1.)  What is "ectofest"?

ectofest is the brainchild of Chuck Stipak of Danbury, CT and Meredith Tarr of New Haven, CT.  A concert to benefit RAINN (the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network), ectofest features the talents of several local and regional musicians to raise money for a good cause.  2001 marks the third year of the event.

2.)  What is "ecto"?

Ecto is the title of the fourth album by upstate New York-based singer/songwriter Happy Rhodes .  It is also the name of an Internet discussion list which was formed in 1991 to discuss her music, ecto@smoe.org.  The list has evolved to encompass a wide subgenre of music featuring predominantly female vocals, commonly known as " ectophilic".  The artists performing at ectofest will showcase ectophilic music at its best.

3.)  Why RAINN?

Every two minutes, someone is sexually assaulted: women and men, boys and girls.  RAINN, the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network provides a nationwide toll-free hotline to help survivors "unlock the silence" and get help.

Aside from the fact that this is an organization that we strongly believe in, RAINN was founded by Tori Amos, who is widely considered to be one of the "goddesses" of ecto.  We have been huge Tori fans for most of the past decade, and are proud to be part of this year's drive by RAINN to raise $100,000 during the week of Tori's birthday (August 22).

Click on the RAINN logo to get to their site and find out more about them.

4.)  How do I get to Kenosia Park?

Kenosia Park is easily reached via Interstate 84.  Complete directions can be found on the directions page.  

For locals, there is a HART bus stop on Mill Plain Road right near the park.  

If you are coming from out of town and would prefer to take the train, we will be running shuttles to and from Brewster Station all day.  See the train schedule page for exact times, and e-mail Chuck Stipak to make arrangements to get picked up.

5.)  Will there be a rain date?

No.  The event will go on, rain or shine.  Pray for sun!!!  But if it looks ominous, come anyway -- we had a great time under the roof in the deluge last year.  There's room!

6.)  Can I bring a picnic?

Picnicking is strongly encouraged!!!  Bring a blanket and a basket of food and plan to make a day of it.  Please note, though, that no alcoholic beverages or glass bottles are allowed in Kenosia Park.  And if you bring a lawn chair, please keep the height below 6 inches, for the sake of the folks behind you.

For the non-picnickers, yummy food will be available courtesy of Bambino's Pizza and Pasta.

7.)  What are the rules of the park?

The rules are pretty simple:  No pets, No open containers, and No glass bottles.

8.)  What can I do to help?

Tell all your friends to come along!  :)  We are currently looking for volunteers to help take tickets at the gate, man the merchandise table, and other sundry fun things.  Please e-mail Chuck Stipak if you'd like to help.

9.)  I can't attend, but I would still like to donate.  Can I do that?

Yes, definitely!!  See here for all the details.

10.)  Whom should I contact for more information?

Contact Meredith Tarr at meth@smoe.org or (203) 776-9325, or Chuck Stipak at cjmacs@snet.net.