Floyd Haxton AKA Shirttail

scenesters / floyd

Floyd shooting pool at 7 Black Cats, Summer 2003. images © cia romano 2003

Floyd Haxton just celebrated his 72nd birthday at 7 Black Cats, feted by the likes of Tom Walbank and the Last Call Brawlers. Floyd is one of the best-loved fixtures on Congress, hosting a weekly Open Mic at the Cats and wiping less-experienced shooters off the pool table there or next door at Sharks. His live-and-let-live demeanor balances the dramatics of downtown. Note to those thirtysomethings who think they're too old to hit the clubs: Keep it up and you won't be anywhere near as cool as this guy.

NAME:

"Floyd Haxton."

TYPE:

"I have been accused of being a musician, but continue to deny it. I think I fall into the 'whatever' category."

QUOTE:

"Take your time, watch where you put your feet, and give the other guy a little space."

BAND:

"Shirttail, I guess. I am the band."

Co-conspirators:

"All those who have encouraged me to keep playing."

BORN IN:

"San Francisco, California, September 10, 1931."

LIFE STORY IN BRIEF:

"A nomad, literally during my younger years, still in my heart."

HOW LONG IN TUCSON:

"Twelve years and counting."

ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE TUCSON:

"WARM, both literally and figuratively."

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE HAPPEN ON THE LOCAL SCENE:

"BRING BACK DOWNTOWN SATURDAY NIGHTS JUST LIKE THEY USED TO BE BEFORE THE MILLENIUM!!!!"

CONNECTING POINTS:

"Rehearse in my apartrment, quietly. Except for the opoen mic show and my birthday parties, I don't play out but I can be found on the 200 block of Congress St. most nights at 7 Black Cats, or playing pool at Sharks."

ARTIFACTS:

"Nothing on the web, or commercially. Just homemade stuff on tape, for family and friends."

CONTACTS:

"Just me. See connecting points, or call 520 798 0641 (home phone)."

E-MAIL:

"Not yet. Wait til I get (someday, maybe, I hope..... WHY???) a web site."