A native of Buenaventura, Eryen Ortíz Garcés has earned international recognition as a marimba de chonta performer and interpreter of nuemerous folk styles from Colombia’s Pacific Coast. Currently, Eryen serves as musical director and lead performer in the group Cantares del Pacífico. She is also a member of Jóvenes Unidos por Buenaventura, a social advocacy platform empowering young leaders from Buenaventura. Eryen has won numerous honors and awards, including the National Sonar Contest of Marimba and Cali’s Queen of Marimba Festival.