Upcoming NJ Arts Events: Montclair Film Festival, Dodge Poetry Festival, and More

The Montclair Film Festival, New Jersey's premier film event, will take place at multiple locations between October 16 and October 23. Highlights include the opening night film, "Wild Horse Nine," a black comedy thriller featuring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell, showing at The Wellmont Theater on October 16 at 7 p.m. Rachel Maddow and Ben Klein will receive the David Carr Award for Truth in Non-Fiction Filmmaking on October 17, following a screening of their film, "Kill. Bury. Print," which examines a conflict in rural Oklahoma. For more details, visit festival.montclairfilm.org.

The Dodge Poetry Festival, North America's largest poetry festival, runs from October 15 to 17 at NJPAC and other venues in Newark. Notable events include “Patti Smith: Songs and Stories” on October 16 at 8 p.m. and a “Def Poetry Reunion” that will pay tribute to poet Abiodun Oyewole. Other featured poets include U.S. Poet Laureate Arthur Sze and Pulitzer Prize winner Tyehimba Jess, along with a Family Fun Day at NJPAC on October 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Exit Zero Jazz Festival is set for October 22 to 25 in Cape May, showcasing performances on six stages, including artists like Kenny Garrett, Marcus Miller, and Chucho Valdés, as part of an 85th birthday celebration. The festival opens on October 22 at 6:30 p.m. with a gala event at Convention Hall.

The South Jersey Jazz Society will kick off the Jazz@ThePoint Festival on October 15 at 7 p.m. at Gregory's Restaurant in Somers Point, with a tribute to Louis Armstrong, featuring expert Ricky Riccardi and live music from The Bob Ferguson All-Stars. Additional shows include tributes to Armstrong’s collaborator Ella Fitzgerald and performances by trumpeters Terell Stafford and Jon Faddis.

Stevie Van Zandt's TeachRock organization will hold its inaugural Teachers Hall of Fame event on October 17 at 7 p.m. at The Count Basie Center for the Arts, featuring a performance by Kool & the Gang and appearances by celebrities like Tom Morello.

On October 22 at 7 p.m., Newark Symphony Hall will present “Fela! The Concert,” celebrating the music of Nigerian artist Fela Kuti. Additionally, Rodrigo y Gabriela, renowned Mexican guitarists, will perform on October 21 at 7:30 p.m. at The Count Basie Center, promoting their recent album, "OurHome."

The Blind Boys of Alabama will showcase their talents on October 15 at 7:30 p.m. at The South Orange Performing Arts Center, including a tribute to Stevie Wonder's "Songs in the Key of Life."

Theater enthusiasts can enjoy Shakespeare 70's presentation of "If You Speak Love: An Affair With Shakespeare" from October 14 to 18, and NEXTstage Repertory Company will perform "Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson" from October 15 to 25, offering a modern twist on Sherlock Holmes.

Dance enthusiasts can attend the world premiere of "Cassandra: An Ongoing Tragedy" by Mosaic Dance Theater Company on October 16, with additional performances on October 17 and 18.

In film, a screening of the classic "Ghostbusters" accompanied by a live orchestra is set for October 18 at 7 p.m. at The Mayo Performing Arts Center.