I did a project using poplar a while back and it turned fine. I used
minwax gel stain (mahogany I think), and then finished with shellac. I
was going for a lighter color than you, but I'm sure it would work with
any color. I didn't have any problems with blotching.

The front is made out poplar, and the sides are birch ply...
http://www.eskimo.com/~swilson/proje...ges/Closed.jpg