Bill Bryson Interview with Jack Vigliatura and Bill White

Bill Bryson Interview with Jack Vigliatura and Bill White

Bill Bryson owned The Covered Dish from 1992 to 2000 (photo by The Gainesville Sun). Bill Bryson Interview with Jack Vigliatura and Bill White Part 1 Bill Bryson Interview with Jack Vigliatura and Bill White Part 2 In January of 1994, For Squirrels stood at a turning point. Fresh from recording their debut album, Baypath Road, at Gainesville’s Mirror Images Studio—which they had financed with their student loan money—the band was beginning to build a devoted audience, yet were still fighting to be taken seriously in their hometown. Few people had a closer view of their determination than Bill Bryson,...
Rock 104 Interview with For Squirrels: November 1993

Rock 104 Interview with For Squirrels: November 1993

On November 11th, 1993, For Squirrels walked into a studio in Gainesville to record a radio interview with Rock 104 (WRUF-FM). Aside from their performances at The Covered Dish, it was arguably the band's biggest exposure to a large audience up to that point. Lead singer Jack Vigliatura, lead guitarist Travis Tooke, bassist Bill White, and new drummer Jack Griego joined Brian Keith in the studio. Keith was a well-known radio personality and announcer for the legendary Gainesville rock station, which is affiliated with the University of Florida. Keith is fondly remembered in the local music scene for his on-air...
“Pretend Rock Star”: Jack Vigliatura’s Letter Home, May 10, 1993

“Pretend Rock Star”: Jack Vigliatura’s Letter Home, May 10, 1993

May 10, 1993 Dear Mary, Well, Clas (German), Bill, Jon (Bill’s brother), Travis and I are all watching 120 minutes right now. It’s pretty crowded but I like it like this. We finished recording yesterday – it went great. I was surprised but I got most of my vocals in one take which was good because my voice doesn’t last that long. It still took us from 3:00 PM until 8:30 to finish because the other guys had some trouble hitting some harmonies. In any case I think it came out great and I’m going in with our producer and...
A Dream Come True to Play at East Lake: Jack Vigliatura’s Letter Home, April 2, 1993

A Dream Come True to Play at East Lake: Jack Vigliatura’s Letter Home, April 2, 1993

Driven by a deep sense of hometown pride, Jack Vigliatura, Bill White, Travis Tooke, and drummer Jay Russell set their sights on a nostalgic homecoming. In this enthusiastic letter, Jack details the band's eager pitch to secure a performance for the East Lake High School Class of 1993, aiming to return to their alma mater as For Squirrels for an unforgettable Grad Night celebration. Writing amid a whirlwind of a grueling schedule, Jack continues to balance the exhaustion of a rising music career with his college studies, offering a heartfelt look at his determination to play for his lifelong friends....
Gorby’s Transmission is now For Squirrels: Jack Vigliatura’s Letter Home, February 16, 1993

Gorby’s Transmission is now For Squirrels: Jack Vigliatura’s Letter Home, February 16, 1993

In this February 1993 letter, frontman Jack Vigliatura reflects on an exciting new chapter as his band transitions from their previous moniker, Gorby’s Transmission, to For Squirrels. With his trademark self-deprecating humor, Jack Vig shares the band’s nervous energy as they balance the pressures of college life with anticipation of their upcoming live debut at The Covered Dish in Gainesville. February 16, 1993 Dear Mary, Well, Well, it’s been a long time since I’ve done this so here goes – another lame letter from everybody’s favorite retard – Jack V formerly of Gorby’s Transmission now of For Squirrels!! Anyway I’ve...
Homegrown

Homegrown

On the night of September 8th, 1995, a telephone rang in Gainesville. As The Covered Dish prepared for a soundcheck, Bill Bryson answered a Georgia lawman who was searching for next of kin. Along Interstate 95 near Midway, Georgia—180 miles, or about two hours and 45 minutes from home—a touring van had blown its rear right tire and rolled three times. Among the debris scattered across the highway were compact discs of Example and Covered Dish flyers. The paper trail led to Bill. The tour van after the tragic accident in Midway, Georgia on Sept. 8th, 1995. “I remember it...
Bill’s Learning How to Play the Drums: Jack Vigliatura’s Letter Home, October 26, 1992

Bill’s Learning How to Play the Drums: Jack Vigliatura’s Letter Home, October 26, 1992

This letter, written home by Jack Vigliatura to his close friend Mary Shortt, offers a brief glimpse into the early days of a garage band. Central to the update is the rented garage unit where Jack, Bill White, and Travis Tooke were busy moving in. Jack notes that while they are drowning in thousands of dollars of guitar effects, the operation is still a major work in progress, complete with Bill learning how to play the drums. Interestingly, Jack scrawled "Buzz Aldrin" in the return address section of the envelope—making one wonder if he suspected the band was on the...
Garage Band: Jack Vigliatura’s Letter Home, October 13, 1992

Garage Band: Jack Vigliatura’s Letter Home, October 13, 1992

On October 13th, 1992, Jack Viglitura wrote to close friend Mary Shortt from the UF where he was balancing midterm stress with a major milestone for his band, Gorby's Transmission. He announces that he, Travis Tooke and Bill White have officially rented a practice space. By splitting the rent with another band, the trio cleverly scored access to a massive stockpile of shared equipment—including a P.A. system and a four-track recorder—to power up their rehearsals. Amidst these rock-and-roll logistics, Jack raves about R.E.M.’s brand-new album, Automatic for the People, declaring that it completely “rules.” October 13, 1992 Dear Mary, This...
Echoes from Gatorwood: Jack Vigliatura’s Letter Home, September 3, 1992

Echoes from Gatorwood: Jack Vigliatura’s Letter Home, September 3, 1992

Written September 3rd, 1992 letter by Jack Vigliatura this letter offers a snapshot life in the early days of a new semester. Writing home to close friend Mary Shortt at 1:00 AM, Jack captures the chaotic transition of starting a grueling academic schedule—balancing dreaded courses and an unforgettable German class. Despite the heavy workload, the letter highlights a major milestone for Jack and his bandmates, Bill Whiteand Travis Tooke, as they settle into their new home at the Gatorwood Apartments. September 3, 1992 Dear Mary, I’m sorry I haven’t written soon, I hope I haven’t upset you. It’s been quite...
Boardwalk Blues: Jack Vigliatura’s Letter Home, July 13, 1992

Boardwalk Blues: Jack Vigliatura’s Letter Home, July 13, 1992

In the summer of 1992, Jack Vigliatura traded the landlocked heat of Gainesville for the bustling coast of Ocean City, Maryland, embarking on a seasonal business venture that promised high-dollar payouts. However, a letter written home to close friend Mary Shortt on July 13th  reveals that the reality of the boardwalk hustle was far from a sun-soaked vacation. Evocative, weary, and deeply candid, Jack’s correspondence captures the bittersweet isolation of a college student facing a melting 96-degree day, disappointing sales, a looming business eviction, and a profound wave of homesickness for the family he left behind. July 13, 1992 Dear...