A Valparaiso music festival with food and drinks will bring a block party atmosphere to the area of the Memorial Opera House and Porter County Museum.

Rock the House 4 is set for Saturday.

Running from 1 to 7 p.m., the outdoor bash is set to roll out bands, food trucks, a family-friendly seating area, dunk tank, three bars and a beer garden, according to a news release.

Indiana Avenue and Franklin Street will be closed in the area of the opera house and museum to accommodate the street fest, which has free admission but accepts donations.

Rock the House 4 will raise money for the historic Memorial Opera House, which dates to the late 19th century.

The music Saturday is highlighted by Local H.

The innovative act is known for powerful, alternative rock ’n’ roll, and for helping pioneer the two-person rock band concept.

Scheduled to perform at 8 p.m. in the opera house, Chicago’s Local H has roots dating to 1990.

Local H is set to embark on an extensive national tour as the Toadies’ opening act.

Scott Lucas, the lead singer, covers both guitar and bass work, while Ryan Harding handles the drums.

Known for guitar-heavy, hook-laden tunes, Local H scored a critically acclaimed concept album with 1998’s “Pack Up the Cats,” which earned a place on Spin magazine’s list of the top 20 albums of 1998.

“It was definitely the best record that we made when we were on a major label,” Lucas said in a recent phone interview. “It’s just really focused. There’s really nothing that we set out to do on that record that we didn’t do. It’s pretty perfectly realized.”

Scott Lucas, Local H’s 47-year-old frontman, appreciates the challenges Ryan Harding faces as a drummer in a two-man band.

“I think there’s more pressure on the drummer in that situation to be interesting, as far as showmanship goes — but I think drummers like that,” Lucas said. “Not every drummer wants to be put in the back and forgotten about.”

Formed in Zion, Ill., Local H gave a nod to its roots with “Straight Outta Zion” — a Blu-ray concert video released last summer.

Lucas is able to give his duo’s original material a fuller sound by covering both guitar and bass through an extra pickup on his guitar. He said the trick is to “sort of treat the bottom strings of the guitar as if it were a bass.”

Also known as Rock the House 4: Rock Around the Block, the festive fundraiser in Valparaiso is counting on the drawing power of Local H to bolster monies raised for the Memorial Opera House, which can be contacted for information on balcony pricing for the duo’s show.

The Local H concert is intended for those 16 and older.

In concert, Lucas favors a gritty tune.

“I like playing ‘That’s What They All Say,’ ” he said.

“Our goal is to raise about $8,000 off of this, between $8,000 and $10,000,” said Scot MacDonald, business director for the Memorial Opera House. “We utilize the funds raised to help with operation costs. One year it helped purchase new microphones and speakers.”

Aside from music and food, Rock the House 4 has other offerings. “People will be able to take tours of the courthouse square,” said MacDonald, also citing tours of “new museum space” and “activities for children” on the Porter County Museum lawn.

Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.