Ground Level was a half-hour talk show hosted by Tom Leu and produced through Rock Valley College’s Mass Communication department in Rockford, IL. 100 episodes of the Ground Level show, over eleven seasons, were shot & produced from February 2002 to May 2007. Tom liked describing the show as a “local Jay Leno minus the monologue…”

RVC advanced video students got authentic, hands-on television experience directing and producing this “live-to-tape” regional program. Ground Level features the best in area business and entertainment guests along with some of the best local music talent in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin playing live in our studios.  Tom’s relaxed and improvisational style made the show both entertaining and informative at the same time.

In addition to hosting the show, Tom also wrote the Musician’s Corner® segment, booked many of the guests, provided the show’s theme music, and co-produced nearly every episode over the show’s 5½ year run.

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“Tom is very personable and makes one feel comfortable on the set. His interviewing techniques exhibit professional-level journalism/broadcasting.”

– Lisa Palmeno, Music Journalist/Publicist

“Tom demonstrates lots of pure enthusiasm for the show and works well with the students.  He also is well prepared for his interviews and attempts to get all the information in without impeding the flow of the show.”

– Mike Robinson, former 13 WREX TV anchor & Dir. of PR for Rock Valley College

“Tom Leu is a ‘natural’ in every sense of the word.  Relaxed with audience, genuinely interested and congenial, Tom brings a comfortable confidence to any set or stage.” 

– John Brandon, Program Director, Total Living Network

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Partial list of guests who were interviewed or performed on Ground Level TV between 2002-2007:

Bun E. Carlos of Cheap Trick	Anavox
Mayor Larry Morrissey	Suite Oblivion
Brian Shelton-RVC	420
Nicholas Gunn-Recording Artist	The Seed Band
Steve Shannon-WZOK Radio	Pistol Pete
Frank Shier-Rock River Times	Dan Voll
Chris Wachoiak-Kryptonite Bar	Agent Zero
Mike Webb-Starlight Theater	Hope’s Anchor
Michael Sherger-Red Super Giant	Michael Corin
Benny Salamone-Franchesco’s	Jinger Crystal
Joel Geist-Noise Chamber	The Snaggs
Todd Gage-LT’s Bar	Brett Vogel
Miles Nielsen-Harmony Riley	Gary Wortham
Jonny McDowell-Jonny B Enterprises	Casey Bankord
Patrick Siedling-Phantom Regiment	Tom Mack Group
The Yelling Man-WXRX Radio	Poor Man’s Fortune
Karen Elyea-Minglewood	Sarah Abramowitz
Mike Bunjan-420 & Medicine Man	Magnum Opus
Jody Erickson-Meg’s Daily Grind	Howard & The White Boys
Drew Coriossi-Shooters North	Emma Riley
Mark Muraski-The Snaggs	Mitch Brechon-Suite Oblivion
Fred Scholl-WFEN Radio	Harlan Jefferson
John Bishoff-JRB Productions	Bill & Jen Cook-The Merkins
Marty Campbell-Toad Soup	Chip Messiner
John Cabrera-Agent Zero	Susan Masino-WJJO Radio & Author
Paul Church-Orange	Sky Drysdale
Rokker-Maximum Ink Magazine	Steve Ditzell
Patrick McDonough-Beefcafe	Reid Jutras-Dragonfly Entertainment
Lisa Palmeno-Journalist	Terry Turen/Double T-WXRX
Rob Petrie-Silver	Holland Zander-The Snaggs
Chris Stutsman-Brass Ring Amusements	Mike Robinson-RVC
Scooter the Clown	Joel DeLuna-Rock University
John Brandon-Total Living Network	Bob O’Brien-Rockford Airport
Mike Gulley-Acoustic Millenium Band	Carol Wright-On the Waterfront
Kathleen Siedenburg-Junior Achievement	Randy Lee-Randy’s Music

**If you, or someone you know appeared on the show and you’d like a copy (either audio and/or video) for your archives, I may just have it my archives (no promises). Contact me at: info@tomleu.com and I’ll take a look for you.