Detonate Live: Rick "Poppa Dawg" Halisheff

Rick 'Poppa Dawg' Halisheff has been a mainstay on the Western Canadian blues scene for over 25 years, making a name for himself based on his strong vocal and guitar abilities as well as being a seasoned songwriter. His use of the 'talkbox' was a signature of his sound for many years prompting Tom Hyslop from Blues Revue magazine to comment, "some of the snarkiest wah tones ever waxed" on his 2011 release 'Same Dog, New Suit'.

Never short on passion, his performances are always driven by the music and by sharing the stories of the songs themselves. Whether it is an intimate acoustic venue or a large festival stage, he is equally at home in both worlds and has shared the stage with numerous artists as well as releasing 4 CDs with his band 'Dogskin Suit' and two solo efforts.

Over the years Rick has won 2 local 'Honour in the Arts' awards as well as making it to the semi-finals of the 29th International Blues Challenge with his band in Memphis in 2013. Always writing and releasing new music, the work itself is what drives him to continue as a professional musician.