At The Drive-In is a musical time capsule of the late 1950s and early ’60s, featuring some of the biggest hits of the era — beach tunes, teen idol ballads, and good old rock ‘n’ roll – performed on a stage transformed into a nostalgic drive-in, complete with period cars!

Fabian hosts an unprecedented lineup — Jan & Dean in their farewell concert tour, Bobby Vee and The Vees, The Surfaris, The Rip Chords, Chris Montez, Merrilee Rush, Ray Peterson, The Orlons, Dodie Stevens and the late Rick Nelson’s twin sons, The Nelsons.

At The Drive-In plays like a living jukebox for a generation, and the audience only stops dancing in the aisles long enough to grant standing ovations to The Orlons’ “Wah Watusi,” and “Don’t Hang Up;” Ray Peterson’s poignant rendition of “Tell Laura I Love Her;” Chris Montez’s performance of “Let’s Dance” and The Nelsons’ stirring tribute medley of their father’s “Garden Party,” “Travelin’ Man,” “It’s Late,” and “Hello Mary Lou.” The reverberating drums of The Surfaris’ “Wipe Out” wash over the crowd; Bobby Vee and The Vees recall the perfect Saturday night date soundtrack with a set including “Take Good Care of My Baby,” “Devil or Angel,” and “(The) Night Has A Thousand Eyes;” Merrilee Rush triggers a flood of memories with showstopping renditions of “Be My Baby” and “Angel of the Morning;” The Rip Chords reunite for “409″ and “Hey Little Cobra;” and Dodie Stevens still epitomizes teen romance with “(Tan Shoes and) Pink Shoe Laces.”

If At The Drive-In is the ultimate showcase of the “Surf City” sound, the emotional peak is Jan & Dean’s song set ­ “Surf City,” “Little Deuce Coupe,” “Dead Man’s Curve,” “Little Old Lady from Pasadena,” “Sidewalk Surfin’,” and “Surfin’ USA” ­ capturing one of the defining groups of their time in one of their last performances on the duo’s farewell tour.

At The Drive-In was taped in August 2003 at Bass Concert Hall at The University of Texas Performing Arts Center in Austin, Texas. The special premiered nationwide on PBS stations December 2003.