Hello from New Jersey

**KiltedMan** · 24th June 16, 06:01 PM

Hello Everyone,

At the moment, I've just taken off from the airport in Chicago - I'm on my way home from a trip to Portland, where I bought my first two utility kilts, made by Stumptown Kilts. I wore a kilt for the first time as a new bagpiper (one of my first performances was this year's Saint Patrick's Day in NYC). Although I don't have a drop of Scottish in me, I've long desired to play the pipes. Furthermore, I'm an older guy and my friends tell me that I look like an Italian in a kilt - my response is, "Yes, that's because I'm an Italian in a kilt." Actually, I'm fully 1/2 Sicilian, and mostly Irish, with a touch of German on the other side.

Anyway, I found the kilt I wear in the band to be amazingly comfortable and decided to get a couple of utility kilts while in Portland. I wore one last night where I (shocked) the group I was with at their closing dinner when I showed up wearing it. They were more forgiving when I gave an impromptu performance on the pipes. Anyway, I'm eager to wear them more but will probably only do so while I'm at home or when practicing the pipes for now.

I'm also wondering if there is anyone from NJ who wears them regularly?

Jeff

**Father Bill** · 24th June 16, 07:38 PM

Welcome to the "Great Rabble!"

**ASinclair** · 24th June 16, 07:49 PM

Hello Jeff!

**dougle** · 25th June 16, 02:45 AM

**Spartan Tartan** · 25th June 16, 02:54 AM

from Rhode Island

**Tarheel** · 25th June 16, 04:26 AM

Well met Jeff. I can't help you with, "kilted in New Jersey". I didn't have a device (pipes) to break the ice when I went kilted in public for the first time. It seems you'll have two new experiences in your future as I did when I made my debut.

I expect there will be other N.J. area members that will welcome you there, as I do here.

**Burke** · 25th June 16, 07:10 AM

Welcome Jeff, I'm just across the bridge. I too, am a utility kilt guy. I'm kilted almost every Thursday thru Sunday. Any comments I get about my kilts are always positive and Philly is a tough town...lol. Wear with pride!

**Richrail** · 25th June 16, 07:49 AM

from Reno, NV.

**KiltedMan** · 25th June 16, 10:21 AM

Originally Posted by Tarheel

Well met Jeff. I can't help you with, "kilted in New Jersey". I didn't have a device (pipes) to break the ice when I went kilted in public for the first time. It seems you'll have two new experiences in your future as I did when I made my debut.

I expect there will be other N.J. area members that will welcome you there, as I do here.

Thanks, Tarheel,

When I wore it for the first time on Thursday, it was easier with the pipes. I first walked into the room without them and it certainly made impression - things calmed down after I brought my pipes in!

**KiltedMan** · 25th June 16, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by Burke

Welcome Jeff, I'm just across the bridge. I too, am a utility kilt guy. I'm kilted almost every Thursday thru Sunday. Any comments I get about my kilts are always positive and Philly is a tough town...lol. Wear with pride!

Thanks for the info! I haven't been to Philly yet (I'm a west coast transplant) but it's not too far. I'm going to give it a try today!