Gary Bertsch & The Blamers bring original music, real stories and NKY roots to BCM on Thursday
Northern Kentucky musician Gary Bertsch and his band, The Blamers, are scheduled to perform at the Behringer-Crawford Museum’s Music@BCM summer concert series on Thursday, June 25. The performance features the band’s signature mix of folk-rock and Americana, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and music starting at 7 p.m. at the museum’s Covington location.
Background and Musical Evolution
Bertsch’s path to the stage began at Northern Kentucky University, where he secured a lead singer position after chasing a fellow student down a hallway to audition. Since that start more than 30 years ago, he has transitioned from performing cover songs to focusing on original music. His songwriting draws heavily from his lifelong residency in Northern Kentucky, utilizing local themes, family narratives, and regional landmarks as inspiration.
His latest single, “Tri-State Love,” reflects this connection to the area. Throughout his career, Bertsch has released four albums and played at regional venues such as Fountain Square, Washington Park, and the Fort Thomas Merchants & Music Fest.
Gary Bertsch discovered his singing talent during his senior year of high school, where he was cast in the lead role for his class play at Bishop Brossart High School.
Event Logistics and Attendance
The concert will take place outdoors at 1600 Montague Road, though management will move the event inside the museum if weather conditions require it. Admission for the evening is $10 for adults, $5 for museum members and students aged 13–18, and free for children 12 and under.
The entry fee grants attendees access to the museum’s current exhibition, Treasures From the Attic: 250 Years of Fashion & Furniture, which remains on display through August 9. On-site amenities include food from Skyline Chili, a cash bar, and a “Split the Pot” raffle. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for the outdoor portion of the event.
The integration of local history and regional storytelling into Bertsch’s work suggests a specific effort to maintain cultural relevance within the Tri-State area. By aligning his performance with a museum exhibition, Bertsch is likely to attract both music fans and local history enthusiasts, potentially increasing engagement for both the concert series and the museum’s seasonal programming.
Future Outlook
As Bertsch continues to build his catalog, future performances could see an expansion of his original Americana sound as he draws further from the evolving landscape of the Tri-State region. Given his history of performing at established events like SummerFair and Alexandria Brewing Company, his presence at the Behringer-Crawford Museum may serve as a baseline for future regional collaborations. Should the current concert series see strong attendance, it is possible the museum will continue to prioritize local artists who highlight Northern Kentucky’s unique identity in upcoming seasonal lineups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the concert being held?
The concert is held at the Behringer-Crawford Museum, located at 1600 Montague Road in Covington.
What is included with the price of admission?
Admission includes the concert and access to the museum exhibit Treasures From the Attic: 250 Years of Fashion & Furniture.
What happens if it rains?
If the weather is inclement, the performance will be moved indoors.
Are you planning to attend the concert to support local Northern Kentucky music and history?