Dirk Mewes is returning with the virtual O’Flaherty’s festival in 2020, and looking forward to seeing you all in person in 2021. Dirk works full time making uilleann pipes from his home workshop in Berthoud, Colorado. Making this iconic Irish traditional instrument requires skills in woodworking, metalworking, leather-working, and an ability to play the pipes. Every part must be made in the shop, which includes the reeds that make the pipes sound, and even many of the tools for making the instruments. He learned pipe-making by visiting and studying with different uilleann pipe makers around the world, including Cillian O’Briain of Dingle, Ireland, David Quinn from the state of New York, Tim Britton of Iowa, and Benedict Koehler, who lives in Vermont.
In 2020, in addition to pipe-making, Dirk has been helping with video streaming and recording for online versions of the Portal Irish Music Week, Spanish Peaks Piping Retreat, the Colorado Scottish Festival, and O’Flaherty’s. Dirk has performed with several Irish music bands in Colorado, and enjoys recording with his friends. In March of 2018, he appeared as the guest soloist with the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance of Shaun Davey’s composition, “The Brendan Voyage.” He also enjoys teaching up-and-coming pipers to play the instrument, and dropping in at the local pub for some session tunes with many of the same friends.
You can contact Dirk through his web site at http://dirkmewes.com.