Photo Credit: Fred Scholl

During the latest edition of the Weekend at Bertha’s, hosted by the Diamond State Merry Pranksters, the Grateful Dead’s one-time collaborator, Tom Constanten, known for his 1968-1970 stint with the Bay Area tripsters and resulting Aoxomoxoa tag, welcomed multi-instrumentalist, Noah Lehrman, to conjure the beat on select Dead covers on the hourglass-shaped talking drum. 

The collaboration arrived on Saturday, July 26, in Fire Base Lloyd, Del., during the second set of Tom “TC” Constanten and Jynx of Diamonds’ festival frame. During the onset of the gig, the Dead’s former keyboardist enchanted the audience by nodding to a staple from his live history in support of the revered San Francisco band, on “Dark Star.” Previously, during Relix’s 50th anniversary celebration at New York’s Brooklyn Bowl, back in January, he also relished in the deep track with support from harpist Mikaela Davis. 

During the July festival slot, Constanten maintained his regard for the Dead’s songbook by performing beloved classics, including “Estimated Prophet.” The Terrapin Station feature summoned Lehrman, who remained for the ensuing renditions of “Eyes of the World,” “St. Stephen,” and a frame ending, “Not Fade Away.” 

Scroll down to watch videos of the group’s collaborative takes on “St. Stephen” and “Not Fade Away.” 

Read Contanten’s latest Relix interview here.