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OC LIVE : Pop

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While X continues to stand for the band that, more than any other, launched the punk-rock movement in Southern California, it also marks a spot of converging creativity.

X’s latest full-band effort is the live, semi-acoustic “Unclogged” on its own Infidelity label. Meanwhile, Exene Cervenka has been on a spoken-word tour, and fellow singer-songsmith John Doe issued a fine solo album, “Kissing So Hard,” plus he has a part in the acclaimed new film, “Georgia.” Drummer D. J. Bonebrake and guitarist Tony Gilkyson round out the band.

On Friday, two worthwhile local acts--Hinged and Psychic Rain--take turns opening X’s early and late shows.

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* What: X.

* When: Friday, at 8 (with Hinged) and 10:30 p.m. (with Psychic Rain).

* Where: Galaxy Concert Theatre, 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana.

* Whereabouts: Exit the San Diego (405) Freeway at Harbor Boulevard and go north. Take the third right onto Lake Center Drive. The theater is on the left.

* Wherewithal: $17.50.

* Where to call: (714) 957-0600.

Comedy

Impish and animated with a boy-next-door demeanor, Brian Regan likes to tell audiences about the time it nervously dawned on him how beneficial it would be to learn a second language, especially here in Southern California. The story begins with Regan’s driving down the San Diego Freeway and picking up a Spanish-language radio station. “The only words I could make out were ‘Los Angeles’ and ‘H-Bomb.’ ”

* Who: Brian Regan.

* When: Tonight at 8:30, Friday at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m., Saturday at 8 and 10:30 p.m., Sunday at 7:30 and 10 p.m.

* Where: Irvine Improv, 4255 Campus Drive, Irvine.

* Whereabouts: Take the San Diego (405) Freeway to the Jamboree Road exit and head south. Turn left onto Campus Drive. The club is in the Irvine Marketplace.

* Wherewithal: $8-$12 through Saturday; $25-$55 New Year’s Eve.

* Where to call: (714) 854-5455.

Jazz

The playing of tenor saxophonist David Sills has been described as a meeting of Stan Getz and Joe Henderson, a style in which smooth reserve and technical ability combine in a single cool-to-the-bone sound.

At Steamers, he’ll lead a quartet that includes pianist Cecilia Coleman and the rhythmic punch of bassist Danton Boller and drummer Dean Koba in a program of standards from the likes of Getz, Henderson, Sonny Rollins as well as Sills’ own, be-bop-inspired material. Here’s a young man who’s serious about the jazz mainstream.

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* What: David Sills Quartet.

* When: Friday, 8:30 p.m.

* Where: Steamers Cafe, 130 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton.

* Whereabouts: Exit the Riverside (91) Freeway at Harbor Boulevard and go north. Turn left onto Commonwealth Avenue.

* Wherewithal: No cover, no minimum.

* Where to call: (714) 871-8800.

Family Affair

School may be out, but math-minded kids can still tweak the old brain cells at the Launch Pad. The interactive science center’s new permanent exhibit, “Geometry in Our World,” features 30 hands-on games, puzzles and other activities designed to help youngsters as young as 5 discover geometric principles in everyday life.

* What: “Geometry in Our World” exhibit.

* When: Open daily. Launch Pad hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m . to 7 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

* Where: Crystal Court at South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa.

* Whereabouts: Exit the San Diego (405) Freeway at Bristol Street and go north. Turn left onto Sunflower Avenue, left again onto Bear Street.

* Wherewithal: $5 for ages 3 and up; under 3, free. One adult free with every paid admission.

* Where to call: (714) 546-2061.

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