Redemption through music is something Cory Morrow knows well after surviving nearly two decades in the rough and tumble music business. Battles with personal and professional demons inform Morrow’s music in a manner that many performers don’t have the experience to draw from. His wide ranging life experiences allow him to be a consummate singer/songwriter. He has the ability to write a tale about heartbreak as effortlessly as he can pen one about a carefree goodtime. That truth and authenticity is balanced by his infectious optimism and excitable personality.

A native of Houston, Morrow began playing guitar at a young age, but did not get serious about his music until attending college in Lubbock. Here, he was inspired by Texas songwriting greats like Robert Earl Keen and Townes Van Zandt. Spurred by this musical inspiration and a youthful vigor, Morrow moved to Austin in the early 90’s to build his own career. Amidst a sea of night clubs featuring line dancing and Nashville hat acts dominating radio playlists, Morrow set about creating personal music that harkened back to the heyday of Willie Nelson’s progressive country movement in the 70’s.

Through several years of breakneck touring that featured Morrow’s special brand of emotional and energetic live performances, he began to develop a large grassroots following. Coupled with the release of several successful independent albums and Morrow was really beginning to make a name for himself around Texas. By 1999, the music he was making with peers like Pat Green and Owen Temple was becoming a booming cottage industry and gaining nationwide notice. An acclaimed double album and a duets record with Green cemented Morrow’s place in Lone Star lore.

Yet, he was not satisfied. The intensity that was found in his hallowed live performances was spilling over into his personal life. The depths he reached while reclaiming his life made him a more well-rounded artist. Over the next several years, Morrow grew his sound by working and writing with dizzying array of successful songwriters and producers.

Now, an elder statesman of the Texas scene he helped create, his latest album Brand New Me showcases an artist in complete control and making some of the best music of his storied career. Music started Morrow’s journey and music has reinvigorated him. Behind these new songs and surrounded by a band of touring musicians among the best to be found anywhere, Morrow shows no signs of giving up his throne as one of the best Texas has to offer.

Judging by the company that NO JUSTICE keeps it is easy to see that Steve Rice, lead vocalist and acoustic guitarist, had some pretty pivotal insight early on. It is silent knowledge that when you are coming out of Stillwater, Oklahomas Red Dirt depot, it had better be about the music. A rather small place on the map known for spawning large talent like Jimmy LaFave, The Great Divide, Cross Canadian Ragweed, and Jason Boland and The Stragglers (just to name a few), it is quickly understood that in this neck of the woods a man is only worth his weight in song. Rice recounts, When I first moved to Stillwater, I was introduced to the Red Dirt genre. It was something I had never heard of before. Being that Red Dirt is a genre of music that stands as an equal opportunity employer to all styles of music, the sound is difficult to describe to someone looking for the comfort of labels. With hammer in hand Rice hits it on the head, and many will agree, that Red Dirt music is, Something that is more of a feeling than a sound. That feeling is honest music.

As it is with any good organic creation, there is an aging process that needs to occur in order to harvest the perfect blend. Though the band was formed in 2001, it was in 2004 that all the different flavors settled in and NO JUSTICE came into peak season. Rock tones weave in and out of the bands solid new self titled release thanks in part to Brandon Jackson, vocals/guitarist, Jerry Payne, guitar, along with newcomer Joey Trevino adding vocals/bass. Tunes like Never Come Back, and Bend But Dont Break, lead with the southern rock badge of authority, but gives way to the funk fusion prowess of drummer/ percussionist, Armando Lopez. Lopez shines on Dont Walk Away providing smooth groovy touches in all the right places, and on Breath, a melodically addicting ballad, alive with pop essence and a funk pulse. Rice tops it all off with acoustic overlays and a vocal concoction brewed from little grit and a lot of soul. Produced by JJ Lester of Stillwaters The Great Divide, and Grammy award winning engineer, Eric Delegard, the bands self-titled February 2006 release on Smith Music Group is a rich tasty mixture that goes down easy.

