//exhibit//
When in Rome
'Imperial Rome: Discovering the Ancient Civilization'
So, yeah, we know all about the vomitoriums, boy orgies and lion feedings, but what have the ancient Romans done for us lately?
The Muzeo in Anaheim is exhibiting more than 450 Imperial Roman artifacts, offering a glimpse into that era's culture, religion and people. The exhibit is broken down into four categories—private life, religion, public life, and Rome and the empire—with each section showcasing the jewelry, clothing, bronze artifacts, coins and portraits that represent life in the Roman Empire.
It may (or may not) be as interesting as orgies and incest and arson, but the Muzeo in Anaheim is the only place on the West Coast—and one of three locations in the entire U.S.—displaying these treasures.
The exhibit runs through Jan. 7; after that, all the goodies will be returned to museums in Italy. And then all we'll be left with is the orgies and incest and arson.
Damn.
“Imperial Rome: Discovering the Ancient Civilization” at the Muzeo in Anaheim, 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim (714) 956-8933; www.muzeo.org/home.php. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Through Jan. 7. $9.95-$12.95.
—Alex Vallejo
//concert//
The Ghost of Dando Past
The Lemonheads
This band has been alterna-heartthrob Evan Dando's baby almost since its inception more than two decades ago. Lineups have fluctuated like a roller coaster, but the singer/songwriter/guitarist never let changing faces prevent him from penning some of the grittiest pop songs this side of the Replacements.
After dabbling in what seemed like an unnecessary solo career, Dando revived his moniker for a new record with a new backing crew featuring bassist Karl Alvarez and drummer Bill Stevenson. The duo is best known as the rhythm section for pop-punk act the Descendents and that band's offshoot group ALL.
The front man used a different touring lineup for a recent European jaunt to promote his self-titled disc, but Dando's winter tour includes his latest on-record collaborators. Dando's catalog will be on display, but what about the combined works of Alvarez and Stevenson? We can only hope.
The Lemonheads, Racoon and the New Rivals perform at the House of Blues, 1530 S. Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, (714) 778-2583; www.hob.com. Sun., 7 p.m. $15.50-$18.50.
—Ryan Ritchie
//shop//
Forecast Predicts (Artificial) Snow for Laguna Beach
Winter Fantasy 2007
What's the slightly chillier, winterized version of everybody's favorite family-friendly Orange County tradition, the Sawdust Art Festival?
The folks in charge of the Sawdust Festival are celebrating their 17th annual Winter Fantasy. Honest-to-goodness local craftspeople in more than 170 booths display their wares, including ceramics, woodwork, clothing, glass, forged metals and a bunch of other stuff.
This year, Winter Walkabout Tours have been added to give guests a behind-the-scenes look at the show's inner workings. Tours take place Saturdays at noon and Sundays at 2 p.m. Reservations are recommended.
Oh, and did we mention there will be five tons of snow available for your frolicking pleasure? No? Well, then, dress warmly—it just might snow in Laguna Beach this winter.
Winter Fantasy 2007 at the Sawdust Festival grounds, 935 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, (949) 494-3030; www.sawdustartfestival.org/index.htm. Every Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Through Dec. 9. $3-$5.75.
—Alex Vallejo
