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Mike bongiovanni
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Mike Bongiovanni (born July 10, 1977) is an American singer-songwriter born in Kenmore, New York. Beginnings Mike Bongiovanni is an American artist, musician playing in and around Western New York from 1998-present, front man for the Western New York Band Leon and the Forklifts. Mike Bongiovanni began his professional career in the summer of 1997. He is the lead singer, rhythm guitarist and piano player for the band. Mike was born in Buffalo, New York and grew up on Grand Island, New York. Mike has been actively playing in the Buffalo music scene for a number of years. In high school, he started a local band called, The Trust, and was the first time Mike played in front of audiences in Western New York. Mike Bongiovanni was a member of his high school choir, and participated in a number of plays and musicals. Mike also participated in an number of musical groups, most notable the Sonlight Singers on Grand Island, New York at Trinity United Methodist Church, under the direction of Paul Sipson. Mike started to play guitar as a freshman in high school, and it wasn't until his college years, when he started to play piano full-time, notably now his primary instrument on stage. Mike Bongiovanni taught himself how to play guitar, piano and drums. During his freshman year at State University of New York College at Buffalo, Mike met Matt Schneider and together, formed the band Leon and the Forklifts in 1997. Career with Leon and the Forklifts Mike Bongiovanni has been nominated best blues vocalist and best blues piano player in Western New York. His performance with Leon and the Forklifts in Western New York, has been recognized numerous times, including the recent award voted "Best Alternative Band in WNY". He has performed with Leon and the Forklifts since the summer of 1997. Bongiovanni lists Frank Sinatra, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Dave Matthews Band, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash as some of his influences. Awards Best Original Alternative Band - 2015 Best Original Alternative Band - 2014 Best Original Alternative Band - 2013 Best Original Alternative Band - 2012 Best Original Alternative Band - 1999 Throughout his career, he has shared the stage with several national acts including, Michael Cisvca, Freddy "King" Cole, The Mighty Blue Kings, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Rhubarb, Bob Weir, The Rusty Nails - Thursday at the Square (1999), The Outer Circle Orchestra and The Benny Goodman Orchestra at the Mayor's Ball, in 2003. Video Appearances *Hard Rock National Band Battle - Lead Vocalist, Guitarist, Piano with Leon and the Forklifts (3-14-12) *LATF Barn Yard Sessions - Lead Vocalist, Guitarist, Piano with Leon and the Forklifts (March 2012) * - Lead Vocalist, Guitarist, Piano with Leon and the Forklifts (2010) Discography *Leon in the Basement (1998) - (Full Album) - Lead Vocalist, Guitarist, Piano *Where's Leon? (2001) - (Full Album) - Lead Vocalist, Guitarist, Piano 
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