Album Notes

Ken Lonnquist is a prolific and award-winning family songwriter. For 25 years he’s been delighting audiences of all ages with fun, imaginative and meaningful songs. Kids love him! Adults hail him as the “anti-Barney”!
“The most astounding thing to happen to family music since... forever. There is no way to adequately describe the music he creates or capture the charm of his live performances, no one to whom he can be compared....”
--- Minnesota Parent Magazine


Old Befana Is Ken’s lovely musical-story based on an ancient holiday tale. A recipe for enchantment, it’s warmth and magic stirs audiences of all ages...
putting an illuminating spin on that familiar night of miracles, it’s three Kings,
bright shining star, and very special child.

“Soul-rocking celebration... a joyful journey, taking us into the magic,
entertaining us royally, and finally lifting our vision with the thought-provoking
reminder that “anyone could be the one to make a better world!”
---Plymouth Church, Shorewood, WI

Hearing that a special child is coming to make the world a better place,
she begins a search which continues to this day during each holiday season.
Old Befana doesn’t know whether the special child she seeks is rich or poor, black or white, a boy or a girl. “Anyone could be the one to make a better world”, Befana sings. “It could even be... you!”

“The performance brought a beautiful old story--and a very significant message--to life for our families in a delightful way. Our memory of your music and its empowering messages of goodwill and creativity is one that shines, not just in the immediate afterglow of having heard you---but weeks and months beyond!”
---First Unitarian Universalist Society, Madison, WI

The recording features acoustic bass, guitar, mandolin, percussion & bells, plus Ken Lonnquist singing and narrating along with a host of other wonderful singers.

"A wonderful tale that tells the Christmas story in a fresh and entertaining way. Clever, catchy songs woven skillfully together with engaging dialogue that keeps the listener interested, enlightened, and highly entertained. The story appeals to all ages, the musical styles range from folk to pop to rock ’n roll, and it exposes people to a little-known Italian cultural tradition."
—North Country Public Radio