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Leo & The Komrads originated in 2014 as a special-event project. Vocalist, and founder, Leo Poroshin, organized several tribute nights, including Tom Waits and Nick Cave. Other original members included Natalia Bezuglova on keyboards, Aaron Apsey on violin, and Scott Wheeler as lead guitarist.

In 2016, the project morphed into a permanent band. Marina Ionescu became the keyboardist, and Anton Yefremov joined on drums. The new lineup came together for a successful Tom Waits tribute night at the Avenue Cafe and the band was solidified when they opened for the Dirty Bourbon River Show (visiting from New Orleans) at The Robin Theatre, in July of 2016. and were later joined by Joel Griffith Lott on the accordion.

Sadly, Scott Wheeler suddenly passed away in September of 2016. A heart attack claimed him at 40. It was sudden and devastating but the band rebounded. Lisa Wheeler, Scott's widow, brought her considerable vocal talents and stage presence as lead female vocalist and Ervin Boyd, Jr. (Deacon Earl), a notable Michigan musical talent, came on board as a bassist. 

Since those changes, the band has continued to grow together, honing their craft and expanding their repertoire. They will present original material soon but, for now, Leo & The Komrads have a lineup of covers not often heard. Included are songs by Tom Waits, Nick Cave, The Red Elvises, Clifton Chenier, and others. The band is not bound by genre definitions, performing blues, jazz, dark cabaret, punk (including Russian Punk), zydeco, and other various fun kinds of music.

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