With 364 seats and 122 years of history, the Memorial Opera House makes for a destination in Valparaiso. Acting as a venue for concerts, theatrical events, presentations, public meetings, school plays, and graduations, losing the location would certainly be something to grieve over. Rock the House gives the Memorial Opera House the opportunity to bring the whole community together to both have fun and raise money for the historic landmark.
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“We are committed to bringing to the community the best music and events this area has to offer. The proceeds from this fundraiser will allow us to continue spotlighting history, our community, and the arts!” said Trinidad Snider, business director of the memorial opera house.
Derek DeRoo, a performer at the event, said, “I’ve fallen in love with this place. I fell in love with the people that work here, with the productions they put on. Anything that is helping to support that, I wanted to be a part of.”
Aubrey Van Meter, whose niece recently starred in Annie at the Memorial Opera House, said, “I came out today to support something my niece loved to be a part of. It’s awesome seeing such a wide range of talent, both young and old.”
Concerts start at noon and last till midnight, giving everyone time to come out and join in on the excitement. The line up includes:
Inside Stage
12pm HOT ROD HEATHENS
1pm CODE NAME
2pm LOST SOULS
3pm PERFECT STRANGERS
4pm DREAMZ
5pm BUCK DADDY
6pm STOP DROP REWIND
7pm SMOKING SUITS
8pm PHIL IN THE BLANKS
9pm DARREN ENLOE BAND
10pm ENERGY COMMISSION
Outside Stage
1:50pm THE REGION BOYS
2:50pm TERRY KLEMA
3:50pm TONI BORDELON/FREDDIE OLIVARRI
4:50pm JUSTIN ANDERSON
5:50pm JUSTIN SUMLER
6:50pm CHRIS GROVE of EDDY MONEY & BILLY O of SURVIVOR
On top of all the amazing musical talent, bars, food, and a vendors will also be present. Raffles for items including theater tickets, local restaurant items, and two guitars donated by Imagine Music and Ricci’s Landscape Management Inc. also add to the fun.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Couple tickets for $15 and VIP seating for $30 are also available.
Stacy Ruiz , front of house manager at the opera house, said, “People should come out to this event today because it’s a rockin’ good time. We have great bands here that are playing their hearts out to help us continue to be a part of the community.”
And you should certainly follow Stacy’s advice! Head on down to 104 Indiana Ave with your friends and family to enjoy an amazing afternoon and evening of music, all supporting a great cause.
Sponsors and donors include: Figure Eight Brewery, Guitar Center, Blackbird Cafe, South Bend Chocolate Factory, Aaland Diamond Jewelers, The Memorial Opera House Foundation, Flanagin's Bulk Mail Service, Rusthead Design, Albert Photographic Services, Valpo Vienna, Parea, Family Express, Porter County Expo Center, Boilermakers, Front Porch Music, Timbermasters, Vincent Hair Design, Silcotte Shoes, BRQ Quick Print, South Shore Orchestra, Gentle Fox Productions, A Spoonful of Magic Princess Parties, and Strack and Van Til.