Leonid & Friends 2026 Tour comes to the Carolina Theatre on April 23, 2026

Tickets On Sale Now 

DURHAM, NC — September 8, 2025 — Leonid & Friends, a remarkable band from Russia that has attracted more than 48 million YouTube viewers and legions of fans worldwide with its unique ability to capture the jazz-rock virtuosity of supergroup Chicago, is returning to the Carolina Theatre of Durham on April 23, 2026 for a scorching summer tour. Tickets are now on sale at the venue’s box office and online at www.carolinatheatre.org.

Leonid & Friends has become an internet sensation releasing more than 20 YouTube videos that delve deep into Chicago’s catalog—from their earliest album “Chicago Transit Authority” to later hits like “Street Player” and “Hard to Say I’m Sorry.” 

With fans in every corner of the globe, Leonid & Friends, comprised of some of Russia’s most exciting and talented musicians, had crowds dancing in the aisles in early 2019 during sold out shows in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas and Clearwater. 

“The fans were so eager to see us that some travelled from as far as Hawaii and the Philippines, not mentioning flying across the U.S. and driving for hours to attend our shows,” said Leonid Vorobyev, Leonid & Friends’ founder and leader, recalling the band’s inaugural visit to the states. “I was expecting a warm greeting, but I didn’t expect such a warm reception and with so much love and gratitude for us.” 

The band formed in 2014 when Vorobyev gathered a few fellow musicians in a Moscow studio to record a video of them playing his favorite Chicago tune “Brand New Love Affair.” Since then, the band has recorded two albums featuring sparkling, spot on renditions of Chicago’s complex arrangements. They have also been featured on the “NBC Nightly News” and is admired by Chicago itself. 

When Leonid & Friends hit the stage this summer, fans can expect new musical surprises. “We really can’t wait to come back to the states,” Vorobyev said. “We will have several new songs ready.” 

Borrowing a line from one of Chicago’s biggest hits, “it’s only the beginning” of great things from Leonid & Friends. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.carolinatheatre.org. 

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About The Carolina Theatre of Durham: 

Carolina Theatre of Durham is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that manages the city-owned Carolina Theatre at 309 W. Morgan Street, Durham, NC 27701. The Carolina Theatre of Durham is dedicated to presenting vibrant, thought-provoking film and live performances that contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of downtown Durham and the Triangle Region. Visit carolinatheatre.org for more information. 

Contact: Hanna Mercer
Senior Director of Marketing, Carolina Theatre of Durham
(919) 560-3040 | hanna@carolinatheatre.org