Lemeshev was born on the island of
Sakhalin,
RSFSR, Soviet Union.[5][2] In 1989 he emigrated to the United States. He became popular in the East Village of New York City for his performances in bistros, wearing various hats and wigs.[6] He has shared the stage and recorded with Nicole Renaud, Greg Wall, Mary Wooten, and
Matt Darriau, and worked in a trio called Tridruga with bassist
Tony Scherr and guitarist
Brad Shepik.[7] In 2001, he joined Gogol Bordello,[2] leaving the band in 2013.[8]