In this letter to Mary Shortt, Jack Vigliatura describes his first weeks at the University of Florida, from a late night of dancing at the dungeon-like Netherworld to the game-day crowds that emptied the campus once kickoff arrived.
He also shares an early milestone for the fledgling band then known as the Fully Gnarlies: an impromptu performance in the Graham Residence Hall lobby that drew a crowd singing along, requests for copies of a homemade tape, and Jack’s joking admission that the group might actually be good if they ever took themselves seriously.
September 9, 1991
Dear Mary,
How are you? Is everything going okay? Like you can answer me, anyway. Everything is going good here.
I went dancing Friday night with Bill and Travis at a placed called “Netherworld.” This is exactly what it was. It was like a little dungeon. We had to walk down these alleys between buildings to get to it and once we opened the door our eardrums were blasted to the middle of our heads. But it was pretty cool music. They played “It’s the End of the World” and “Radio Free Europe” while we were there. We were soaking wet by the end of the night. Our jeans were even wet. It looked like we had an accident or something. We got home at about 3:00 AM and I slept until 12:00 PM Sat.
There were tons of people here Sat. for the game. Then once the game started the campus was empty. There were barbeques and picnics all over the place. It kind reminded me of East Lake football games – NOT! I don’t have tickets, so I spent the day studying and watching tennis.
Last night was pretty fun. “The Fully Gnarlies” (our little band) performed in the Graham Residence Hall Lobby. We were just sitting, fooling around and people started coming over and sitting down and clapping and singing. It was so funny to hear people singing our songs. Too bad we don’t take ourselves seriously – we might actually be good.
You have to hear us, though. We’re making a tape on Travis’ stereo because people want copies. I’ll bring it home so you can listen and tell me how horrible we sound. I think they like us because we’re having fun and that’s all we want to do.
Anyway, did you get my last letter? I hope you wrote back. If you haven’t yet, please try. I know you’re busy, but try and find time to keep in touch with the dirty kid who cleaned your swamp.
Love,
Jack
P.S.
Write me about this bus accident! What happened?
These are sweet! What a great piece for For Squirrels history!