Dominica’s beloved Jazz ‘n Creole Festival returns to the picturesque Fort Shirley in Cabrits National Park on Sunday, May 4, 2025, and this year’s headliner is none other than Marie-Claire Giraud—an internationally acclaimed soprano, jazz singer, composer, playwright, and native daughter of the Nature Island.

Born in Dominica and raised in The Bronx, Marie-Claire Giraud’s genre-defying talents span opera, jazz, musical theater, and beyond. Her journey began with operatic training in Rome, Italy, and has since evolved into a dynamic career that bridges cultures, genres, and artistic mediums. During the pandemic, she embraced the stillness as a period of transformation—rediscovering her soprano voice, completing her first original musical, and embarking on new creative ventures including screenplays, novels, EPs, and more.

“This moment is full circle,” says Giraud. “To return to Dominica, not only to perform, but to headline an event as vibrant and unique as Jazz ‘n Creole—it’s a dream realized.”

Launched in 2010, Dominica’s Jazz ‘n Creole is more than a music festival—it’s a celebration of culture, cuisine, family, and fashion, blending the rich sounds of jazz with the rhythmic soul of Creole heritage. Held over a week of fringe events island-wide, the festival culminates in a high-spirited, family-friendly concert nestled in the lush beauty of Fort Shirley, with sweeping views of Portsmouth cove setting the stage.

With Marie-Claire Giraud’s powerhouse voice and storytelling artistry, this year’s festival promises an unforgettable fusion of tradition and innovation, showcasing Dominica’s position as a cultural powerhouse in the Caribbean and beyond.