Despite some pre-show jitters the debut of Rosemary Siemens’ latest album, Plum Coulee My Home, went exactly how the Canadian violinist had hoped. Siemens returned to the small southern Manitoba town this weekend to unveil her new, and first-ever, Bluegrass album during the community’s annual Plum Fest.

“I can’t believe it’s over, I enjoyed every moment of it” said Siemens following a concert at the town’s Heritage Square. “The crowd was amazing, they said record numbers which is so nice, I just appreciate their support so much.”

When asked why she chose to offer residents of Plum Coulee the first glimpse and opportunity to own a copy of the new album, Siemens explained she wanted to do something special for her hometown. She added the support of the community has lifted her throughout her career and now has inspired this album.

“It’s kind of a time stamp of my life until now and I just hope the people enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it.”

Although she performs around the world, Siemens says it’s still been important for her to remain connected to her hometown.

“It’s what’s made me who I am and I always want to hold on to those humble roots and appreciate the people around me because that’s how I got to where I am.”

As previously mentioned, this is Siemens’ first-ever Bluegrass album and the violinist says it turned out exactly as she had envisioned. “It kind of feels like it’s meant to be.”

“I think the coolest thing about it was writing the music and just kind of going back and thinking through my life of what’s happened, how did I get to where I am and what made me what I am today and it’s the people, and so I think it was really cool telling the stories of how that journey came about.”

Meantime, the community Plum Coulee took a moment to honour Siemens following the Saturday afternoon concert. A large sign will be erected on the west side of town, along Highway 14, announcing Plum Coulee as the home of Rosemary Siemens.

Siemens said the moment that the cover was pulled off the sign was awesome. “It was kind of surreal when I saw it…I like ‘That’s a life-size me!’ It’s pretty

Rosemary Siemens thanked the community for the honourawesome, I’m very honoured that they would do that for me.”

June Letkeman serves on the Plum Coulee LUD Committee. She says it was a very exciting day for the town and an emotional moment for her.

“It just makes me so happy to be able to honour Rosemary, we’re so fortunate to have her here and say that she’s from Plum Coulee. She has promoted Plum Coulee around the world for us so I think we owed her this.”

Letkeman adds not only is it important for people to know that Rosemary is from Plum Coulee, but it’s also important for the community to be proud of that.

She notes that despite growing as a violinist, traveling the world and expanding the genres of music she plays, Rosemary has always made a point of staying connected to her roots.

“I think it’s the farm girl in her. Her parents live here and we’re so fortunate that she feels so fond of Plum Coulee.”

The eye-catching sign, designed by a local committee, with input from Rosemary, and made by Steel Tree Designs, will be going up along the highway as soon as town crews find a moment to get to it.

 

 

Rosemary Siemens officially debuted her new bluegrass influenced album "Plum Coulee" My Home" with the help of her band The Sweet Sound Revival