Lester Ortiz

Name: Lester
Birth name: Lester Asbel Ortiz
Birthdate: December 21, 1975
Birthplace: Bronx, New York

Music has always been a part of my life. Some of my fondest memories while growing up in Pennsylvania were when my family had worship on Friday nights. We would sing several songs, almost always in four-part harmony. This ignited a love of music that has only increased in intensity during recent years. While in college I noticed that there were usually two kinds of Christian music—there was "cool" Christian music with minimal “message,” and then there was music with great message but had almost boring music behind it. I know God has music for every generation but there seemed to be little for my taste at the time. Since that time it has been my goal to be a part of a band that mixes a powerful God-inspired message with incredible music.

While attending Columbia Union College my best friend, Larry, and I wrote a song about how we wanted God to use us for His purpose. After singing that song for a religious service I felt a “calling” for ministry through music—only in later months did I realize how much music ministry would become a part of my life. I met Randy and Ben months later and they also felt a similar desire to share the gospel through music and we have been writing and performing music ever since. The music of Jakob's Night is a blessing to us, in turn, we pray it is a blessing to you.

Gear:
Alvarez acoustic (my first ever guitar)
Epiphone Les Paul
VOX Valvetronix 60 watt tube amp (I apologize to the neighbors)
Shure in-ear monitor (so that I can hear myself when Randy is singing)

Most Influential bands past and present:
Commisioned - “Collections”
Fred Hammond - “Pages of Life, Live”
Chris Rice - many albums
The Messiah
Third Day – “Offering”
Counting Crows – “August and Everything After,” and “Live Across a Wire”
Dave Matthews Band - many albums, live are my favorite
Juan Luis Guerra
and too many more to name

Favorites Person: My Wife
Favorite Food: Puerto Rican Rice and Beans, Mom's arepas y sorollitos, Ravioli with my wife’s special red sauce
Favorite Video Game: Futbol or football, either one.
Movie: Classic Star Wars, Glory, Gladiator, Matrix, the end of Rudy (I love stories about people overcoming huge obstacles)