In my younger naive days, I really didn't like the Harlem Globetrotters beyond their special appearance in a Scooby Doo cartoon. The whole shtick went totally over my 5-year-old head. Why couldn't they just play the game? What was up with referees letting them get away with these antics? And why didn't the other team just kick their asses? These thoughts plagued me every time. I always felt bad for the Washington Generals, too--whoever they were. In hindsight I realized, clearly, I was just a dumb kid. Now, despite the fact they seem like dinosaurs from a bygone era of innocent entertainment, their signature ball twirling, shoulder rolling and choreographed passing keep the crowds coming year after year. And for whatever reason, pulling down the shorts of opposing players is still kind of funny. Catch Hot Shot, Apollo, Sweet Pea and the rest of the Globetrotters at the American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Ave., at 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday. For tickets and information, visit ticketmaster.com or harlemglobetrotters.com.
Sat., Jan. 31, 1 & 7 p.m., 2009