One of the great pleasures of living in Houston is the extraordinary depth of talent available when planning an evening out. From intimate clubs to elegant performance spaces, the city offers a rich cultural landscape, and this month, River Oaks Living is delighted to spotlight one of its most compelling musical voices: Raquel Cepeda, a jazz vocalist whose artistry resonates well beyond the Houston stage.
Raquel’s journey to music is anything but conventional. As a young woman, her vision for the future was firmly rooted in science rather than song. “Growing up, I was passionate about astronomy and earth sciences,” she explains. “I studied Geological Engineering at the Universidad Central de Venezuela and later completed a master’s degree in geology at the University of Colorado in Boulder. My formal studies are all in the science field.”
Yet music was never far from her life. Raised in a deeply musical family, Raquel was surrounded by live music from an early age. Her father was a composer, and many family members played instruments or sang. “There was always music being played at home,” she recalls. As a teenager, she taught herself guitar by ear, and while attending university, she began performing as a singer on campus, initially accompanying herself, and later collaborating with other musicians, while simultaneously pursuing her demanding engineering studies.
In 2001, Raquel joined three fellow vocalists and guitarist Gonzalo Micó to record her first album, Juegos de Playa, marking an important milestone in her artistic journey. Her path then led her to Boulder, Colorado, where she completed her master’s degree, before continuing on to Houston to accept a position with British Petroleum.
What is remarkable is that even while navigating the demands of a rigorous professional career, her commitment to music never waned. Her artistry continued to evolve, culminating in the 2013 release of her first solo jazz album, I’m Confessin. The album stands as a testament to her determination to honor both her professional ambitions and her creative calling.
“I was working at BP and singing on the side, and for most of my life I thought I would always share the two activities,” Raquel reflects. “But after recording that album, I felt a strong drive to deepen my artistic side. I realized that to pursue a music career properly, I needed to devote far more time than I was giving it.”
What followed was a difficult, deeply introspective decision. “The process of giving myself permission to transition was full of uncertainties,” Raquel admits. “But the decision became clear when I understood something fundamental: while I was blessed to work in an amazing industry and contribute meaningfully, in the end I was replaceable. Someone else could always step in. My voice, my message, my art, that is unique. And I only have so much time to put that into the world.”
Success, she explains, became tangible when audiences responded. “I knew the transition was working when the theaters and venues where I performed began selling out, especially the shows I produced myself.” Producing one’s own concerts, she notes, is an entirely different challenge from simply performing. “When you’re invited to sing at a venue, you perform and negotiate a rate. But when you produce your own shows, you assume the risk, and the reward reflects the full scope of your effort.”
That effort, she emphasizes, is immense. Producing requires not only musical excellence, but also marketing acumen, business strategy, technical coordination, and the right team of musicians and professionals. “It’s a high-risk enterprise,” she says, “but I’ve been blessed that most of my shows have been successful. That success comes from many elements aligning, and from working with the right people.”
The rewards of Raquel’s work extend far beyond economics. During one performance in 2015 at the former Petit Café in Houston’s Energy Corridor, a young man in the audience was so captivated that he felt compelled to learn more about the woman on stage. “Helton saw me perform once and made sure to attend the next show,” Raquel recalls. Introduced by a mutual friend, the two stayed in touch, went on their first date, and, as she puts it with a smile, “never separated.” They were married just three and a half months later. While she laughs that she wouldn’t recommend moving that quickly to everyone, “in our case, it was simply meant to be.” Those who attend Raquel’s performances today often see Helton by her side, and the affection between them is unmistakable.
Despite a demanding performance schedule, Raquel makes time for balance and joy. She enjoys cycling for exercise and traveling whenever possible, with Brazil, Italy, and New York among her favorite destinations.
When asked what message she would like to leave with River Oaks Living readers, her response is both heartfelt and universal: “I highly recommend everyone get out of their shell and get to know their neighbors, you may find some treasures. Then love them as yourself.”
In Raquel Cepeda’s music, and in her life, there is a powerful reminder that passion, courage, and authenticity can transform even the most unexpected paths into something extraordinary. To find details on where to see Raquel perform or to join her mailing list visit her website at, www.raquelcepeda.com
