If Delaware’s cool kids go to Firefly Music Festival, then their offbeat peers should feel welcome at the counterculture festival Weekend at Bertha’s.
Weekend at Bertha’s, presented by the Diamond State Merry Pranksters, is a camping music festival that celebrates the arts in trippy fashion with a fire spinner, psychedelic lights beaming from a school bus, lots of tie dye and Grateful Dead vibes.
The festival is in year two and will return to Firebase Lloyd in Townsend on July 29 to 31.
The two headliners are Wilmington legend Johnny Neel, who played with the Allman Brothers Band; and Midnight North, a band led by Grahame Lesh, son of Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh.
Delaware legend praised by Grammys
Neel was born blind, but that didn’t stop him from wreaking havoc as a power vocalist and keys player who wielded a mighty a pen.
He co-wrote the Allman Brothers Band’s 1990 hit “Good Clean Fun.” Neel was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award in 2012 for his work with the Allman Brothers, according to his website. He also earned a Grammy nomination for the song “True Gravity.”
“We want to pay tribute to him. He’s been around for so long. And he’s part of the Delaware Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. So that’s really cool for Delaware,” said vending coordinator Shelby Sachs.
Counterculture creates balance
In addition to a full lineup of musical acts that includes Panama Dead, Juggling Suns, Sweet Maple Singers and TrailHeads, Weekend at Bertha’s will feature lots of vendors and artisans. This includes live glassblowing and glassware, walking sticks and wands, handmade candy, hippy jewelry, art installations and more.
Tricia Murphy, a psychedelic folk-rock artist, will play Weekend at Bertha’s next weekend. Her relationship with counterculture events like this runs deep on a personal level.
“The counterculture plays a significant role in my life. It’s more than just the music, it’s a community, an oasis where people from all walks of like come together to celebrate each other and work towards a common vision of peace,” Murphy said.
Connor O’Sullivan, bassist for Midnight North, explained that non-traditional music festivals are helpful for independent artists. “Underground music is vital in keeping the American musical tapestry vibrant,” he said.
Sullivan also mentioned that hippie fests have a unique personality.
“My experience is almost always positive at these sorts of festivals,” he said. “Fans of live rock music and Deadheads in particular have been very appreciative, especially over the last year due to the pandemic where people maybe haven’t seen live music in quite some time.”
Nod to ‘Weekend at Bernie’s’
The name “Weekend at Bertha’s” is a play on words. It was inspired by the Grateful Dead’s iconic, colorful skeleton character named Bertha.
The fest’s name also pulls from the comedic ‘80s film “Weekend at Bernie’s,” which was about two goofballs who tried to pretend their murdered boss was still alive.
Sachs said the goal for the festival is to create a family-reunion type of atmosphere each year where guests return and bond with their buddies.
Her future-brother-in-law Dwayne Todd, coordinator for Weekend at Bertha’s, said this event gives folks an opportunity to show their true colors in a peaceful setting.
“Weekend at Bertha’s is where the region’s unique minds can fly their freak flag for a weekend,” Todd said.
Weekend at Bertha’s (Firebase Lloyd, 474 Fleming Landing Road, Townsend) is held Friday, July 29; Saturday, July 30; and Sunday, July 31. Gates open at noon on Friday (starts at 3 p.m.); Gates open at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday (music starts at 11 a.m. both days). General Admission Passes for Friday $40 (+ fees); GA for Saturday $50 (+ fees); GA for Sunday $30 (+fees); VIP Weekend Pass $175 (+ fees). For more information, visit weekendatberthas.com.
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