About - Horizon Ridge

Horizon Ridge is a group of fine multi-instrumentalists and seasoned vocalists known for their intuitive tight harmonies and polished a cappella singing. Based in Calgary, Alberta, the band has entertained audiences at festivals, music clubs, events, and concerts in Canada, the US and the UK.

Horizon Ridge is versatile and engaging with performances embracing traditional and contemporary folk, country, and roots.

Their albums Enough is all you need and Unison In Harmony feature a blend of original and favourite songs and showcase the band’s ability to move effortlessly through musical styles and genres. They teach instrumental and vocal harmony workshops, and are currently working on new recordings, including a winter / seasonal album.

Available for Concerts, Music Clubs, Festivals, Events and Workshops

Meet the Band

Steve Goodchild

Arriving in Calgary in 2010, multi-instrumentalist Steve Goodchild joined the band in 2012. He has been performing in folk clubs and festivals since the age of 15. With influences rooted in the North-East of England, via Houston, Texas, to home now in Calgary, Alberta, Steve’s songs draw from the folk tradition from both sides of the pond. They include contemporary interpretations and his own compositions, sung a capella and to the accompaniment of banjo, bouzouki, cittern, dobro, guitars, mandolin, mandola and mandocello.

Dianne Quinton

Dianne, a founding member of the band, is a singer/songwriter who got her first guitar at the age of 6 and has been hooked on music ever since! Dianne hails from St. John’s, Newfoundland, and her repertoire draws from the traditions of the Eastern Seaboard, deep roots in country music, as well as from blues, folk and gospel influences. Blessed with a voice equally comfortable with the low, slow burn of a sassy blues and the sweetness of pure folk harmony, Dianne brings guitar, banjo and bass to the musical mix.

Peter May

Peter is well-known on the Calgary music scene, having performed with a range of bands and musicians. He joined Horizon Ridge in 2014, and brings his talents on the bass, guitars, harmonica and as a vocalist. He is honoured to be a long-time Board member of the Foothills Acoustic Music Institute where he has also led workshops and classes. Peter has a certificate from Berklee College of Music. He also teaches privately.

Helen Goodchild

Helen joined the line-up early in 2013. A “Geordie” from north-east England’s historic Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Helen has a background in music teaching, choral singing and classical music. However since meeting Steve nearly 30 years ago she had played with him in several folk bands, performing from as far afield as Mombasa, Kenya, to Leiden in The Netherlands. She can claim to be the only band member (so far) to have performed at New York’s Carnegie Hall! She adds fiddle, keyboards, bass and her rich voice to the Horizon Ridge sound.

Band History

Horizon Ridge was formed in Calgary in late 2007 by Craig Blakney, Dianne Quinton and Lou Doiron. The three friends had played together for a number of years, and when the opportunity presented itself they happily took their “jamming for fun” to the next level.

Since that time, the band has seen many line-ups. Lou moved in 2010 and that year, Craig and Dianne were joined by Dianne’s brother, Jason Quinton, and her uncle, Steve Quinton. It was a memorable experience for sure! Horizon Ridge had other guests join them from time to time, including Stevie Canning and Ian Scott. In 2012, Craig and Dianne were joined by Steve Goodchild, and in 2013, Steve’s wife Helen joined the band. 2014 saw the addition of Peter May. 2014 also saw Craig move on to new adventures, including more time for business, Suite! Digital Productions. Craig still plays with Horizon Ridge on occasion and it’s great to have him with us!