The German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche said: “Without music, life would be a mistake”. As Consul General of Colombia in Chicago, I’m delighted to write about Jorge Luis Ortega, a person who, without being a musician, has dedicated an essential part of his life, to the music as Producer, Sound Engineer and Cultural Manager. Jorge has organized over 1000 plus events worldwide, also as a multi-cultural programmer in different summits and conventions.
Jorge Ortega is one of the outstanding Colombians in the Midwest. I’ve been
in Chicago for nine months and during this period, I’ve met with Jorge in several times, and I’m really left in wonder about his capacity and creativity, especially
in the organization of the Colombian Fest, one of the best celebrations of the Colombian culture in the United States. I was witness of his tremendous work in the arrange and execution
of the Colombian Fest in 2017, great Colombian artists visited the huge stage as the legendary Totó La Momposina, one of the most important artists in the Colombian history.
Jorge Ortega has an interesting life;
he was bon in Barranquilla, one of
the most musical cities in Colombia, renowned for its folkloric Carnival every February, the name of this Caribbean city is mentioned in many songs,
also traditional as moderns, like
the lyrics of Shakira for example,
other famous native of Barranquilla. Jorge as many Colombians that
living in USA, arrived as little child to Chicago and had many problems
in the adaptation in his new home, unfortunately in that time, the schools and teachers were not prepared or concerns about the difficult for immigrant boy in the process to learn a new language and different habits, values, and traditions.
But the problems, were not obstacles for Jorge Ortega, who obtained his title as Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Entertainment and Media Management and the specialization as Sound Engineering. Jorge always has been close to the music and he wished to be musician when young, but one teacher told him that he wasn’t talent or skill for starting the musical career, however, he felt the musical notes in his brain and his heart, for this reason his relationship with the music world.
Jorge Ortega with his brother Elvis and all his family, growing to listen Colombian rhythms, melodies specially from Caribbean coast, the fabulous Cumbia, Vallenato, Bullerengue and other traditional music genres from different places in our country. Jorge told me about how begun his passion for the music, his parents always kept the Colombian music in their home in Chicago. Jorge loves the older vinyl discs and the cassettes, and recall when his father to brought to his home the Colombian music and the recordings of the games of his football soccer favorite club, Junior of Barranquilla.
As mentioned before, Jorge Ortega is the Director and Founder of the Colombian Fest, the Midwest’s largest celebration
of Colombian music and culture, that during this year will reach out its five anniversaries and I would like to highlight the statement of Jorge when promoted this event the last year: “The festival offers a great opportunity to enjoy or perhaps even discover the rich musical and cultural heritage of a great Latin American nation. From the Pacific coast to the interior
plains and mountains to the shores of
the Caribbean, Colombia has a huge diversity of cultures made up of mixtures of Spanish, African and indigenous peoples. The music at the festival will represent both folkloric traditions and the newest sounds of the region.”
Congratulations to Jorge Luis Ortega,
for the Flame Award that the Chicago International Salsa Congress has given him, for many years of serve and tireless work, celebrating the Colombian culture, specially the Afro-Latin American music and dance. This distinction makes us
feel very proud, both to the Colombian community and to the Consulate that I represented. Deserved prize for someone who knows that without music, life would be a mistake, a sad mistake.
Dixon Moya
Consul General of Colombia in Chicago
article posted by:Jorge Ortega, Colombian Fest Chicago