Hire Leonid & Friends for an Outstanding Chicago and Classic Rock Concert Experience
Looking to book or hire Leonid & Friends for a theater, casino, performing arts center, festival, corporate event or concert series? Leonid & Friends is an internationally acclaimed 11-piece concert production known for remarkably precise performances of Chicago’s complex arrangements, soaring vocal harmonies and powerful horn-driven sound.
Founded by multi-instrumentalist, producer and musical director Leonid Vorobyev, the group began as a studio project in Moscow after Vorobyev transcribed and recorded Chicago’s “Brand New Love Affair” with a group of musician friends in 2014. The resulting video attracted widespread online attention and helped transform the project into an internationally touring live production.
Leonid & Friends initially became known for its detailed recreations of Chicago’s music. The show has since expanded its repertoire to include selections associated with Earth, Wind & Fire, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Steely Dan, The Carpenters and other influential rock, pop, soul and jazz-fusion artists of the 1970s. Audiences can expect accomplished musicianship, a tight horn section, layered vocals and a lively concert experience that celebrates one of popular music’s most creative eras.
A to Z Entertainment, Inc. can help clients check Leonid & Friends’ current availability and pricing, submit a qualified booking offer, coordinate contracts and review the travel, technical and production requirements associated with the engagement.
A Remarkable Celebration of Chicago’s Music
Chicago’s catalog presents a considerable challenge for any tribute production. Its music combines rock, jazz, pop and soul with elaborate horn arrangements, shifting rhythms, intricate vocal parts and demanding instrumental performances.
Leonid & Friends has built its reputation by approaching these arrangements with exceptional attention to detail. Vorobyev transcribes the material, oversees the musical arrangements and also handles much of the recording, mixing and mastering associated with the group’s productions. The musicians then recreate the arrangements with live horns, guitars, keyboards, percussion and multiple vocalists.
Rather than presenting a loosely arranged collection of familiar cover songs, Leonid & Friends offers a carefully produced concert that respects the structure, dynamics and musical character of the original recordings.
More Than a Chicago Tribute Band
Although Chicago remains central to the group’s identity, Leonid & Friends has developed into a broader celebration of classic horn-driven rock, pop, soul and jazz fusion.
The current repertoire may include music associated with:
- Chicago
- Earth, Wind & Fire
- Blood, Sweat & Tears
- Steely Dan
- The Carpenters
- Other influential artists of the 1970s
This expanded format gives event planners a show with greater musical variety while retaining the sophisticated arrangements and musicianship that first brought Leonid & Friends international attention.
Why Event Planners Hire Leonid & Friends
Leonid & Friends is especially suitable for audiences that appreciate live musicianship and recognizable classic songs. The group’s large ensemble, horn section and multiple vocalists create a fuller concert experience than a conventional four- or five-piece tribute band.
The production can be a strong choice for event planners seeking:
- A nationally and internationally touring concert production
- Accomplished musicians and vocalists
- Familiar classic-rock and pop songs
- A prominent live horn section
- Entertainment with broad multi-generational appeal
- A polished show for theaters, casinos and performing arts centers
- A concert suited to serious music fans
- A distinctive alternative to standard classic-rock cover bands
The group has completed multiple U.S. tours and continues to perform at prominent theaters, casinos, concert venues and performing arts centers throughout the country.
Leonid & Friends for Theaters, Casinos and Special Events
Leonid & Friends is best suited to events and venues capable of supporting a substantial live concert production.
Consider hiring Leonid & Friends for:
- Performing arts centers
- Theaters
- Casinos and resorts
- Ticketed concerts
- Music festivals
- Municipal concert series
- Corporate celebrations
- Association conventions
- Customer and employee appreciation events
- Fundraisers and benefit concerts
- Private concerts
- College and university events
- Classic-rock and jazz festivals
- Outdoor amphitheaters
As a large touring production, Leonid & Friends may require more substantial travel, stage and technical support than a smaller regional tribute band. Exact personnel, travel and production requirements should be confirmed through the current artist rider and authorized booking representative.
