Brent "Doc" Watkins (born June 11, 1981) is an American pianist and singer based in San Antonio, Texas. He is the owner and founder of Jazz, TX,[1][2] a restaurant and performance venue located in the Historic Pearl Brewery Complex in San Antonio.[3] He performs there regularly with his Orchestra. In 2024, Watkins announced he would be opening a new jazz club called Doc's in the Montrose neighborhood of Houston at the former Historic Tower Theatre[4][5][6]. He is the co-creator and co-host of the radio program Live at Jazz, TX, which is syndicated through Texas Public Radio.[7][8]Live at Jazz, TX has featured interviews and performances by notable artists such as Kenny Garrett, Jane Monheit, Kevin Eubanks, and Marcia Ball.[9]
Watkins was born and raised in Oregon and moved to Austin, Texas in 2003, where he earned a master's degree and PhD in music from the University of Texas.[10] In 2006 he relocated to San Antonio and began performing regularly at local venues on the San Antonio Riverwalk.[11] In January 2014, he performed with his Jazz Trio at New York City's Carnegie Hall.[12] In 2016, Watkins opened his own venue, Jazz, TX[13], where he performs regularly with his band.
