Summer 2025

64 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 5 N ot only a gifted and acclaimed singer-songwriter, but also a musical theater actor, Jaqui Hope’s talent has graced the stage of nearly every Monterey Peninsula venue. Acting was perhaps her first artistic calling.“I grew up watching my mom and brother perform- ing in plays at the Forest Theater,” she says. Hope started acting with the Children’s Experimental Theater at the age of six. Taking up the clarinet in 5th grade, she soon assumed the role of lead singer in her first rock band. Today, she co-leads River Voices with singer-songwriter Linda Arceo, forming a powerhouse team backed by top peninsula musicians. Hope describes the band as “a rock/Americana feel with Latin touches. We perform original songs exclusively.” That’s where her passion lies. “I truly enjoy the process of songwriting. It’s a joy to share and sing the songs that are rattling around in my brain,” she adds with a laugh.The band released an EP in 2024, “Heart on Her Sleeve.” When not performing, Hope shares her love of the arts with Monterey Peninsula Unified School District K-12 students as coordinator of per- forming and visual arts. “Today’s world is so complex; the arts give kids a channel to collaborate with each other and express themselves.” For more information and to hear the music of Jaqui Hope and River Voices, visit www.rivervoicesmusic.com . — Michael Chatfield MUS I C I AN PROF I L E Jaqui Hope Photo: Kelli Uldall