Help CAFE Return to the Virginia Beach PanFest 2025

We are asking for your support to help our award-winning youth steelbands!

The Cultural Academy For Excellence began in 1996 as a dream imagined and materialized by one Lorna Green, of Trinidad and Tobago. Inspired by her daughter's love for the native, culturally rich percussion instrument; the only acoustic instrument developed in the 20th century; the Steelpan, Lorna Green shapes a legacy of her own, creating an all inclusive youth program where students are given the chance to dive into a world of discipline and passion for music, the arts, academic excellence, and social and civic leadership.

Fast forward to today, 29 years later, CAFE's two youth bands, Positive Vibrations Youth Steel Orchestra (PVYSO) and Rhythm Runners return to the International Virginia Beach PanFest to become 4th time Grand Slam Champions!

As many of you may know, PVYSO is always the band to beat, with three 1st place grand championships from 2006, 2007, and 2018, and placing 2nd place in 2024.

For our students, steelpan is as much of a pathway to Caribbean music and culture, as it is to exploring and expanding their worldview, beyond any imposed barriers; and competition is a way to remind themselves of their unlimited potential in achieving any dream they dare to imagine. Our students are passionate and dedicated to their craft, and CAFE is determined to help all of their dreams come true.

Because of the current financial insecurities facing Not-For-Profits and especially for arts education, we are here to ask for your financial support. Your donations will help underwrite the cost of transportation, lodging, and uniforms for our low income and underserved students and families. With such a large team, we are asking for your help to ensure all of our CAFE family members who look forward to this competition every year have the ability to participate. This opportunity is about more than a first place title, this is a vital opportunity for our students' growth, development, and sense of self-esteem.

Please support our students and help us reach our goal of $10,000 by April 30th!

Reach out to us on social media:

CAFEyouthorg on Instagram and Facebook

Learn more aboutus and our programs by checking out our website: https://www.cafeyouth.org