Larry Berenguel, Jr. was born in Manila, Philippines and immigrated with his familty to Des Moines at age 14. He learned folk guitar through books and from watching "How To Pay Folk Guitar" program through Iowa Public Television back in the early 70's. He went to Iowa State University and continued to learn and play American folk music.
He married and joined his first southern rock band in the late 70's, then eventually settled to playing with several latin bands in the 80's: Latin Connection, Los Latinaires, Latin Touch, and Latino Pride. He played electric guitar and keyboard. This was a period where he also learned to play R&B, Funk and Pop Rock. He also played Reggae music with Pharaoh House.
He quit playing in bands in the 90's to raise his children and devoted his musical talents to playing faith inspired music at All Saints Catholic Church where he still continues to play every Saturday and Sunday.
When their youngest daughter went off to college in 2000, he decided to return to the music scene and work on his CD. He began writing original songs while hosting several Open Mics and Open Jams at the Hull Ave Tavern, Orlondos Restaurant and Bar, Crave Bar & Grill & Fondue, and AJ's On East Court.
He released his first CD titled Songrise on December 2006 which contained 12 original songs. For this CD, he wrote the songs, programmed the drums, percussion and bass lines, played rhythm and lead guitar parts, sang lead and background vocals, recorded all the tracks, mastered the final mix and produced his own CD.
Besides performing as a solo act and hosting Open Mics, he played with various bands including The Land Sharks, Homegrown, Reaching Perfect Balance, Matt Ranallo Band, Justin Peters aka Sunset Cowboy, and recently with the Vida Sisters.
Larry has been a local headliner for CelebrAsian, the annual Asian Heritage Festival for 6 years (2007-2011). www.celebrasian.org/headliners.html.
www.larryberenguel.com
