Live Music - Rick “Poppa Dawg” Halishef

A Canadian blues musician known for his powerful vocals, guitar skills, and songwriting abilities. Born with a passion for music, he started making sense of the keys on an organ at the age of 3, and since then, he has pursued a career in music.

Throughout his 35-year career, Poppa Dawg has toured extensively across Western and Northern Canada and has performed at international festivals, such as The City of Peace Blues Festival in La Paz, Mexico, and the 29th International Blues Challenge in Memphis, where he made it to the semi-finals. He has shared the stage with renowned blues artists such as Sonny Rhodes, Kenny 'Blues Boss' Wayne, and Harpdog Brown, and has opened for famous musicians such as John Mayall, Colin James, Jeff Healey, and Powder Blues.

Poppa Dawg's music is heavily influenced by blues legends like Dr. John, Ray Charles, Freddie King, and Howlin' Wolf. He delivers his music with a gritty and dynamic approach, taking the audience on a journey from rushing peaks to hushing lows, while respecting the blues genre.

Having released four CDs with his former band, Dogskin Suit, and two solo albums, Poppa Dawg has received critical acclaim for his music. His most recent album, 'What You Got,' features Canada's own JW Jones on guitar on the track 'Dub Step.'