OC LIVE

Art

The figurative painters of the Bay Area in the late 1950s and early ‘60s have been justly celebrated. Oddly enough, however, an exhibition opening Saturday at the Laguna Art Museum marks the first comprehensive survey of Bay Area Abstract Expressionism, guest curated by art historian Susan Landauer.

Such well-known artists as Clyfford Still, Richard Diebenkorn, Jay DeFeo and Sam Francis are included in “The San Francisco School of Abstract Expressionism,” which seeks to differentiate the home-grown version of the New York movement by virtue of the influences of Western landscape imagery, Beat-era poetry and jazz, and Asian philosophies.

* What: “The San Francisco School of Abstract Expressionism.”

* When: Saturday through April 21. Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday.

* Where: Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach.

* Whereabouts: Exit San Diego (405) Freeway at Laguna Canyon Road, turn right onto Pacific Coast Highway and follow to Cliff Drive.

* Wherewithal: Adults $5, seniors and students $4, children under 12 free.

* Where to call: (714) 494-8971.

Comedy

Jack Gallagher has a low tolerance for people who aren’t paying attention. As a case in point, the Sacramento-based comic recalls a muffin-shop clerk who couldn’t figure out the cash register. “C’mon, pal, this doesn’t have to go through escrow. . . . Just push the big button with the muffin on it.” He also gets a kick out of football fans who shout “We’re No. 1!” To which Gallagher replies: “No you’re not. They’re No. 1. You’re just a fat fan!”

* Who: Jack Gallagher.

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

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

* Whereabouts: Exit the San Diego (405) Freeway at Jamboree Road: go south. Turn left onto Campus Drive. The club is in the Irvine Marketplace.

* Wherewithal: $8-$10, with a two-item minimum.

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

Pop

The venerable Foothill Club is a remnant from the old days of country music, so it’s fitting that the Geraldine Fibbers, contemporary rockers who push their country influences to the edge, will be holding forth there.

The band centers on Carla Bozulich, who sang in the hammering industrial-dance band, Ethyl Meatplow, before turning back to roots influences with her new band, which features guitar, violin and upright bass. The Fibbers’ 1995 debut album, “Somewhere Between the Earth and My Home,” was a dark-hued favorite of critics. The splendidly poppy noise-rock (or is it splendidly noisy pop-rock?) of second-billed Lutefisk adds to the evening’s potential.

* Who: Geraldine Fibbers, with Lutefisk and Polar Goldie Caps.

* When: Friday at 9:30 p.m.

* Where: The Foothill Club, 1922 Cherry Ave., Signal Hill.

* Whereabouts: Exit the San Diego (405) Freeway at Cherry Avenue; go west to 19th Street, club is on the left.

* Wherewithal: $10.

* Where to call: (310) 984-8349.

Family Affair

Jim Rule knows his way around the sandbox. The father of three kids (ages 2 to 6) and a seasoned kindergarten teacher, the Lake Forest resident started writing songs for and about kids when his first child was born. His career has since grown as rapidly as his family.

Songs such as “The Little Pig Rap” and “Underwear” from his Parents Choice Award-winning release, “Share this World,” are heard often on kids station Radio AAHS, and he maintains a busy concert schedule.

* What: “Share this World” concert with Jim Rule.

* When: Today at 5 and 7 p.m.

* Where: Yorba Linda Public Library, 18181 Imperial Highway, Yorba Linda.

* Whereabouts: Exit the Riverside (91) Freeway at Imperial Highway; go west. The library is between Olinda and Lemon streets.

* Wherewithal: FREE.

* Where to call: (714) 777-2873.