International jazz and opera singer Marie-Claire Giraud made a notable return to her homeland of Dominica, for her premiere performance at the 15th annual ‘Jazz ‘n Creole Festival’ held at Fort Shirley in Portsmouth, the island’s second-largest town. A statement released by the singer’s camp said that her appearance was met with enthusiasm from the local audience, highlighting her ongoing connection to her roots and her international musical career.
Born in Dominica and raised in the Bronx, Marie-Claire Giraud has established a career in the jazz and opera genres. She has performed at various notable events worldwide, including the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival and the Cartagena Jazz Festival in Colombia. In 2024, she spent a month performing in Hawaii as part of the Sunset Jazz series, courtesy of Jazz Maui. She is also a regular performer at the renowned Birdland Jazz Club in New York City.
On Sunday, May 4, 2025, Marie-Claire took the stage overlooking Prince Ruperts Bay, dressed in what she described as “Dominican ‘creole sunset chic,’” aligning her attire with the evening’s theme. The press release shared that her ensemble was curated by local designer Bella Noir and complemented with a handbag crafted by Tres Chic. Addressing the audience, she expressed her pride in her Dominican heritage: “I’m happy to be home and to sing jazz in the land of my birth.”
Her performance featured a selection of jazz classics that celebrated both her origins and her musical prowess. She opened with a rendition of “Fever,” layered with a bassline described as “a familiar bassline nodding to Grace Jones’ ‘My Jamaican Guy.” She also delivered a spirited, bluesy interpretation of “St. Louis Blues,” a number evocative of Bessie Smith’s style, which reportedly resonated strongly with the audience. Additionally, Giraud delivered a tender version of Buddy Johnson’s “Save Your Love for Me”, amongst other songs.
Marie-Claire’s original song “Chasin’ Rainbows,” which she introduced as a tribute to resilience, was particularly well-received according to the press release. She explained to the crowd, “It’s about never giving up on your dreams. No matter how fierce the storm, there’s always a rainbow at the end.”
Backing her was an international ensemble comprising Anna-Flavia Zuim from New York via Brazil on piano, trumpeter Turnino Lowe from Detroit, Michigan, drummer Daniel Dantin from Martinique, and Jussi Paavola from Finland on saxophone, who is based in Dominica. Bassist Timon “Coba” Timothy, also from Dominica, completed the group.
Marva Williams, CEO of the Discover Dominica Authority and Director of Tourism, remarked on Marie-Claire’s participation: “Having Marie-Claire on this year’s lineup was essential for us—not just because of her undeniable talent, but because of the emotional connection she brings to the stage. Her artistry, energy, and authenticity resonated deeply with the audience and elevated the entire Jazz ‘n Creole experience.”
Media personality Jael Joseph also highlighted the significance of her appearance, describing her as “long overdue.” Audience members are reported as expressing appreciation for her engaging stage presence, storytelling, and the context she provided for her performances. One patron, experiencing her for the first time, noted that she was “classy, captivating, and absolutely worth the VIP ticket.”
Launched in 2010, the ‘Jazz ‘n Creole Festival’ has become a cultural fixture in Dominica. It combines jazz with Creole rhythms and celebrates genres such as reggae, soca, and bouyon. Organized by the Discover Dominica Authority and held annually at Fort Shirley within the Cabrits National Park, the festival promotes local tourism and economic activity by aiming to attract visitors who support hotels, restaurants, and vendors during the event.
This year’s lineup also featured Jamaican reggae artist Etana, Creole jazz trumpeter Etienne Charles, and several local artists including Colton T, Signal Band, Carlyn XP, Swingin’ Stars Band, Shalina, Marie Pascale, and Abiyah Yisrael.
Looking ahead, Marie-Claire expressed her enthusiasm for future performances in Dominica: “I really enjoyed myself on the stage and I especially appreciated the hospitality from the DDA Team. I hope we can do this again.”
In the near future, Marie-Claire plans to release her jazz album titled *Caravan* in June. The album will feature covers of well-known standards as well as her original songs “Frank’s Song” and “Chasin’ Rainbows.” Beyond her music career, Giraud is also described as an “accomplished actress”, having starred in several off-Broadway productions. She is set to play a lead role in her first feature film, scheduled for release in 2026.
