Lantern & Quill

David Hakan Bio

David Hakan is a native of Kansas City, Missouri who has been performing his original music for many years. In 1992 he co-founded the Songwriters Circle of Kansas City with Dave Lizor. This nonprofit organization still has a regular event each month to showcase area singer/songwriters. 

Hakan gives us a voice like John Denver's, wit like Todd Snider's and the subtle poetry of Leonard Cohen. 

The guitar sound is clear and luscious. The melodies will have you whistling in the shower and the stories will get you wondering about the world in new ways. 

His musical styles slide from bluesy Motown-influenced folk rock to a cappella Appalachian style and then to modern folk.

David's songwriting awards include the Kansas City Showcase '96, an an impressive 6 wins at the Winfield Songwriters Showcase from 1998 to the present day. 

Jen Hajj Bio
Jen Hajj is a grown-up choir kid who never stopped playing with rhyme, meter and melody. She has toured full-time as a performing songwriter, sharing her creative work across the US and Europe. She has been a finalist or winner in many songwriting contests including Wildflower!, Songwriter Serenade, Tumbleweed Folk Festival, and Tucson Folk Festival, among others. Jen’s music is colored by wanderlust, visual imagery, and soulful reflection. 

What people are saying...

"(David is)...one of the finest songwriters I've heard in a long time."

- Dave Carter

“Filled with keen insights and gentle wit, David’s songs are perfect for a shady front porch in the summer and a warm kitchen in the winter.”

- Bob McWilliams, KANU Radio host of Trail Mix

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