The Fall Festival will be under the direction of Mr. James Westfall, well-known vibraphonist thriving in his second year as HSPVA’s Director of Jazz Studies. He is also an alumnus, class of 2000. 

Daleton Lee is a Houston-based drummer and is quick to credit several of his HSPVA predecessors as inspirations: Chris Dave, Eric Harland, Mark Simmons and Joel Fulgham; in addition, his Johnston Middle School director, Craig Green and former Houstonian Todd Harrison. Upon graduating from HSPVA, Daleton almost-instantly became Houston’s busiest jazz/commercial drummer and remains so today. A career highlight was appearing with Juan Fernando Fonseca at the Latin Grammys in 2008.

Brandon Lee is a New York City-based trumpeter, composer, arranger and educator. His impressive performance credits include three albums as leader, two as co-leader, over 30 as sideman, membership in the Count Basie and Christian McBride big bands and laudatory orchestra credits on Broadway. He holds three degrees from Juilliard, where he was a member of its highly selective inaugural Jazz Studies class in 2001. Brandon was formerly a professor at University of North Carolina/Greensboro and is currently jazz trumpet professor at New York University.

NOTE: Daleton and Brandon Lee will appear on Saturday, November 8, only.

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. 

It’s impossible to discuss Doc Morgan’s brother, Bill Morgan Jr., without acknowledging Bill Morgan Sr., a huge influence on both of them, personally and professionally.  He was a marvelous musician (jazz/swing music), full-time before the Depression, passionate amateur thereafter.  Their house was full of music, especially, big band music (Benny Goodman!), so it was natural that Bill and Doc would be attracted to instruments – sax, in Bill’s case (alto at first, because that’s what Bill Sr. had; later, tenor).

Bill went on to attend TCU, acquiring Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees (Music Education).  It was in the TCU band that Bill met the love of his life, Nyla.  They wed in 1958.  Bill became very active musically in DFW, notably as 1^st tenor with Fletcher Hereford’s popular society big band (in which one of his bandmates was DocFest-good-friend, Marvin Stamm; Doc would later play trumpet and piano with Hereford).

Though gifted as a performer, Bill enthusiastically embraced music education for his professional focus.  He was the founding Band Director at Dallas’s W. T. White High School (1964), remaining for ten years, with many successful ex-students, musically and otherwise.  During his White tenure, he received the “Outstanding Young Educator” award, chosen from all Dallas Independent School District high school faculties. Bill went on to become Coordinator of Music, D. I. S. D. and held several additional administrative positions, culminating in D. I. S. D. Executive Director of Human Resources, from which he retired in 2000.

In 2002, Bill and Nyla retired to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, where they quickly became “Mr. and Mrs. Music” in The Village.  Among Bill’s activities was leader of the Village Big Band, an excellent “hobby band” for which Doc wrote several charts (one of which will be performed at the DocFest Holiday Concert!).  They were both members of the Village Concert Band, Chorus, various church choirs, etc. 

Bill an¹d Nyla had three children. Deborah Morgan-Stokes was their first child.  Her college choice was TCU, where she played clarinet in marching and concert bands. Deborah’s initial career was as an English teacher in the Dallas I. S. D. After a few years, she received a calling and enrolled at Vanderbilt Divinity School, emerging with a Master of Divinity degree. Reverend Morgan has since served churches in Tennessee and Arizona, and, before retiring, served for 18 years in her home town as Senior Minister at East Dallas Christian Church.

Second child was “the other” Robert Morgan, also an alumnus of TCU (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Radio/Television/Film) and also a member of TCU bands (tuba and sax).  Upon graduating, Robert experienced his own calling and joined Deborah in enrolling at Vanderbilt, also receiving the Master of Divinity degree. Robert served in one pastorate (Associate Minister, First Christian Church, Valdosta, Georgia) before realizing his spiritual path lay elsewhere, specifically in social services.  He is currently on the staff at Harmony Family Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he is able to combine his R/T/F and ministerial backgrounds, producing films that amplify the needs of thousands of foster children living throughout Tennessee.

Their third child is Ralph Morgan, another alumnus of TCU (Bachelor of Music Education).  Though all three Morgans were/are gifted musicians, Ralph is the only one to pursue music as a vocation.  After TCU, he attended Northwestern University, attaining the Master of Music degree and Certificate of Performance in Bassoon.  He then settled in DFW, and, in addition to performing, became a very successful band director, climaxing in 15 years at Dallas’s prestigious W. E. Greiner Middle School Fine Arts Academy.  Two amazing coincidences: Doc attended Greiner! (then Greiner Junior High); Doc’s Granddaughter Morgan also attended Greiner! (Fine Arts Academy/Theatre).
Upon retiring, Ralph has become an even-busier freelancer and manages a bassoon/ oboe repair shop. Ralph will also be performing with the Big Band at the DocFest Holiday Concert.

