Little drummer girl Caitlin Bernard is set to conquer the music world with out missing a beat.

The four-year-old tyke will headline Eddie Ming's 22nd annual drum exhibition entitled, 'Freedom for Nelson Mandela', sponsored by The Bank of Bermuda's Charitable Trust.

According to Mr. Ming, Caitlin, who has been playing the drums for just five months, has the potential to become a great drummer.

"I am really blessed to find some one like that,'' said Mr. Ming of his protege who he has nicknamed Queen of the Drum Set. "Children like her don't come along every day.

"Caitlin is a blessing because she cannot read music, but she can pick up the tune of a song very quickly.'' In addition to Caitlin, Mr. Ming said this year's extravaganza will also feature 16-year-old Leroy Francis, who has been playing the drums since the age of five and half.

Leroy, who hopes to go to the Berklee School of Music in the year 2000, received lessons from Mr. Ming until the age of 12.

Patrons of Saturday's concert, which will take place at St. Paul's AME Centennial Hall, will also be in for a "tasty'' treat.

Mr. Ming said this year's production will feature a special buffet for his guests, complete with everything from toasted Japanese seaweed to applesauce cookies.

The audience will feast on such delicious fare as baked chicken, tofu "delite'' with Chinese mushroom and vegetable lasagna.

And to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth, mango pudding with plum sauce, a watermelon Hawaiian pudding and applesauce cookies will be served for dessert.

Mr. Ming said that while the guest were enjoying their meal they will be serenaded by the Winston DeGraffe Quintet -- consisting of Stan Gilbert on bass, guitarist Randy Lambert, tenor Max Mabury and Winston DeGraffe on the trumpet.

Saturday's concert will also showcase the talents of guest musicians Micheal Field, Moon Dog, Melvin Mathias and Stanford (Drummie Fats) Jackson.

All songs played during this production are original pieces written by the various performers.

Tickets for the show are $25 and are available at the Music Box. No tickets will be sold at the door. The doors open at 4 p.m. and show time is at 5 p.m.

For more information call Eddie Ming at 297-8422.

Photos by Ras Mykkal Drum Princess: Eddie Ming's Drum Exhibition this Saturday will feature "child prodigy'' four-year-old Caitlin Bernard .

Drum symbol: Leroy Francis is one of the featured musicians in Saturday's Drum Exhibition.

Drum Master: Eddie Ming has prepared a special buffet to be served at his Drum Exhibition this weekend.