Doc's breathing new life into Houston's historic Tower Theatre

HOUSTON, Texas -- Houston's Tower Theatre opened in 1936. First as a movie house 90 years ago, then as a video store, a Mexican food restaurant, and, recently, a seafood restaurant.

Brent "Doc" Watkins, a lifelong musician, is breathing new life into the historic building with Doc's, a Jazz Supper Club.

"For me, music is... I find so much joy in it, and I want to share that with other people. We want people to come here, have fun, and leave with a smile on their face."

Doc's bringing in a variety of music. All kinds of Jazz as well as Salsa, R & B, and the classic Vegas sound. Plus a dinner menu that is mouth-watering.

Doc said, "We have the whole supper-club experience. When you pack this place out and have a band swinging out on a Friday or Saturday night, it's just electric."

Doc's working to live up to the history of the performance venue, "This place has housed some of my favorite artists, Ella Fitzgerald being one of them, and my favorite comedian, Steve Martin. This venue, going back 90 years, has seen every genre of Jazz but also Comedy and live music."

Doc wanted to transform the former restaurant into an intimate setting, "We wanted to honor the history of the building, but we decided this is a new era, and we have to do our own thing and make it work for our guests. The first thing we had to do was wrap the mezzanine around and make it theatre-type seating. We put our own spin on it.

Doc's wish and plan for his guest is simple, "I want to slow down the passage of time. Take in the music, the food, the sights, the smells, and when it's over, you leave with the biggest smile on your face."

Doc's is located at 1201 Westheimer Road in Houston.