Tickets on Sale September 1st

For additional information visit www.DocFestJazz.org

James Westfall is a Houston native and graduate of HSPVA. After graduation he relocated to New Orleans, where he attended The University of New Orleans. There, he performed with and was mentored by renowned musicians like Harold Battiste, Ellis Marsalis, and Steve Masakowski. Early in his career, he performed at the Kennedy Center as part of the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Program in 2002 and 2003. In 2003, he became the first vibraphonist accepted by The Thelonious Monk Institute, where he performed with celebrated artists including Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Kenny Garrett, and Clark Terry at notable venues like the Tokyo Jazz Festival, Blue Note, and Blues Alley.

In 2007, while living in New York, Westfall co-founded ‘The Wee Trio’ (theweetrio.com), which performs across the country at venues like The Green Mill, Birdland, and Yoshi’s, and at major festivals such as The New Orleans & Heritage Jazz Festival and the Rochester Jazz Festival. The Boston Globe praised their debut album as a “winning debut.” While living in New York Westfall also gained sideman experience with artists like Nicholas Payton, Terri Lyne Carrington, Chris Potter, John Ellis, and Gretchen Parlato. Westfall later relocated to Nashville to explore other genres, recording on over 45 albums and touring with Grammy winner BJ Thomas, Steelism, and Kristin Diable. He continues to perform and record with The Wee Trio, whose recent album features Fabian Almazan, Nir Felder, and Nicholas Payton.

Westfall is also a dedicated music educator, having taught as an adjunct instructor at The University of Southern Mississippi, The University of New Orleans, and Nashville State Community College to name a few. He is currently the Director of Jazz Studies at Kinder HSPVA in Houston, TX.

Come meet James and his students at DocFest on December 21st.

Tickets to DocFest Holiday Concert will be on sale September 1st at DocFestjazz.org.

PRESENTING THE DOCFEST HOLIDAY CONCERT SATURDAY, DEC. 21, 2024; 7:00 PM; DENNEY THEATRE KINDER HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS 790 AUSTIN STREET; HOUSTON, TEXAS

JEANE JULY (HSPVA ’79), EMCEE

TICKETS AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 1ST AT 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 is an alumna of HSPVA’s Vocal Music Department.  As a senior, she received the highest honor possible for a high school musician – designation as “Presidential Scholar in the Arts,” including a reception at the White House and concert appearance at the Kennedy Center.  Following HSPVA, she attended the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music, graduating in 2002.

After USC, Ms. Davis quickly found success, highlighted by her close association with Prince.  As is widely known, “He was my mentor, I was his muse” – evidenced in their co-writing the Grammy-nominated Prince/Támar 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.

Davis is also a successful entrepreneur, the Syren Entertainment and Media Group, College, Career and Empowerment Summit, Tamar Talks Podcast and Syren Arts Academy being prominent in her portfolio.

Chris Walker is a double-threat – magnificent as a singer (his Holiday Concert role), magnificent as a bassist.  In the latter capacity, 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.

Early in his vocal career, Mr. Walker had two top-five R & B singles:  Giving You All My Love and Take Time (early ‘90s).  After joining Jarreau, it did not take long for Al to discover Chris’s vocal talents, and Al/Chris duets became a popular Jarreau concert staple for many years. 

Walker is currently solo vocalist with the dynamic new R & B group, TMF (“The Music Forever”), and also finds time for several laudatory personal projects.

Opening the concert will be the multi-talented Stephanie York Blue, HSPVA ’81.  Ms. Blue is a widely-respected keyboardist, composer, arranger and conductor, with credits at Houston’s Miller Outdoor Theatre, Ensemble Theatre, Theatre Under the Stars and HSPVA.  She is pianist with the Conrad Johnson Jazz Orchestra and Minister of Music at Bethel IMBC.  

An alumna of Texas Southern University, Blue recently retired after a remarkable 36-year career at Houston’s MacGregor Elementary School, where she was an integral part of their renowned music magnet program.

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.

During the evening, Stephanie York Blue and Ashley Támar Davis will be inducted into the HSPVA Jazz Hall of Fame (Chris Walker was inducted in 2015).  Previous inductees may be seen at docfestjazz.org.

Funds generated by DocFest support Helen and Robert Morgan Jazz Scholarships at New York’s New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music and Boston’s Berklee College of Music, as well as current HSPVA jazz projects.  Donations of any amount are welcome c/o docfestjazz.org.

