Elise Leblanc & The Ridgeriders

Elise LeBlanc’s music is inspired by vintage country, bluegrass, and western swing. She developed her sound in the alt country and folk scene in Portland, OR, before returning to Canada and settling on Vancouver Island. She released her first album in 2013 and was a finalist in the Great American Song contest in 2016. Exploring themes of vulnerability and resilience, her lyrics celebrate the beauty of a simple life. Backed by her string band, The Ridgeriders, her storytelling comes to life with guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and upright bass.

The Ridgeriders first came together for a show at the Cumberland Woodstove Festival in November 2022, and they’ve enjoyed collaborating ever since. Each member is a multi-instrumentalist and seasoned performer: Tereza Tomek on upright bass, Quin Etheridge-Pedden on fiddle and mandolin, and Brodie Dawson on backup vocals and percussion. The band creates a signature retro sound with sweet old-timey harmonies. Elise LeBlanc & The Ridgeriders are proud to honour the legacy and represent the contributions of women and the 2SLGBTQ+ community in country music and beyond.