There is so much talent within the branches of the Caisey family tree that for years there has been talk of putting on a show featuring them all. Finally, Phiemma Caisey Wilson decided "Enough of the talk, and on with the show," and she booked City Hall for this coming Sunday, September 9.

What galvanised Mrs. Caisey Wilson into action was the plight of her cousin, Rodericka Pitcher, who has been undergoing treatment for osteogenic sarcoma (a bone tumour) since she was 15. The teenager spent a year in hospital in the United States, and must now return there every six months for check-ups and treatment, in addition to which her medication is extremely expensive. As a result, her family is constantly struggling with huge medical bills and other expenses, so the entertainment extravaganza, as it is billed, is the Caisey family's way of fund-raising to help out.

Sadly, cancer runs in Rodericka's family, and several members have been affected, some fatally. Nonetheless, Rodericka is now a student at the Bermuda College, and remains optimistic about her future.

The all-star line-up includes singers, dancers, musicians and a percussionist - almost all of them descendants of the late Eliza Joynes, a noted entertainer and actress in her day.

As the show's producer, Mrs. Caisey Wilson has been planning the event for a year, and she admits that at times "it has been stressful".

"Working with family is not easy," she says, but she is in no doubt that the show will be a resounding success.

Her father, singer and bass player Albert Caisey, is flying in from New York to take part, and the all-star line-up of singers, dancers, musician and percussionists includes such familiar show biz names as Gene Steede, June Caisey, Dennis Moniz and Mitchell Trott. Others performers are Taur Caisey, Phiemma Caisey Wilson and her children Taitu and Desta Wilson, Casey Daniels, Dwayne Cox, Alicia Easton, Danilee Trott, Tony Cox, She, Winston DeGraff, Dwayne Cox, Jevon Vanderpool and Toni Bari.

"The show is definitely musically integrated and will include swing, gospel, pop, calypso, soca, blues and rock," the producer says. "It will be full of surprises, with something for everyone."

There will also be a skit taken from the play, 'Eden,' which stage manager June Caisey says has "a little bit of adult language in it" but nothing shocking.

Showtime is 4 p.m. sharp, and tickets (patrons $30, others $20) are available from the People's Pharmacy, Caesar's Pharmacy, and City Hall box office from now until Friday between 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and on Saturday from 12 noon to 2 p.m.

'It will be an unforgettable afternoon's entertainment, and we want it to be a sell-out," Mrs. Caisey says.

And what does Rodericka Pitcher think of her relatives' generosity?

"I am very touched and grateful, and it will be a great help towards my medical expenses," she says. "I was taking pills that cost $50 each, and one shot of one medication was $150."