The Holiday Concert will be dedicated to Doc Morgan’s brother, William (Bill) A. Morgan, Jr. (1935-2023), and will include a performance of Doc’s A Christmas Trilogy, written for Bill’s Village Big Band (Hot Springs Village, Arkansas); performed by the HSPVA Jazz Ensemble with special guests.

For further information, please call (832)784-1781.

Tickets will be available September 1st at Docfestjazz.org

Hall of Fame inductee Walter Smith III arranged his busy schedule to hold a masterclass with the students at HSPVA during the Spring Jazz Festival week. What an awesome experience it was!

The concert consisted of world renown alumni coming from all over to meet and perform for this historic event for a wonderful night of jazz music.  A DocFest commissioned piece by Hall of Fame inductee Mark Holden was led by our Dr. Robert Morgan and performed by the Kinder HSPVA Latin Jazz Combo. It was a stellar start to an amazing evening!

Director of Jazz studies Warren Sneed took to the stage to perform along with his quartet that included his son Andrew on the drums. Warren was inducted into the Hall of Fame as well as being applauded for his 24 years of service and honored for his impending retirement at the end of this school year. Job well done Warren – thank you & Bravo!

Following this poignant moment, Walter Smith III delivered a stunning performance with his incredible trio. His trio delivered an inspirational performance.

To culminate the evening and showcase the saxophone, Warren, Walter and just when you think it cannot get any more epic… a special surprise musical guest, fellow Hall of Famer Everette Harp! WOW! The finale included all three sax players together and brought the house down! It was truly an extra special ending for all to witness there at The Denney.

And….the celebration continues……Our next concert is Saturday December 21, 2024 at The Denney Theatre – we hope you can spend This Christmas with DocFest!

Tickets on sale this fall.

March 17th is not only St. Patrick’s Day but Chris Walker’s birthday! Chris is the co-founder and President of DocFest and in his honor, we are running a FLASH SALE!! Tickets to DocFest ’24 concert will be 50% off for 17 hours on March 17th with LUCKY17 promo code!!!

Hurry and purchase your tickets now! ONE WEEK UNTIL THE EVENT!

IT’S CHRIS WALKER’S BIRTHDAY, SO LET’S CELEBRATE WITH 50% OFF TICKETS TO DOCFEST HOUSTON ’24!!!!! MARCH 17TH, ST. PATRICK’S DAY…FOR ONLY 17 HOURS

ENTER CODE LUCKY17

Having trouble? Maybe this will help!

Click LUCKY 17 TICKETS HERE … Then follow the process below to add your discount code and score the tickets.

DocFest Inc. was conceived in 2013 by Chris Walker and Ashley (Tamar) Davis, both alumni of Houston’s High School for Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA), to honor the career of Robert “Doc” Morgan, HSPVA Director of Jazz Studies (1976 – 1999) and Chair of Instrumental Music (1978 – 1992).  The Mission is to support higher education for HSPVA jazz alumni, primarily accomplished by an annual series of benefit concerts featuring successful HSPVA graduates and renowned guest artists.

Thus far, DocFest has contributed over $200,000 to the Helen and Bob Morgan Jazz Scholarship. Your DocFest donations will help support this fund.

Purchase your tickets Here

Read More about DocFest 2024 here

Prior to moving to Houston, Greg spent various time based in Chicago, Dallas, and New York City. He has performed at venues such as the Green Mill in Chicago, Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, as well as playing notable jazz festivals such as The Chicago Jazz Festival, Denton Arts and Jazz Festival, Mackinac Island Jazz Festival in Michigan, and in October of 2013, Greg Petito was a featured artist in China at the International Music Festival of Chonqing. He has also toured extensively within the United States, European Union, as well as parts of Northern Africa and Central America with various commercial artists as well as Broadway productions of “Wicked”, “Pippin”, and “Chicago: The Musical”.

Greg is also an active educator and clinician. He is a current faculty member at University of Houston Moores School of Music, Texas Southern University, San Jacinto College (where he runs the Jazz and Classical Guitar programs), as well as the Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, teaching jazz guitar lessons and jazz rhythm section classes. He has conducted guitar clinics and has been a featured artist at Sam Houston State University, HSPVA, Texas Southern University, Lone Star College, as well as being the All State Jazz Guitar clinician for the Texas Music Educator’s Conference from 2015-2022.

He holds a Master of Music degree in Jazz/Classical Guitar from Northern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz/Classical Guitar from the University of North Texas.

Purchase your tickets Here

Read More about DocFest 2024 here