Very few cultural touchstones have remained active and relevant for more than a century. The iconic, barnstorming Harlem Globetrotters are well on their way. The basketball exhibitionists are headed to Bridgestone Arena this weekend for a pair of games on their 100 Year Tour. The Globetrotters’ unique brand of merry antics — equal parts circus act, basketball-skills display and stand-up comedy routine — created an entire genre of entertainment that is still thriving today. (See also: mega-successful baseball jokesters the Savannah Bananas.) Nashville has a pretty rich history with the Globetrotters — a dozen or so former Tennessee State University Tigers have suited up in the instantly identifiable red-white-and-blue uniforms. Former state and Metro politician Brenda Gilmore even led the recognition of the Tiger-Globetrotters with an official state House resolution back in 2009. Here’s to 100 more years of finger spinning, alley-oops and behind-the-back dishes.
2 & 7 p.m. at Bridgestone Arena
501 Broadway
