Annual Houston-Based Concert Series DocFest Returns This Fall With Performers Chris “Daddy” Dave, Scott Hardy, and More

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You know what they say. There’s no business like show business. And now, luckily for Houstonians, DocFest is putting show business front and center as it announces the next in its long-standing series of stimulating jazz concerts featuring renowned graduates of the preeminent jazz instruction program at Houston’s Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA). 

How DocFest is Changing Lives

Originally co-founded by Chris Walker and Ashley Tamar Davis, both alumni of HSPVA, to honor the career of Robert “Doc” Morgan, HSPVA Director of Jazz Studies (1976-1999). DocFest is an evening of arts and entertainment that never disappoints. DocFest supports higher education for HSPVA jazz alumni primarily through an annual series of benefit concerts featuring successful HSPVA graduates and renowned guest artists. To date, DocFest has contributed over $200,000 to the Helen and Bob Morgan scholarship funds at The New School in New York and Berklee College of Music in Boston, as well as contributions to HSPVA Friends for current department needs. And that mission continues in 2026.

On Friday, October 23 at Zilkha Hall, some of HSPVA’s most notable and talented alumni will take the stage at DocFest 2026. Internationally renowned drummer Chris “Daddy” Dave (HSPVA class of 1990), New York based, Guitarist/Bassist Scott Hardy (HSPVA class of 1975), and Emcee Donna Franklin (KTSU– 90.9 FM community station) will be putting on the best show in town. Get your tickets now! Information and Hobby Center ticket link can be found here.

About the Talent

After graduating from HSPVA, Dave attended Howard University on a full scholarship, where a chance encounter with super-producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis led him to join Mint Condition, then Kenny Garrett, and then explode into perhaps the most eclectic, successful career of any drummer. An A-Z list of artists with whom Dave has toured/recorded would begin with Adele and conclude with The Winans, with countless in-between including Robert Glasper, Maxwell, Jason Moran and Ed Sheeran. And it’s all in addition to his popular Grammy-nominated group, Chris Dave and The Drumhedz (Blue Note artists). At DocFest 2026, Dave will appear with Cleo Sample (Hammond B3) and David Ginyard (bass).

Hardy was a member of HSPVA’s second graduating class (1975), by which time he was already one of the most in-demand jazz guitarists in Houston. Mentored by Arnett Cobb, he was a prominent member of the wildly popular Houston group, Roseanna and Strings and Things. Moving to New York in 1977, he quickly shared bandstands with Red Mitchell, Grady Tate, Kenny Barron, Jack McDuff, and many others.  The bass became more of a focus in the mid-‘80s, leading to an association with pianist Leslie Pintchik, at first professional, later personal — they wed in 1986! The Leslie Pintchik Trio (featuring Hardy on bass) has released eight albums, all to critical acclaim. For example, “Getting lost in this music is simply a joy.” (All About Jazz). Hardy will appear in a trio setting with Ms. Pintchik on piano and Michael Sarin on drums, and then again in a quartet setting with Pintchik, Sarin and David Craig on bass.

More Than Music

But DocFest 2026 organizers are quick to point out that the evening is not just music. It’s also a night of honoring Robert “Doc” Morgan. Additionally, during the concert, Dave and Hardy will be inducted into the HSPVA Jazz Hall of Fame. The incredibly prestigious and selective HSPVA Jazz Hall of Fame was created by DocFest to induct accomplished alumni each year, honoring their profound impact on multiple genres of music.

Bravo! A standing ovation from us for the mission.