Pearlstein curates 'Art of the Figure'

WHAT Gallery North presents a major exhibition curated by an esteemed American artist noted for his hyper-realistic paintings of the human form -- often explicitly nude. "Art of the Figure: An Exhibition Curated by Philip Pearlstein" features portraits and other figurative works -- from abstract to Impressionist to photorealism -- implementing varied techniques and composition styles. At the invitation of Gallery North, Pearlstein selected 53 works in a variety of media after assessing 226 pieces -- all two-dimensional. No sculptures or installations. Among the winning entries are pieces by such distinguished Long Island artists as Christian White and Ennid Berger. Several artists will talk about their work in an upcoming ArTalk.

WHEN | WHERE Through Sept. 27, Gallery North, 90 North Country Rd., Setauket. Opening reception: 5-7 p.m. Friday. ArTalk: 3 p.m. Sept. 8. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, noon-5 p.m. Sundays

ADMISSION Free; gallerynorth.org, 631-751-2676

PLUS: 'VISUAL POETS' AT GRAPHIC EYE

"Visual Poets," an exhibit of artwork by members of the Graphic Eye Gallery accompanies poetry by the gallery's Performance Poetry Group. A reception with the poets and artists is 2-4 p.m. Sept. 8; the show runs through Sept. 29 at 402 Main St. in Port Washington. Visit graphiceyegallery.com or call 516-883-9668.

THEATER: 'CAST OF BEATLEMANIA' TRADITION

WHAT We doubt that Labor Day is a holiday in Liverpool. Nevertheless, "The Cast of Beatlemania," a musical tribute revue of the Fab Four from that scruffy English port city, makes its 10th annual end-of-summer holiday weekend appearance in Smithtown. "Cast" features John, Paul, George and Ringo look-alikes who starred in the Broadway production of "Beatlemania" and have performed in all 50 states and more than 20 nations. Four changes in costume during the show represent changes in the musical inclinations over the band's too-few years together.

WHEN | WHERE Saturday night at 8, Sunday night at 7, Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St.

TICKETS $40; smithtownpac.org, 631-724-3700

MUSIC: TAJ MAHAL, PATTI SMITH

WHAT The John Drew Theater observes the unofficial close of the Hamptons high season with a pair of concerts. Blues legend Taj Mahal and his trio are joined by singer Bettye LaVette in a tour of American blues that, over four decades, has been tinged with Caribbean, Latin, European and Polynesian influences. The next evening, it's "Patti Smith: Words and Music," as the poetically energetic rock-and-roll dramatist is joined by Lenny Kaye, Tony Shanahan and Jesse Smith.

WHEN | WHERE Taj: Saturday night at 8 ($50-$125). Smith: Sunday night at 8 (sold out, call for last-minute availability, $50-$150), 158 Main St., East Hampton

INFO guildhall.org, 631-324-4050