Despite their name, the bands 2003 freshman release Far From Everything did the band justice garnering them a Texas size hit with The Toast. The single hit the Texas Music Charts Top 10 and remained there for 27 straight weeks (2005) and was also number 15 for 2005 most requested songs, a major accomplishment for the only independent artists on the Top 10 chart at that time. Far From Everything was included in Gruene With Envys Top Ten list (2003) and voted Best Album of the Year at the Payne Country Line Music awards show (2004). Far From Everything has also ranked number 2 on LonestarMusic.coms top selling albums. Fulfilling their Red Dirt obligation to uphold with their music, the band also took home the title for Best Red Dirt New Comer of the Year (2003).

You can also read this bio here: http://www.jambase.com/Artists/31150/No-Justice/Bio

With 6 top ten singles, 3 tours in Iraq and Kuwait to play for the American Soldiers and 3 shows at the White House (including two performances for the President himself), Granger Smith is well on his way to leaving a large footprint on American music.

“Music is what I do,” says Granger. “If I can help someone get lost in the moment of a song long enough to forget the worries of the world, or long enough to remember what’s most important, then I’ve done my job.”

Since his early teens, the native Texan has been writing, singing and honing his craft as a musician. Granger taught himself to play the guitar at 14, using the booklet inside the case stashed in his closet which showed him where to put his fingers.

Granger’s musical contributions are not limited to exotic travels or remote locations. At 19, his work paid off by landing him a deal with EMI Music Publishing in Nashville. Granger followed his dream to what would be a five-year stay in Tennessee. “That experience at 19 years old was critical in developing who I am today as an artist,” says Granger. “I tried to soak in the craft of songwriting like a sponge from the older guys I was paired with. I credit so much of my learning to those mentors.”

Granger signed a new publishing contract with Universal South recording artist Phil Vassar in 2004 and returned home to the Lonestar State in order to ground himself as a Texas artist. A former member of the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M, Granger re-enrolled at Texas A&M University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in between three album releases and performances across the state. In 2006 he released "Livin' Like A Lonestar," which features "Colorblind," his first single and first top 10 on the Texas Music Chart. To develop his signature sound, Granger records and produces his albums in his own home studio with his own band. “The freedom to take our time in the studio with my own band is priceless,” says Granger.

In appreciation for his alma mater, Granger wrote "We Bleed Maroon," in 2007 which has been adopted as a modern day anthem for Aggie fans. Proceeds from the song go towards a scholarship fund for incoming students that show exceptional spirit. The song can be heard at all Texas A&M home football games, while the video plays on the jumbotron. “We Bleed Maroon” reached a new high, literally, when it was played on the Space Shuttle Discovery at the request of Astronaut Michael Fossum, a fellow Aggie, and the STS-124 Crew in 2008.

The reputation continued to grow with the 2009 launch of the highly anticipated "Don't Listen to the Radio"--ironically titled, considering it received more airplay than any other previously released album by Granger Smith. The title single held tight to its spot at #5 on the Texas Music Chart and remained in the top ten for 14 weeks. The follow up single, "Gypsy Rain" soon became the band's 3rd top 10 radio single in a row.

Smith showed a softer side of his songwriting when he released "I Almost Am" to radio in Feb of 2010. His then fiance, Amber (married in the same month) was featured in the music video which aired on GAC and CMT that year. The upbeat summertime single, "Superstitious 17" was followed by "5 More Minutes", written about his grandfather who was a pilot in WWII. It released in the fall of 2010 along with a riveting music video and proved to be one of the most sentimental, heartfelt songs on the year. The music video begged to ask the question, "If you had 5 more minutes with someone you love, what would you say? What would you do?"

2011 is proving once again to be the biggest year yet. With his newest self produced album entitled "Poets & Prisoners," we once again take a journey with Granger with a dynamic new record from one of Texas' favorite artists. Heart touching melodies, fresh and honest lyrics to fall in love with- all brought to you through warm lead vocals, soaring guitars, funky mandolin & thematic piano highlights. Once again, this project comes straight from Smith's home studio featuring all of his road players and is led by the lyrical honesty of the radio single, "Sleeping On The Interstate."

