We’re halfway through October and still experiencing summer weather, but there’s plenty of room to round out your month beyond any Halloween plans you have on the horizon. Luckily, The Ford’s month-end shows exemplify how diverse their slate can truly be. Whether you’re in the mood for a concert from a still-dominant R&B artist, a free screening of Ava DuVernay’s newest documentary, or the anniversary of a vampire classic, there’s plenty to look forward to.
Montell Fish: The Nest Tour
Following his recently released four-track EP, Nest, Montell Fish brings his unique sound to The Ford on Oct. 27 at 8:00 PM as part of The Nest tour. Be on the lookout for a ticket giveaway through the Grimy Goods Instagram and newsletter.
A proven hitmaker through songs like “Hotel” and “Fall in Love with You.,” the Pittsburgh singer-songwriter quickly carved out a niche for himself within the ever-changing world of R&B music. While not a traditional gospel or Christian artist by definition, Fish’s early career was defined by its strong ties to his faith. But leading up to his meteoric rise in 2022, he transitioned to secular music, still occasionally alluding to religion while processing themes like love and grief.
That last one became a central focus of his music between his albums Jamie and Charlotte. While Nest is not meant to be the last part of the trilogy that began with those two full-length projects, its exploration of personal themes through songs like the title track means it shares the same connective tissue and sonic textures that drew fans in from the beginning.
Ava DuVernay’s 14TH
10 years after her landmark documentary, “13th,” filmmaker Ava DuVernay is unveiling a free (with RSVP) screening of her latest documentary and companion piece, “14th,” at The Ford on Oct. 29. Originally, Ava DuVernay was set to host a special programmed event called Main Character Energy. But last-minute plans pivoted the focus to her newest film on the same day and time.
While “13th” explored the lasting ramifications of the Thirteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution–which made slavery and involuntary servitude illegal, except as punishment for a crime–”14th” is set to do the same with the Fourteenth Amendment after the documentary had its premiere at this year’s NYFF.
In the same way DuVernay’s 13th remains as prescient as when it was released in 2016, 14th takes a deeper look into how the amendment granted citizenship to everyone born or naturalized in the United States, including formerly enslaved people. At a time when that right is at a critical point of polarization, DuVernay is once again tackling a timely issue through documentary.
DuVernay herself will also attend the screening, with yet-to-be announced special guests for a live conversation presented by her company, ARRAY.
From Dusk Till Dawn — 30th Anniversary!
It wouldn’t be October without some horror, and The Ford has that covered with a 30th anniversary screening of Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino’s “From Dusk Till Dawn” on Oct. 30. The screening, produced in partnership with Street Food Cinema, starts at 8:00 PM. Keep an eye out for a ticket giveaway through the Grimy Goods Instagram and newsletter.
Before Michael B. Jordan (x2) fought against banjo-playing vampires in “Sinners,” this ‘90s classic had George Clooney and Tarantino similarly fending off vampires at a truck stop. With an especially memorable scene where Salma Hayek performs a snake dance–toes included, IYKYK–few other movies can match the peak of pulpy horror.
As part of The Ford’s own “Horror Nights” series, which also includes a screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” “From Dusk Till Dawn” is an inspired choice for Halloween but a timeless thrill that goes as hard as it did in 1996. So, whether you watched it when it first came out in theaters or have never gotten the chance to see it on the big screen, you can catch it at The Ford to help jumpstart this year’s Hallo-weekend.
Tips for Attending Shows at The Ford
With so many ways to end your October, it’s also best to know what you’re diving into ahead of the three shows. At The Ford, attendees can bring their own food and drink, making for an even more personal time at the amphitheater during shows tailored to specific interests.
At the same time, you should be aware of how busy it will be towards The Ford, as the 8:00 PM start times for all three shows will lead you directly into peak Horror Nights and/or Hollywood Bowl traffic. Depending on your commute, plan accordingly and arrive closer to the 6:30 PM gate opening on the three days.
No matter which day you go, there will be something for everyone for the rest of The Ford’s fall season.
See our best shows of the month calendar for more events in Los Angeles!
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