Two Instruments, Two Islands

How does an instrument come back from the edge of extinction? By the late 1960s the Uilleann pipes were down to about a hundred players and two makers left in the world, and around the same time the Puerto Rican cuatro and its practice were at risk of disappearing amid the rising popularity of the electric guitar and modern music. This is a comparative listening journey through how both came back, traced across their pre-revival, revival, and post-revival periods.

Led by José E. Colón and Juan Luis O’Halloran of Puerto Rico Irish Arts.

Roughly 75-90 minutes, listening-forward, with narrative and visuals. The night closes with both instruments played live in the room.