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Boardman native’s band on ‘America’s Got Talent’
By GUY D’ASTOLFO
The Strange Familiar, a rock band that includes Boardman native Nick Sainato, is one of the 48 contestants on “America’s Got Talent.” It will perform on Tuesday’s episode, which airs at 9 p.m. on NBC.
Sainato, a 2006 graduate of Boardman High, is the drummer. The other members hail from Cuyahoga Falls.
The Strange Familiar, fronted by crystal-voiced singer Kira Leyden, specializes in mood-setting pop tunes that are soft and sophisticated. Other members are Leyden’s husband, Jeff Andrea, guitar; and Frank Freeman, bass.
When Sainato was in high school, he was a member of Another Found Self, which won the High School Rock Off band competition in Cleveland. Sainato recently moved to Los Angeles, where he reconnected with his Ohio friends in The Strange Familiar.
Due to contractual restraints with “America’s Got Talent,” he was unable to consent to an interview.
Season five of the hit summertime series began in June and will culminate with the crowning of the winner Sept. 15.
“America’s Got Talent,” which airs at 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, has four judges — Piers Morgan, Howie Mandel, Sharon Osbourne and Nick Cannon. Viewers can also vote online (go to nbc.com).