BERINGTON VAN CAMPEN

BERINGTON VAN CAMPEN is a 44-year veteran of the guitar, with a variety of influences like the Beatles, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Yes and others, as well as a lifetime of listening to classical and show music. The result has been a mixture of both acoustic and electric music, infused with unique style and integrity. Songwriting since 14, Berington’s been involved in many band situations, mostly in the Western Pennsylvania area from which he hails, but there’s always been a portion of every concert or club show featuring just him alone on acoustic guitar. He became well-known there for his solo acoustic work, playing venues from coffee houses and clubs to major festivals throughout several states in the northeast, and as a frequent performer on Pittsburgh television shows.~~~~~~ In 1977, having moved to Los Angeles, his use of various types of guitars, bass, piano, synthesizers, Mellotron and percussion led to a well-received turn into feature film, television and commercial music scoring, as well as session work and producing other artists, which continues to this day. Some of his credits include the original music for the 1988 “Glory of Easter” Pageant at Orange County’s Crystal Cathedral, starring Carol Lawrence, and the official U.S.O.C. films for both the 1984 Sarajevo and Los Angeles Olympics. Additionally, he has scored feature films, books-on-tape, commercials, corporate logo themes, and numerous series and specials for The Discovery Channel, A&E, ABC and others. As an avid scuba diver, Berington has at times created not only the music, but also shot innumerable hours of underwater video with dolphins, whales, sharks, shipwrecks and other subjects, for both The Discovery Channel and A&E.~~~~~~ Perhaps the biggest feature of Berington’s music, no matter what form it takes, is the honest presence of “lots of heart.” The bottom line for him is that music should be FUN, and “real.” From more orchestrated material on recordings, to live solo and ensemble work with the rich textures of his often-used 12-string acoustic, Berington has established himself as an engaging performer who catches and keeps the attention of an audience, and leaves them wanting more. He plays regularly at “Kulak’s Woodshed” in North Hollywood, CA, often upon request, accompanying others on guitar or bass as well, and hosts a music improvisation “Jam Night” there every Wednesday. (Visit kulakswoodshed.com for details.) ~~~~~~ Currently writing a batch of new songs, he is now in production on a new CD, and collaborating with selected other writers on various recording and concert performances, performing with several bands on either guitars, bass, or both. The latest project (12-07) is Lead Guitar & Vocalist with Beatles "B-SIDE!", a unique 5-pc. Beatles tribute band that's garnering lots of serious attention, playing faithful, accurate-as-possible reproductions of some of the finest music ever written! As well, Berington currently teaches Beginning and Advanced Guitar Technique and Electric Bass.