them the perfect opener for BERTHA’s Grateful Drag extravaganzas.
In 2025, Old & In The Slay continue to carve out their own space in Nashville’s music scene, blending artistry, humor, and tribute work in a way that celebrates both the Grateful Dead’s legacy and the creative queer community behind it.
Photos by Abby Gordon. All images © 2025 Copyright Abby Gordon ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
BERTHA
BERTHA is the world’s first Grateful Drag band, an all-star collective of queer and allied musicians from East Nashville who come together in wigs and full face to honor the music of the Grateful Dead with irreverent flair and extraordinary talent. Fronted by a trio of vocalists known as the Berthas and backed by a rocking all-star band, BERTHA blends precision musicianship with playful, theatrical performance.
Formed from a mix of Nashville’s vibrant music scene and a love for the Dead, BERTHA is far from a gimmick. Their harmonies, musicianship, and stage presence have drawn acclaim from outlets like Rolling Stone and Jambase, who praised the band for their joyful, irreverent approach and top-tier vocals. Their shows combine homage, improvisation, and drag performance, creating an experience that is both hilarious and heartfelt.
The band’s origin story is legendary: after a fantastical experiment involving cloning and LSD went awry, the first Berthas were created as musical mutants blending Jerry Garcia’s DNA with the infamous Brown Acid. Embracing their new identity, these musicians adopted the name BERTHA in solidarity, forming a band dedicated to continuing the spirit of the Grateful Dead in the most colorful, queer-forward way possible.
In addition to paying tribute to classic Dead material, BERTHA incorporates original compositions and collaborative performances, often featuring guest musicians. The band’s 2025 performances demonstrate the group’s commitment to community, creativity, and unapologetic fun, making every show an unforgettable experience for fans.
Photos by Abby Gordon. All images © 2025 Copyright Abby Gordon ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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