Ifdakar is more than just a band; it’s an idea, an optimistic free spirited landscape of people and music that bridges the cosmic divide between reality and fiction. Like an unfinished fairytale of experimental improvisation, Ifdakar’s pursuit of musical growth makes each performance a unique experience not to be forgotten. The fusion/blues guitars, groovin’ bass, free-time jazz keyboards, and hypnotic drumming blend together in an inventive and emotional style all their own. The song structures range from soft instrumentals to hard-hitting, lyrically-based compositions, making up Ifdakar’s all original, ever-growing catalogue of music. Ifdakar is always looking to move forward and broaden their musical horizons.

Band History

It all started in the summer of 1999 when five classmates from Kimberly High School joined together to be the opening act for RPM at Hitters Sports Bar. The unnamed band featured Curt Biese on bass, Rick DeDecker on keyboards, Jonathan Schinke on guitar, Nick Tisdale on drums, and front man Eric Hietpas. What started with classic rock and grunge covers would later become the foundation of Ifdakar.

Shortly after the band went their separate ways. Biese went to school in Oshkosh where he and DeDecker composed sheet music and played at open mics. Meanwhile Schinke joined a local band and Hietpas went to school in Stevens Point.

Upon his return from school Hietpas picked up the bass while Biese switched to guitar and they formed Caper Invidious with Schinke and Ben Van De Hey.

2006 reunited most of the original band minus Hietpas, this time with Biese on guitar and new additions Matt Degooy on bass and Ted Vanesky on electric banjo. With the framework in place a name was finally decided on and “Ifdakar” was born. Shortly after deciding on the name Degooy left and a new bassist Mike Lahti stepped in and Ifdakar played their first show at The Cornstalk Festival.

Vanesky decided to do a southern tour with his father Denny Vanesky and their band Insomniac Gypsy. That didn’t stop Ifdakar as they went on to play the Bar on Lynndale in Appleton Wisconsin with Unity the Band. The next show was at Kamp’s Bar in Combined Locks which would be Lahti’s last.

After that it was time to find a new bassist so Ifdakar turned to Zach Chisholm formerly of The Schwillbillies whose three year stint included a few national tours and an album recorded by Tom Peloso of Modest Mouse and the Hackensaw Boys. Chisholm had been looking for a new band and had been keeping busy by sitting in with Insomniac Gypsy, Deep Fried Grass, Chris Aaron and Dead Horse.

With the final piece to the puzzle in place Ifdakar was back in action in no time, playing shows, writing new originals, and having a good time.