Gerard Davidson

The private company is based in Mitchellville, MD. The organization integrates arts and academics through programs such as the Saturday Academy, which offers enrichment tracks including coding, SAT preparation, tutoring, music theory and practice (notably steelpan), dance rooted in African diaspora traditions, and workforce training. CAFE’s flagship youth ensemble, the Positive Vibrations Youth Steel Orchestra (PVYSO), provides music education in theory, steelpan technique, and diverse repertoires, and has toured internationally. For adults, CAFE offers beginner steelpan classes emphasizing cultural heritage, music theory, and performance, culminating in participation in Pantones, an adult steelband active in regional events. The organization emphasizes cultural connection, leadership, discipline, academic growth, and social justice through arts programming, and encourages community involvement through volunteer opportunities and fundraising campaigns. Tuition and fees are structured to be accessible, with payment plans available, and enrollment is managed through waitlists or direct contact. The Cultural Academy For Excellence (CAFE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1996 by Lorna Green, dedicated to youth arts education and community development.