Dance

Dance Theatre of Harlem

In the mid-1950s, Arthur Mitchell essentially broke the color barrier in ballet by becoming the first African-American dancer featured by New York City Ballet. A little more than a decade later, in the heat of the Civil Rights Movement, he forged (with Karel Shook) Dance Theatre of Harlem. The New York-based troupe's Friday- and Saturday-night appearances at the Moore Theatre represent a rare opportunity for Seattleites to see history, literally, in action. 8 p.m. Nov. 16-17, 1932 Second Ave., Seattle; $25-$73 (877-784-4849 or www.stgpresents.org).

Lynn Jacobson,

Seattle Times features editor

Books

'Brewing in Seattle'

Our craft beer scene is as hot as ever. Local author Kurt Stream looks back at how that came about when he discusses his new book, "Brewing in Seattle" the history of beer, from the city's first brewer, Antonio Rabbeson of Washington Brewery in 1863, to the contributions of Rainier beer, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Seattle Public Library, Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle (206-386-4636 or www.spl.org).

Tan Vinh,

Seattle Times staff writer

Radio

'Exploring Music'

Ever heard this show? It's fantastic. Bill McGlaughlin, trombonist, composer and former conductor of the Kansas City Symphony and a genial polymath, compiles five, one-hour programs each week organized around a theme. (A recent show, "Autumn Leaves," featured Haydn, Percy Grainger, Dave Brubeck and Joseph Kosma, composer of the song that became "Autumn Leaves.") McGlaughlin talks about classical music with unpretentious enthusiasm, highlighting beautiful melodies, illustrating harmonies on the piano and telling good yarns about composers. No concert- hall stuffiness here. Listen to "Exploring Music" online on Northwest Public Radio (www.nwpr.org) or streamed from the station where it originates, 98.7 WFMT Chicago (www.wfmt.com).

Paul de Barros,

Seattle Times arts writer