With generations of showbiz in their genes, it comes as no surprise that whenever the extended Caisey family gets together to present a show, the talent well runs deep. And so it proved when Caisey Family Productions mounted its annual show, this time honouring the seventieth “Earthday” of their much-loved matriarch, June Caisey.

Brothers, sisters, cousins, children, grandchildren, present and ex-spouses, ex-officio family and guest artists were all out in force to sing and dance their way through a programme marking milestones in June’s long career as an entertainer — and which, by the way, is still going strong. Playing to an enthusiastic, sell-out audience, the clan worked their way through ten songs, before June closed the programme with the eleventh.

As befits tribute events, this was gala occasion with plenty of heart and expressions of affection. It was opened by the multi-talented, all-round entertainer, Dennis (Chickdee) Moniz, who sang a long, jazzy arrangement of ‘Wade in the Water’ — perhaps marking the early days when June was just getting her little feet wet on stage.

“Sometimes I feel like I am a long way from home,” he sang. Well, Dennis, you are home after five years in New York, and welcome back!

Welcome, too, was the presence of another much-loved local entertainer, Gene Steede, whose full-bodied rendition of ‘The Impossible Dream’ proved (as if proof was necessary) that he still has that old magic which so delights audiences wherever he appears. And of course, he is also a master joke teller whose timing is impeccable.

The return from the US especially for the occasion of June’s former husband, Albert Caisey, Sr., singing ‘Only You’ was touching. How proud he must have been, also, to see his three sons, Albert Jr., Clinton and Taur, also singing on the same stage.

The choreography, designed by Bernadette Wilson and Javon Easton Vanderpool, for the fast-paced ‘Glen Island Special’ in particular was excellent, and beautifully danced by Taitu Wilson, a very impressive, natural young talent, and tap dancer Mitchelle (Wires/Live Wire) Trott.

Whether as soloists or in combination with othes, Phiemma Wilson, Desta (Zion) Wilson, BethAnn Thomas-Raynor, Josie Underwood, also sang with love and feeling. It mattered not that some of the voices in the show were not ‘star quality’, for this was all about homage to a wonderful lady whom they clearly admire.

Outstanding was the Caisey Family Band, whose backing was, to use the ‘in’ phrase, ‘off the hook’ from start to finish. Saxophonists Lionel Edward, Mike Payne and Dean Smith and the wizardry of guest artist violinist Taylor Rankin, as well as young organist Jahkeen, added greatly to the contributions of fellow musicians Roger Butterfield, Tony Dill, Albert Caisey, Sr., Derek Simmons and John Lee.

Then there was the star of the evening herself. In a gorgeous beaded gown designed for the occasion by Bermudian Dwayne Paynter, the Piaf-sized singer, once she was hoisted onto a stool too tall to reach herself, set the seal on the evening with ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’. Well, she didn’t have to, for we already did — and from long, long ago.

With a sumptuous banquet to follow the entertainment, what more could the gathering have wished for? Just technically accomplished sound and lighting technicians. Their importance cannot be underestimated, and, sadly, on this occasion Caisey Family Productions was badly let down.