A local musician is returning to her roots after a 20-year career.

Jayme Giesbrecht began her singing career at the age of 11, stepping onto the stage of her local church to belt out Gospel songs with poise and maturity beyond her years together with her accompanist Linda Dueck.

"From there we immediately got phone calls off the hook, so many requests to perform at weddings, fundraisers, churches, festivals... and we said "yes" to as many as we could."

Both musicians parted for a season after they felt a natural conclusion to their Southern Gospel ministry and Giesbrecht embraced more of a jazz and soul sound. Her latest album, 'To Keep You From Falling' showcased a Soul Gospel flavour.

However, for the first time in a decade, Giesbrecht is reuniting with Dueck for what she calls "a down-home Gospel" performance.

"It's nice to return to those roots," she says. "I know a lot of people have a big heart for that kind of music and it's been missed by us and a lot of people."

Giesbrecht's latest album release is scheduled for 2020.

Looking back on her career spanning two decades, Giesbrecht explains she was hooked since her first time singing on stage, "I felt like that was home, and I still feel that way."

"We all have that thing and for me it's music," she adds. "When you're not doing that thing you're meant to do there's almost this anxiety... whether it's carpentry, teaching or music, once I'm doing music everything settles and I'm at peace."

One recent mountain top experience saw Giesbrecht invited by the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra to perform at their 'Charlie Brown Christmas' concert at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. She will reunite with the orchestra for a Southern Manitoba tour this Christmas.

While her music has taken her across the province, she notes the music scene in the Pembina Valley continues to thrive, "we have some of the most talented players here, and a lot of musicians stay here because we do have opportunities to perform and sing, and we're grateful for that."

For those who would like to hear the original songs that kickstarted Giesbrecht's career, Dueck will join Jayme at the Buhler Active Living Centre this evening, Wednesday, July 24 at 7:00 p.m.

"We are excited to share again with the people who really supported us in those beginning years... they're the people I really have to thank for how far I've come now."

And Giesbrecht doesn't plan on slowing down; her latest album release is scheduled for 2020.