Pipe shows are like Christmas and I don’t just mean there’s a lot of presents. It’s a joyous time where everyone is welcoming, caring, and giving. People are sharing some incredible blends and knowledge out of the goodness of their heart. There’s an air of positivity that’s unmatched. It goes by faster than you want and leaves you looking forward to next year’s show as soon as this year’s is over.
The first Vegas show I attended I knew some of the bigger names in the hobby already, so when I got to sit down with them and have drinks and a pipe I was originally in awe. It was like sitting down with Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Bono from U2, Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones, and (just for you Brian) Harry Connick Jr. After a while though it was just hanging out with some really cool fellow pipers.
Again, Congrats to Jeremy and Dave on their Doctor of Pipes and Tom and Pete on their Master of Pipes. Also, want to give a shout out to the Battle of the Briar contestants. Everyone finished on time. Ping made an incredible blowfish, Silver made a fantastic sitter, and Nathan Davis made a really good freehand Dublin-esque shape. It’s always fun to watch these highly talented carvers work. Thanks to Jeff Gracik and Missouri Meerschaum for putting this together.
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