Deadheads, meet drag: Bertha brings Grateful Dead tribute to Portland

An all-drag tribute to the Grateful Dead called Bertha: Grateful Drag is scheduled for Saturday night at Portland’s State Theatre, bringing a roots collective concept built around Deadhead fandom and stage spectacle. The Nashville-based group formed in 2023 after a one-time benefit plan when their home state tried to ban drag performances; the seven-member band then kept going, releasing a live album and recordings such as “Touch of Grey” and “Jack Straw.” The lineup includes Melody Walker, Caitlyn Doyle, Jacob Groopman, Mike Wheeler, Justin Volp, and Alex Joran, trading lead vocals and mixing Dead sounds from the late ’70s and early ’80s. Doors open for the 8 p.m. show.