From Chicago to Ukraine

Like so many other music fans, I spent countless hours online listening to bands I couldn’t hear live during the two years that Covid canceled concerts and closed venues. One unexpected result of my virtual explorations was discovering a Chicago tribute band that played those classic songs better than the original Chicago! 25 or 6 to 4, Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? If You Leave Me Now, Saturday in the Park.

The 11-member group complete with a full horn section and exceptional singers captivated me, and I swore that if they ever appeared in the Bay Area, I’d go see them. 

You can imagine my elation last November when after two vaccinations and a booster, I read that this band was touring the United States with dates in Sacramento and San Francisco. I immediately bought tickets for their show at the Crest Theatre in Sacto. What a way to resume the concert experience than to hear Leonid & Friends, the rock band from Russia.

The concert did not disappoint. The musicians were so tight, so energetic and joyful as they played all the audience favorites. Until they spoke, no one would have guessed that they were from across the world. Some members didn’t speak English at all, but they sang lead and backup perfectly. Astonishing.

Following the show, my husband and I went up to the stage to thank them while they tore down their equipment. I had the thrill of telling Serge Tiagnyriadno, one of the talented vocalists, how much we enjoyed his singing. Little did I imagine that a mere three months later, his country Ukraine would be reeling from a violent attack, and his life would be in danger.

The other members of Leonid & Friends are Russian and following Putin’s initial assault, the band posted assurances on their Facebook page that their purpose has always been to share a message of peace through their music. They also expressed concern and support for their band mate Serge who lives in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Serge’s wife, young sons, and dog traveled to Poland after days of military attacks while he stayed behind to help his parents and to share updates describing the situation surrounding Kyiv: sirens, bombs, fires, destruction, and loss of life. Serge’s demeanor remained calm but resolute despite the increasing threat. He played guitar and keyboard and sang emotional songs in his language, ending with “Slava Ukraini! Heroyam Slava!”  Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the Heroes.

One song in particular brought me to tears with the line, “God protect the children of Ukraine.” I couldn’t help but mourn the loss of happiness we had all felt, musicians and audience alike, at the Sacramento concert. Now I shared his fear. 

Would Serge’s homeland survive? Would he survive? Would he be reunited with his family? Would Leonid & Friends ever play their magnificent music together again?

You can follow Serge Tiagnyriadno’s Facebook page to hear his first hand accounts of the war, and his fans have established a Facebook group, We Stand With Serge and Ukraine, to offer words of encouragement and financial assistance.  I understand that the group’s 2022 tour of the United States has been canceled, but for a bright spot in your day, check out Leonid & Friends’ videos on YouTube. 

As an appreciative fan, I said only a few words to Serge, but to me, he’s right up there with President Zelenskyy as the face and spirit of Ukraine. I only hope I’ll be able to hear him sing again.