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Hot rods, rockabilly and classic horror flicks: Steeltown Shakedown revs up the Twin Hi-Way Drive-In

What happens when historic hot rods, retro rockabillly bands and zombie loving freaks converge on one of Pittsburgh's finest, and first, drive-in movie theaters? You've got a smokin' hot recipe for chasing those end-of-summer-blues away and a guaranteed anything-goes good time.

Dubbed Pittsburgh's largest rockabilly and blues car show, the Drifters Car Club-sponsored Steeltown Shakedown promises to transform the recently rehabbed confines of McKees Rocks' Twin Hi-Way Drive-In into a gathering of retro rod-sters and pop culture enthusiasts.
 
Start off with a Friday night pre-party at Butya's, a mom-and-pop tavern run by the very family who originally ran the adjacent Twin, and still owns its hallowed grounds. Pop culture guru DJ Zombo will be on hand to provide an apt soundtrack to the two-day shakedown.

Saturday's rain or shine, all day and all of the night fest features an impressive lineup of surf and rockabilly bands alongside a dizzying array of hotrods, from turquoise Thunderbirds, flame-adorned Buicks and '31 Ford sedans. And don't forget eye-popping entertainment by flame artists, a pinup contest and sets by Ms. Freddye and the Blues Faze Band, the Surf Zombies and The Legendary Hucklebucks.

Fans of classic horror won't want to miss the after-dark showing of Creature from the Black Lagoon on the drive-in's massive, and one of the country's largest, screen tower. Event wrangler is none other than Professor Emcee Square of the zombie-themed It's Alive Show. Even local indie craft collective I Made It! Market is getting in on the action, with a vendor fair complete with few-of-a-kind homespun wares.

It's worth the trip to check out the fabulous Twin, which rests atop one of Allegheny County’s highest points. Opened in 1950, during America's full-on love affair with drive-in movie theaters, the Twin was recently ressurected by its loyal new owners, who painstakingly recreated the theater's eye-catching neon sign, a beacon for the local community.

So roll up those demins and party like it's 1959.