Leon & The Forklifts

Leon and The Forklifts is an American band that played in and around Western New York from 1998-2007, best-known for hits like "American Music"(2000), "BlueBird Street"(1999) and "New Jazz Fool"(2001).

Band Members

Mike Bongiovanni - Lead Vocals

Matt Schneider - Lead Guitar

'Wild' Bill Wachowiak - Percussion/Drums

Jeff Cooke - Bass

"Rotating / Previous Members include:"

Fritz The Kat - Harmonica

Jason 'Jay' Ditley - Bass

Eric Murray - Bass

Discography

Leon in the Basement: Album Release-1998

Where's Leon?: Album Release-2001

History

The group, initially located in Buffalo, New York, started as a four piece Blues band led by vocalist Mike Bongiovanni with Matt Schneider, Bill Wachowiak and Fritz The Kat. Fritz the Kat was currently playing with another Buffalo band named Schwannoma, when approached by Mike Bongiovanni to possibly put together the band and play some local gigs.

Leon and the Forklifts made their first appearance on October 23, 1998 at a local coffee shop on Main Street in Buffalo, New York on open mic night. The band was approached by a booking agent for Nietzsche's, [http://www.nietzsches.com] , Buffalo's Legendary Music Hotspot, on Allen Street.

The band began to make a name for itself, so the articles were written, "Always fair dressed in suits,' "lovin the ironing board keyboard stand," "the spinning bass, jumpin from amp to amp..." - The Buffalo News - The Gusto, Artvoice Magazine...

Leon and The Forklifts became the regular booked house band for McGarrett's (formerly Heenans's - Elmwood Avenue and Bidwell) (2001), The Calumet and Big Shotz (Chippewa Street) (2003).

Leon and The Forklifts shared the stage with a great number of local and 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 (Mayor's Ball, 2003).