Sinatra fever is set to hit Queenstown with the announcement today that the rat pack will be unleashed during the ASB Queenstown Jazz Festival, Jazzfest Trust trustee Alan Nelson said.

Picked as one of the hot nights in a packed festival line-up, Sinatra Lives will have the Millennium Ballroom jumping big time.

"We are talking about an 18-piece black tie orchestra under the musical direction of the legendary Rodger Fox, together with four of New Zealand's leading vocalists playing smash hits from the era of decadence, democrats and mafia muscle," Mr Nelson said.

The evening will conjure up memories of the hugely talented entertainer and his notorious cohorts including Humphrey Bogart, Judy Garland, Dean Martin, Lauren Bacall, Sammy Davis Junior.

"The show has been a sell-out in the North Island and we are absolutely thrilled that we had the chance to bring it south for the festiva," Mr Nelson said.

Vocalists Erna Ferry, Ray Woolf, Grant Chilcott and David Feehan will rekindle the glory days of the legend of Sinatra.

"This is one night that will really capture people's imaginations and transport them to a Las Vegas club in the height of the rat pack reign. I think all age groups can relate to that," Mr Nelson said.

Dressing for the occasion was mandatory.

The 'Sinatra Night' will be held on Saturday 20 October.

Festival tickets will be on sale from TicketDirect or i-Site on the corner of Shotover and Camp Streets from Monday.

The nine-day festival which will be officially launched today (Friday) will kick-off with a spectacular free opening concert at Earnslaw Park, Queenstown on October 14.

ENDS

For Further information please contact Alan Nelson on (03) 442 7679 or 0274 821 562

By: Tamah