Granger is an adept presence – on stage and through the speaker – and with his continued rise in popularity, he will soon be a household name in music. But Granger insists he will always keep pushin' the pedal.

"I think that, five years down the road, I'll probably still be striving for something else that I'm not quite getting. I'm always looking towards the next step."

This bio was take from their website: http://www.grangersmith.com/about.html

What type of boat dock is best for your boat?

First a few things to think consider before you go out and choose a boat dock. What type of boats or watercraft do you own? Are you planning to buy anymore? Does the water experience much fluctuation in water levels? Say from a drought or from one season to the next. Are there big waves the dock will have to endure? Here are the major types of docks: floating, stationary, portable and slip docks. Most of the time there are combinations of dock types that will work all needs.

Stationary and standings docks are best for salt water and places that experience repeated wave abuse. The waves can pass through the standing legs and most of the time the docks are built with wooden pilings that will not easily corrode.

Floating docks are great for deep water such as lakes and marinas. These also work well where the water levels are continually fluctuating or if the bottom is soft. This type dock should stay in the water. The typical "U" shape of floating docks stand up well to heavy waves or boat wakes from boats coming and going from a marina. Floating docks also come in "T" and "L" shapes and can be anchored in numerous ways.

These floating docks also have many types of floatation device that are used to keep them on top of the water. Make sure these are resistant to gas, saltwater and oil. If you're looking for a floating dock at a marina then most of the time you don't have to worry about all of the options but rather trust the pros and just park you boat at the dock and enjoy your slip.

This last type of boat dock is a wheeled boating dock that is ideal for a location that goes through freeze thaw cycles. This type of dock can be wheeled away when the weather changes and the water is about to freeze. There is a bit of a caveat though. The conditions need to be near perfect to use. A gradual slope to wheel it into the water and a firm lake bottom with minimal elevation. These can be handy but may be tough to find a spot perfect for one.

Armed with this advice you can go and make the right choice for your conditions. There are many options available. You can choose docks with slips that are convent for parking right at your dock/location. Most of the time these have nice decks so the suer can enjoy their time at the waterfront. Ever see a dock with a sundeck on top? These are nice for those who plan on entertaining, cooking and general fun. There are limitless combinations these are just a few so get out there and start enjoying your boat dock, sun and water.

 Need a boat slip rental? Check out our boat slip rental page here: http://waterpointmarina.com/slip-rentals.html

Sometimes the best chapters of our lives are the ones we write ourselves. Country artist Kyle Bennett is doing just that as he comes into his own with his first solo project to be released later this year. With a new wife, new baby and a new band, Kyle is excited to let his music reflect this new chapter in his life.

Having been surrounded by music his entire life (both parents were music directors at the family’s church in Ft. Worth and have released their own Christian gospel albums), it’s no surprise that Kyle Bennett followed suit from an early age.

The new single, “Here In This Town,” covers the depressingly happy reality of being left behind by the one you love.

“The song follows this journey from feeling lost and alone, to coming to grips with the situation, even though the whole town evokes memories of the two of you. The bridge brings the journey full circle with the realization that you’ve moved on and will be okay,” says Bennett.

On the forthcoming EP, due out this summer, Bennett’s writing and music styles remain true to his aesthetic: the unmistakably clear voice and smooth inflection that are core to Kyle Bennett’s sound.

Many people have come to know Brandon Rhyderʼs name and music over the last few years. Regionally heʼs definitely a staple of the Texas scene, but Brandon is different. When you hear the voice you know itʼs unmistakably him. When he comes out with a new single you never know what youʼre going to get. Brandon Rhyder loves to take you to the top, then jerk the rug out from under you and start the process all over again. Brandon Rhyder doesnʼt write for a genre, but rather for the inspiration he receives.

ʻI take pride in the songs that I write and want to be able to sing many of them for years to come. I still have a lot to learn and as life presents itself, Iʼll continue to strive to get better,ʼ says Brandon.

Brandonʼs unerring dedication continues with the release of the Don Williamʼs cover, “Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good,” to radio earlier this year. The song struck a chord with audiences and climbed the charts quickly, hitting No.1 on the Texas Regional Radio Report and maintaining its position in the Top 5 for over 9 weeks on the Texas Music Chart. The single will be featured as a bonus studio track on Brandonʼs upcoming Live at Billy Bobʼs Texas album, scheduled for release in late summer.

