McConnell Arts Center: Rachel Sepulveda

Rachel Sepulveda’s voice can be heard frequently on the music scene in the central Ohio area singing in a variety of styles including  jazz, Brazilian, and R&B/soul. She currently leads her own fusion project, which features original arrangements and compositions. One can hear her sing Brazilian Bossa/Samba classics with guitarist, Josh Hill or singing top 40 covers with pianist, Tony Bonardi.

Rachel is a featured artist at many of the local music festivals such as the Columbus Jazz and Ribs Fest., 2009 and 2010, the Columbus Community Festival, 2008, and Red, White and Boom, 2007. In the past she has toured Europe singing at both the Montreux and Umbria Jazz Festivals. While still attending college, she was selected twice as the featured vocalist for the Ohio Music Educators Association Jazz Ensemble. Rachel now makes frequent appearances with Vaughn Wiester’s “Famous Jazz Orchestra” and has
performed with other professional artists such as pianist Mark Flugge, bassist Roger Hines, and saxophonist Wes “Warmdaddy” Anderson.


Rachel honors the historical traditions of jazz while spicing her style with R&B grooves and the sounds of Brazil. Just a few of the artists she credits to her influence include: Sarah Vaughan, Peggy Lee, Bobby McFerrin, Djavan, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, Roberta Flack, Elise Regina, Flora Purim, and Joni Mitchell.


Ms. Sepulveda currently teaches jazz voice at The Capital University Conservatory of Music and at the Lincoln Theatre Jazz Academy, Columbus, OH. She also offers both private master class workshops and individual lessons.