From an Online Studio Project to an International Touring Act
Leonid & Friends began at the end of 2014 when Leonid Vorobyev decided to record a version of Chicago’s “Brand New Love Affair.” Because no existing score was available to him, he transcribed the music by ear and assembled musician friends to record the arrangement.
The response to the project encouraged the group to continue releasing performance videos. Those recordings attracted an international audience and eventually led to the band’s first tour outside Russia in 2019. The official biography reports sold-out performances in cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and locations in Florida during the group’s early American tours.
The project has since grown into a professional touring production with a devoted international following. Paladin Artists reports more than 500 million combined video views and multiple sold-out U.S. tours.
About Leonid Vorobyev
Leonid Vorobyev is the group’s founder, musical director and producer. A trained choir conductor and experienced musician, composer and sound engineer, he transcribes the arrangements, performs on bass and piano, contributes vocals and oversees the group’s audio and video productions.
Quick Facts About Leonid & Friends
Founder and musical director: Leonid Vorobyev
Founded: 2014
Original project location: Moscow
Primary musical focus: The music of Chicago
Additional repertoire: Earth, Wind & Fire, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Steely Dan, The Carpenters and other classic artists
Performance format: Large live ensemble with multiple vocalists and a prominent horn section
Music styles: Classic rock, pop, soul, funk, jazz rock and jazz fusion
Known for: Detailed arrangements, layered harmonies and accomplished musicianship
Primary event markets: Theaters, casinos, performing arts centers, festivals and concert series
Availability: Subject to current tour routing, venue requirements and artist approval
Book Leonid & Friends Through A to Z Entertainment
A to Z Entertainment, Inc. is a full-service entertainment booking agency helping clients secure bands, singers, tribute shows, comedians, speakers and specialty entertainment for events throughout the United States.
Our experienced booking consultants can assist with:
- Checking Leonid & Friends’ current availability
- Requesting current performance pricing
- Reviewing tour-routing considerations
- Preparing and submitting a qualified offer
- Negotiating the performance agreement
- Reviewing technical and hospitality riders
- Coordinating international and domestic travel requirements
- Discussing stage, sound, lighting and backline needs
- Communicating with the authorized booking representative
- Coordinating production schedules and event logistics
A to Z Entertainment can help clients understand the requirements associated with a large touring production while making the booking process more organized, efficient and easier to manage.
Check Leonid & Friends Availability and Pricing
Ready to hire Leonid & Friends for a theater, casino, performing arts center, festival, concert series or corporate event?
Contact A to Z Entertainment, Inc. to request current availability, performance pricing and booking information.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Booking Leonid & Friends
Planning an engagement with Leonid & Friends may raise questions about the group’s repertoire, availability, pricing and production requirements. The answers below provide general guidance, but current details should always be confirmed during the booking process.
What music does Leonid & Friends perform?
Leonid & Friends is best known for performing the music of Chicago. Its expanded concert repertoire may also feature selections associated with Earth, Wind & Fire, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Steely Dan, The Carpenters and other influential artists of the 1970s.
How much does it cost to hire Leonid & Friends?
The fee depends on the date, location, routing, venue, performance format and production requirements. Travel, hotels, ground transportation, sound, lighting and backline equipment may be additional expenses.
Is Leonid & Friends available for corporate events?
Leonid & Friends may be available for corporate concerts, conventions, customer-appreciation programs and employee events, subject to tour routing, venue suitability, budget and artist approval. Because this is a substantial live production, the venue must be capable of supporting the group’s stage and technical requirements.
How many performers travel with Leonid & Friends?
The current production is generally promoted as an 11-piece ensemble. The exact touring party may be larger once crew and support personnel are included, so the current rider and travel requirements should be reviewed before confirming an engagement.
A to Z Entertainment offers an extensive selection of live entertainment for every type of event. Browse our Popular Music, Rock Bands, Country Music, Bluegrass, Christian Music, Gospel Music, Tribute Bands and Specialty Music categories to discover even more outstanding performers. You can also learn more about our company on our About A to Z Entertainment page, read what clients have to say on our Testimonials page, and explore our Corporate Clients Served page to see why organizations throughout the country have trusted A to Z Entertainment to help create memorable events for more than two decades.
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