R.I.P. Carla Leonardo 1950 - 2013

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We lost a voice known to many around Chicago and a great friend to The Barn Presents this week.  Carla Leonardo, a presence on Chicago airwaves for 35 years, lost her battle with leukemia on November 9th.  Her voice was pure rock and roll, and it came from deep within her spirit.  For a Chicago radio listener it was comforting and familiar; with stints at The Loop, Q101 and The Drive (among others), she was never far from the heart of Chicago's rock scene.

"She had an encyclopedic mind about music and could hold her own in talking about any kind of music. And she loved being on the air — she was never happier than when she was on the air or when the Bears were winning." - Patty Martin, program director WDRV

She was a graduate of Lyons Township High School here in La Grange and had deep ties to Chicago area where she firmly established her career in radio.

Carla was on hand when, as a fledgling show promotion company four years ago, The Barn Presents booked Mr. Blotto in Mambo Room in La Grange.  Her classic voice introduced the band, kicked off one hell of a party and launched a series events that led to this site being around four years later.

In the subsequent years, she always supported us, even as she fought to stay healthy.  Rest in peace, Carla.  Fare thee well.

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