For James Nichols it took nothing more than the pure music from his guitar to land him a spot in the finals of East Carolina Star Search, a fundraiser for Eagle’s Wings food pantry.

Nicholls’ acoustic guitar performance of “Improvisation #2” by Django Reinhart earned him the judges’ nod as one of 15 acts chosen for the June 7 finale at the historic Turnage Theater in downtown Washington.

Nicholls began playing guitar 18 years ago at the tender age of 8.

“My aunt had a guitar and I picked it up and started playing,” he recalls. “Every kid, when he hears rock and roll, wants to pick up a guitar and do that.”

Over the years, Nicholls performed at a Washington area church and at events in Greenville. But Star Search is his first talent competition. Up until now, he mostly played for his own enjoyment and for family and friends.

“The main reason I entered was because I wanted to hear what my guitar sounded like on the Turnage stage,” he said with a smile. “That place is amazing.”

And as a part time music teacher, Nicholls added that “it would be nice if I can get some students from this.”

Born and raised in Washington, Nicholls is manager of Industry Printing, a family-owned business with clients located across the country and overseas. The job allows him time to hone his musical talent and pursue a sideline of repairing stringed instruments. In fact, he built the guitar he now plays.

While Nicholls plans to choose a different piece to perform during the Star Search finals, he admits he is partial to the song he played for the April 5 audition show.

“It’s one of my favorite pieces,” he said. “I play it all the time. I like to keep it simple, but I can be a flashy performer at times.

East Carolina Star Search is presented by Eagle’s Wings and Le Moulin Rouge de Danse. Cash prizes for the top three finalists are donated by Lee Chevrolet and F. Ray Moore Propane.

Tickets for the June 7 final competition may be purchased at Backwater Jacks, Russell’s Men’s Wear and the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, visit www.ecstarsearch.net.