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.
“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
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: tomleu@att.net and I’ll take a look for you.