SALT LAKE CITY — Russian band “Leonid & Friends,” known for its flawless recreations of hit musicals by Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire and many other iconic artists, is not just a cover or tribute band.

FOX 13 News recently spoke with the band’s founder Leonid Vorobyev, his son Roman Vorobyev, the band’s manager, and lead female vocalist Ksenia Buzina.

Leonid told how it all started when he recorded his first Chicago song as a personal gift on his 60th birthday.

“And I put it on YouTube with no expectations. What was it, just a gift for my birthday and maybe for my peers in Siberia, where I was born and raised, that’s all. Then unexpectedly boom, maybe a few weeks later, it was already on Chicago’s official website and we received a wave of wonderful comments and thanks,” said Leonid.

The positive response led to numerous requests for more, and the group obliged.

FOX 13 News asked about the challenge of getting independent musicians to play their parts exactly as recorded by the original artists.

“It starts with having a musician who can pull it off,” Roman explained. “Because go ahead and take Terry Kath’s solo out from ’25 or 6 to 4, or go ahead and, you know, take out all those brass parts and solos on trumpet or trombone. It took about a month to learn Terry Kath’s solo from our guitarist. Too. It requires a lot of discipline.”

Ksenia Buzina shared her journey and connection with the group.

“Interesting. Yes, first of all, I was born in Siberia, like Leonid, so this is our hometown and we are actually in the same town in Siberia with Leonid,” he said. “I have heard of Leonid a lot, this is our place, very talented professional musicians. And actually when I studied Chinese at university and after graduation I decided to follow my musical dreams and career and moved to Moscow, then I came to the studio and met Leonid in person. We actually started working on different projects in Russia and China and it helped me a lot. And so he helped me at the beginning of my career in Moscow. “He became like a godfather.”

Roman also shared the band’s excitement for the upcoming show in Salt Lake City.

“We love Salt Lake City. You guys are absolutely amazing there. We love the city and the view. There’s something about it and that’s why we can’t expect all our friends to be there. It’s going to be an epic show, guys. “We will prepare the best set list for you,” he said.

Leonid and Friends’ fall tour will end next month with several concerts in Southern California. They will tour the US again starting in March next year. There are still a few tickets available for Monday night’s show at the University of Utah’s Kingsbury Hall. Visit artstickets.utah.edu to make reservations online.