Five Takes On Black History

It's Black History Month, and cities throughout the country are marking it with a wide range of performances, exhibitions and even podcasts. Staff writer Gary Lee gives the lowdown on five activities coast to coast. For other ideas, check http://www.soulofamerica.com, a Web site on African American travel.

Chicago

The Goodman Theatre (170 N. Dearborn St.) celebrates the late African American playwright August Wilson with productions of "Radio Golf" and "Joe Turner's Come and Gone." The performances run Wednesdays through Sundays until Feb. 25; tickets start at $20. Info: 312-443-3800, http://www.goodmantheatre.org/.

Los Angeles

From South Africa, "Tsotsi."(Blid Alsbirk)

The annual Pan African Film and Arts Festival runs through Feb. 19 and features more than 150 films showcasing the cultures of people of African descent. A favorite this year: "Tsotsi," an Oscar-nominated South African work. Most showings will be at the AMC Magic Johnson Theaters (4020 Marlton Ave.) or Baldwin Hills Crewshaw Plaza (3650 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.). Tickets are $9.50 or less. Info: 323-295-1706, http://www.paff.org/.

Williamsburg

On Feb. 15, Bruton Heights School Lane Auditorium (301 First St.) screens "The Slave Trade," a documentary detailing the complexities of the U.S. slave market. The showings are at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.; free. Call 800-761-8331 for more info; for other Black History Month events at Colonial Williamsburg, go to http://www.history.org/.

Philadelphia

Zanzibar Blue, one of the stops on the "Philly Noir" tour.(M. Downey)

"Philly Noir" is a new hour-long podtour that takes travelers through the sights and sounds of black Philly. One segment ends at Delilah's at the Terminal, a soul-food haunt, while another guides you to the Blue Horizon, a boxing venue where greats of the past sparred. Download the tour free. Info: http://www.soundaboutphilly.com/.

New York

An exhibition of works by painter-of-the-moment Mike Cloud, Sam Gilliam and other prominent African American artists is on display at the Gallery at Lincoln Center (63rd Street and Columbus Avenue). The show is up through March 3; free. Info: 212-875-5017, http://www.lincolncenter.org/.