Brandon made an effort to appreciate every second of the recording experience at the historic honky tonk. ʻIt was an achievement to have had this opportunity, and we made it a night that none of us will ever forget,ʼ he says.

Brandon Rhyderʼs live recording at Billy Bobʼs Texas follows the success of his last album, Head Above Water. Produced by longtime friend and mentor, Walt Wilkins, Head Above Water is Brandonʼs sixth full-length album and is the follow-up to Every Night. He will tell you up front that this record was a special project, one that lacked any stress in respect to the recording of it. ʻYou put this band, this producer, this engineer, and the passion of each song together…you have magic!ʼ

by Lynne Margolis

A litte about The Turnpike Troubadours. You can find out more here: http://www.turnpiketroubadours.com/

The Turnpike Troubadours, whose name is derived from the bumpy Oklahoma toll-roads and their hard lived folk singing heroes, are proof that isolation can be the mother of originality. Cutting their teeth in roadside dance halls and honky-tonks has made a serious impact on the band’s musical style, which walks the line between Woody Guthrie and Waylon Jennings. “Bossier City,” the band’s debut album, is testament to the small towns in which they were raised. It combines Folk, Country, Cajun, and Bluegrass with stories of longing, humor, tragedy, and general life in rural America.

Breaking down traditional barriers between the audience and the stage is something in which they excel. Fast, gritty, and often drenched in beer, the Troubadours perform to both their fans and new audience members with an genuine sincerity about them. They continually gather ground both literally and figuratively as they travel up, down, and across the Midwest.

Currently the band is promoting their 2nd album, “Diamonds & Gasoline” (released January, 2010), produced by veteran producer and songwriter Mike McClure and mixed and mastered by legend Joe Hardy (ZZ-Top, Steve Earle) as well as relentlessly playing shows in Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Texas.

Make a day out of it and come out to Lake Conroe and grab a boat rental or a jet ski rental.

Looking for a place to dock your boat? Well then, look no farther my friend. Having a boat slip to dock your boat is a must. Having a slip at a marina offers convenience, security, services, amenities and a social atmosphere to enjoy. Renting a marina boat slip can be a very effective solution for many boat owners. Lets expand on the reasons to dock your boat at a marina slip shall we.

If your a busy boater or just live around the corner the convenience of having your own slip at a marina is a necessity. The ability to get everything in one place is priceless — boat, gas, food, drinks — no need to run all over the place and it's easy to meet friends and family at a huge landmark like a marina.

Now when it comes to security renting a slip at a marina is the only way to go. You can sleep soundly knowing your boat is safe and secure. Marinas tend to be gated and have security cameras. Security guards can be found patrolling the grounds at some marinas and keeping an eye on the boats in their slips.

Having your boat close to basic boating supplies is another reason to look into docking your boat at a marina. Ever get to your boat only find you need a minor repair? We all have … and it sucks. However if your boat was docked at a marina you could just grab what you need and be on your way.

Ever get off the lake and feel the need for a shower? If you rented a slip at a marina most have bathrooms, showers, fresh water, telephones, TV, internet connection, game room, just about anything you need to make your day at the lake more comfortable.

Marinas can provide opportunities for entertainment and socializing with friends too. Slip holders tend to gather for happy hours, BBQ, and just hang out and wind down after a day on the lake. Waterpoint Marina on Lake Conroe has a shopping center right next door. Offering many different restaurants, shopping a boardwalk, and more. There is also a Friday night concert during the summer.

Boat slip rental rates will vary but there are many options depending on the size of the slip you will need and the length of your stay. Marinas usually offer a daily, weekly or monthly slip rental payment schedule. Will so many significant advantages to docking your boat in a marina slip and many different payment options there is no reason to delay putting your boat in a marina boat slip.

If I were to describe the Charlie Lucas Band, I would have to start by saying it would be like pulling up to the Whataburger drive thru and saying, "Surprise me." I say this because you never know what you’re gonna get – plus, that "box of chocolates" thing was already taken.

