IF the Caiseys needed to prove they are the First Family of Bermuda’s entertainment world, they did it by a long shot; in fact, phenomenally so. Their 70th birthday salute to June Caisey, the family spark-plug, was a sold-out, million-dollar extravaganza at the Hamilton Fairmont Hotel.

It was classy, without missing a beat from the opening act through to the curtain call.

And as if that was not enough, it was topped by a sumptuous three-course buffet dinner with open dancing following.

Billed as “Cinderella’s Ball”, it was a fitting tribute to June, the super-talented singer, dancer and actress who received a standing ovation as she made her grand entrance.

Taking the spotlight and microphone, she demonstrated by her refreshing vitality that as far as she’s concerned age is superfluous.K>June’s children, grandchildren, present and past in-laws, violinist, guitarist, saxophonists, dancers and singers were the only ones filling the 90-minute bill. They included daughter Phiemma, a born actress; June’s ex-brother-in-law Gene Steede, who needs no introduction as an entertainer, being famed as “Bermuda’s Natural Resource”. June’s former husband Albert Caisey was also present. Cousin Dennis (Chickdee) Moniz was the opening act, with a performance that was a show in itself.There was a nostalgic theme that ran through the performances, with renditions such as Motherless Child, Only You, Hero and Dream the Impossible Dream.

The final act was soul-stirring song and dance, Momma, You Know We Love You. It was performed by June’s sons and daughter Phiemma, with the latter’s son Desta Zion, backing them up with his guitar. Zion came from London where he is a student. He was accompanied by his sister Taitu. She’s a professional dancer and works as a podiatrist inndon.

My photos show June Caisey and her celebrated ex-brother-in-law Gene Steede (right)delighting the sold-out audience with their wit and humour and other routines at June’s sold-out 70th birthday tribute at Hamilton Fairmont Hotel. June’s nephew and godson Mitchelle (Live Wire) Trott, and her granddaughter Taitu, straight from London, teamed up in a stunning dance. And paying tribute to their mother are June’s sons, Albert, Jr. and Clinton, and her only daughter, Phiemma, being accompanied on guitar by the latter’s son Desta Zion. Also seen below are some of the guests enjoying the show.