Fourteen locals will transform into popular music artists and perform at the Invercargill Christian Centre.
The audience and a panel of celebrity judges will decide who comes closest to the real artist.
Invercargill man Ian Wright, who will "become" Johnny Cash, said he was roped into the event by his wife.
"My wife apparently said I would do a great Johnny Cash."
He had sung in a couple of boy bands back in the day and has been the pastor for the past 30 years at the church where the event is being held.
"I’m not afraid of the venue and I guess I can carry a tune."
Despite "not being a flash guitarist", he planned to give it his best performing the Cash song Folsom Prison Blues.
He was a fan of Cash growing up and said he had a "great personal history, been a bit of a journey for him".
"I like the style that he sings in, like a poetic narrative . . . a storyteller by song."
Costumes were essential for the event and Mr Wright said his costume was already sorted, although a sacrifice would need to be made.
"I’ve had a wig made for me and apparently they’re going to dye some sideburns on me ... I have to lose my beard which I’ve had for years."
There had been a lot of nerves in the lead up to the event, he said.
"Now that I saw the line-up I want to have a sick day."
But he was willing to do it as it was for a good cause: "That’s all that matters".
One of Mr Wright’s friends is also performing at the event.
Kerry Hawkins, the principal of Waverley Park School, will be performing as Van Morrison.
He has been singing in rock bands since 1975 and, like Mr Wright, was volunteered for the event by his wife.
"My wife thought it’d be a good idea and it’s a good cause."
Morrison had been his favourite artist throughout his life and he said he could most easily emulate the artist’s style.
"I can sing a lot of Bruce Springsteen stuff too, but there’s no way in hell I’ll look like him."
Mr Hawkins said most of the clothes he needed were already in his wardrobe.
"[Van Morrison’s] got a very distinct style, particularly in the latter years, so that’s not too difficult to emulate."
He will be performing Brown Eyed Girl and hoped he could match Morrison’s style and phrasing.
"I’ll just settle for getting through without turning into some kind of train wreck."
The event will take place on Saturday, June 6, at 1.30pm and will include an auction and raffles.
