To purchase tickets, make a donation and for more information visit docfestjazz.org.
DocFest concert series was conceived in 2013 by HSPVA alumni Chris Walker (’86) and Ashley Támar Davis (’98) to honor the career of Robert “Doc” Morgan, HSPVA Director of Jazz Studies, 1976–1999. After a year of planning, the inaugural event was presented on Dec. 27, 2014, igniting one of Houston’s most exciting concert series. Each DocFest features renowned HSPVA jazz alumni, as well as occasional renowned guest artists. To date, there have been thirteen DocFests, all highly successful, including one in New York City. The 2024 Holiday Concert promises to be no exception – headliners will be the founders themselves!
Vocalist Ashley Támar Davis, also known as the muse and favorite singer of her mentor Prince, gained notoriety for being the music legends “Protégé” while co-writing their Grammy-nominated duet “Beautiful, Loved, and Blessed.” Countless other credits include NBC’s “The Voice,” the Stewart Copeland Orchestra, Music Supervisor (NETFLIX, HULU, HBO MAX), Broadway, three albums released, and appearances on Saturday Night Live, Good Morning America, the BRIT and BET Awards.
Vocalist/Bassist Chris Walker had two top-five R & B singles: Giving You All My Love and Take Time (early ‘90s). Later, he was with Al Jarreau for 22 years, and is currently with George Benson. He has also held the bass chair with Ornette Coleman, Bob James, Michel Petrucciani, Chico Freeman and many others. Walker is currently solo vocalist with the dynamic new R & B group, TMF (“The Music Forever”).
Opening the concert will be the multi-talented, keyboardist, composer, arranger and conductor, Stephanie York Blue, HSPVA ’81. Stephanie’s set will feature her jazz trio, to be joined by vocalists for excerpts from her composition, More Than Christmas, commissioned by the Ensemble Theatre.
Master of Ceremonies will be vocalist/actress Jeane July.
The Holiday Concert will be dedicated to Doc Morgan’s brother, William (Bill) A. Morgan, Jr. (1935-2023)
The Mission of DocFest, Inc. is to support higher education for HSPVA alumni. This is primarily accomplished by an annual series of benefit concerts/reunions/jam sessions featuring successful HSPVA graduates and additional renowned artists. In consultation with Dr. Morgan and his wife, Helen, it has been established that funds generated by DocFest will primarily be dedicated to the Helen and Bob Morgan Jazz Scholarship Fund at New York’s New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, endowed by the Morgans (with assistance from SBC Foundation) in 1999.
DocFest Houston 