These boys do it all, fro m rockin it out, to slowing it down with a waltz that all the chicks seem to dig. With their new album, Which Way To Turn, the Charlie Lucas Band aims to give you what you need. The title is an upbeat rockin song that makes you want to drive fast and open another beer. Then there's "Tonight," which is a slow waltz that makes you want to find the nearest member of the opposite sex and polish your buckle.

Rounding out the sound are a few honkytonkers, anacoustic number that everyone can relate to, and several more tunes that are more of the rockin variety. The boys of the Charlie Lucas Band are more than just bandmates – they are friends. This really helps the whole badass-music-making process, because this friendship allows musical direction and constructive criticism to be conveyed without feelings getting hurt. These guys are all about friends and family, which lends itself to them being grounded and humble. The underlying theme is "be laid back and just have fun with it."

When they hit the practice room, the only things guaranteed are that there will be cold beer and many different obvious musical influences floating around the room. When these boys "loosen up" as practice begins you might hear anything from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Stone Temple Pilots to Merle Haggard and even some Metallica riffs. If you listen closely to Which Way To Turn – which Ihighly recommend you do – you will hear all those influences.

Come by early and rent a boat or jet ski.

Alright all you scallywags and wanna be boaters we're going to start your knot tying education today. Just follow along with these simple knots and you will be able to secure your boat like a pro.

Two Half Hitches
Reliable knot is easy to tie for mooring, or docking.
You can also use this knot for tying the bumpers to your pontoon railing.


How to pull it off:
1. Pass the end of a rope around a post or other object.
2. Wrap the short end of rope under and over the long part of rope, pushing the end down through the loop. This is a half hitch.
3. Repeat on the long rope, below first half hitch, and draw tight.

Sheet Bend

Reliable knot for joining two ropes of any size.

Widely used knot for boating.

• Sheet Bend is for joining two ropes
• Use it when towing another boat, to tie your rope to theirs.

• Use it to make a quick repair of a broken or cut ski rope.

• Use it to tie extra rope to the anchor when a longer rope is needed.



Bowline

Does not jam or slip when tied properly.

Widely used by fire and rescue teams.




How to pull it off:
1. Make the overhand loop with the end held toward you, then pass the end through the loop. 
2. Now, pass the end up behind the standing part, then down through the loop again. 
3. Draw tight. 

Cleat Hitch
es
Two ways to tie a rope to a cleat.





Anchor Bend

This knot is used to secure a rope or a line to an anchor.




How to pull it off:
1. Pass two loops through a ring.
2. Place the free end around the long rope.
3. Pass the free end through loops.
4. Complete by making a half hitch.

Clove Hitch

An easy way to tie a rope around a post.
This knot can work loose, so it is best to finish off with 1 or 2 Half Hitches.




How to pull it off: 
1. Make a turn with the rope around the object and over itself.
 2. Take a second turn with the rope around the object.
3. Pull the end up under the second turn so it is between the rope and the object; tighten by pulling on both ends.

Figure Eight

This knot is for the end of a rope, so you can hold on.



How to pull it off:
1. Make an underhand loop, bringing the end around and over the standing part.
2. Pass the rope end under, then up through the loop.
3. Draw tight.

Whipping the End of a Rope

This will Bind the end of a rope.



How to pull it off:
1. Make a small long loop along the rope. 
2. Wind the line around the rope, close and tight.
3. Feed the end through the long loop that is exsposed.
4. Pull both ends of the line tight and also pull the two lines under the wrapped line.

Braiding a Loop with Twisted Rope

Now you can make your own docking lines
This does not have to be perfect.
Just weave each 
of the three rope ends one after the other till you get about 6" of braid.



For more knot tying advice you can check out this animated knot tying website it's easy to follow along and learn how to tie number of knots.

http://www.animatedknots.com/indexboating.php

Check out our boat rentals and jet ski rentals. We always have the best equipment on Lake Conroe.

Looking for some deep water to put your boat in this summer we have plenty boat slips rentals too.