🇩🇲 Marie-Claire Giraud Makes Triumphant Return to Dominica at Jazz ‘n Creole Festival

ROSEAU, Dominica – International Jazz and Opera singer Marie-Claire Giraud received a warm homecoming ovation as she headlined the 15th annual Jazz ‘n Creole Festival on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at the historic Fort Shirley in Portsmouth.

Born in Dominica and raised in the Bronx, Marie-Claire has graced prestigious stages worldwide, including the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival and Colombia’s Cartegena Jazz Festival. In 2024, she spent a month captivating audiences in Hawaii as part of the Sunset Jazz series by Jazz Maui, and she is a regular performer at New York’s famed Birdland Jazz Club.

For her Jazz ‘n Creole debut, Marie-Claire fully embraced the ‘Creole Sunset Chic’ theme, donning an ensemble curated by Dominican designer Bella Noir and a handbag by Tres Chic. She greeted the crowd overlooking Prince Rupert’s Bay with heartfelt pride.

“I’m happy to be home and to sing jazz in the land of my birth,” she told the crowd, drawing warm applause.

Her set celebrated both her Dominican roots and world-class artistry, blending Jazz classics such as Duke Ellington’s “Mood Indigo” and “Caravan” with her own sultry, blues-infused renditions. Her fiery take on “St. Louis Blues” drew enthusiastic responses, while her original song “Chasin’ Rainbows” turned into a crowd singalong. She introduced the song as a tribute to resilience, saying, “It’s about never giving up on your dreams. No matter how fierce the storm, there’s always a rainbow at the end.”

Marie-Claire was supported by a dynamic, international band including:

• Anna-Flavia Zuim (piano) – New York via Brazil

• Turnino Lowe (trumpet) – Detroit, Michigan

• Daniel Dantin (drums) – Martinique

• Jussi Paavola (saxophone) – Finland, based in Dominica

• Timon “Coba” Timothy (bass) – Dominica

Their rich, global soundscape fused Jazz, Creole, and Caribbean influences, creating a performance that resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom were experiencing her live for the first time.

“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,” said Marva Williams, CEO of the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) and Director of Tourism. “Her artistry, energy, and authenticity resonated deeply with the audience and elevated the entire Jazz ‘n Creole experience.”

Media personality Jael Joseph called her appearance “long overdue,” while a VIP attendee described her as “classy, captivating, and absolutely worth the VIP ticket.”

Jazz ‘n Creole: A Cultural Staple

Launched in 2010, the Jazz ‘n Creole Festival has become a signature event celebrating the fusion of Jazz, Reggae, Soca, Bouyon, and Creole rhythms. Organized by the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) and held annually at Fort Shirley, the event supports Portsmouth’s hotels, restaurants, and local vendors, injecting significant economic activity into the town each year.

This year’s lineup also included:

• Etana (Jamaica)

• Etienne Charles (Creole Jazz trumpeter)

• Dominican talents: Colton T, Signal Band, Carlyn XP, Swingin’ Stars Band, Shalina, Marie Pascale, and Abiyah Yisrael

Marie-Claire expressed hope this wouldn’t be her last appearance at the festival.

“I really enjoyed myself on the stage and I especially appreciated the hospitality from the DDA Team. I hope we can do this again.”

Next on her agenda, Marie-Claire will release her Jazz album “Caravan” in June, featuring classics and originals such as “Frank’s Song” and “Chasin’ Rainbows.” She is also set to star in her first feature film, slated for release in 2026.

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