The up and coming youth band K-OS is among the headlining acts that will be featured in the East Carolina Star Search grand finale.

The June 7 talent competition, which will be played out on the stage of the historic Turnage Theater in downtown Washington, is a fundraising endeavor benefiting Eagle’s Wings, a local food pantry.

Debbie Adams, interim executive director of Eagle’s Wings, is pleased to have several acts comprised of young performers participating in the talent competition.

“I have had the benefit of seeing the bios of all of the acts,” Adams said. “The audience will be pleasantly surprised to hear the outstanding young talent and refreshed to learn about their hearts and ambitions.”

Hailing from Washington High School, P.S. Jones Middle School and Chocowinity Middle School, the members of K-OS range in age from 11 to 15 years old. They are Kendall Smith, bass, back up and lead singer; Connor Smith, guitar and lead singer; Greyson Schmitt, lead guitar and back up vocalist; Caleb Petty, drums; and Zack Pagnani, keyboard.

The band was founded in July 2012 and its members enjoy playing a wide range of music, from country to punk rock. The band’s moniker (pronounced “Chaos”) stands for Kids Over Stimulated.

Only three members were on hand for the Star Search auditions in April, but all say they plan to compete in the final round.

The young musicians are already making names for themselves. They gave a Relay for Life benefit concert at Southside High School earlier this year, and other gigs have included an Angles N Camo event in Greenville, Pink Flamingo 5K Run and a fundraising event at Northeast Elementary School. They’ve also performed for Chocowinity’s Raised In A Barn Farm festivals, Music In The Streets in Washington and Beaufort County Community College’s Gull Fest in April. They hope to perform during the upcoming Washington Summer Festival and the Independence Day celebration in Belhaven.

The boys say they are literally a “garage band” since their rehearsal space is at each other’s homes. They added they have enjoyed bonding with other young Star Search performers and have become Facebook friends with several of them.

East Carolina Star Search is co-directed by Adams and Janet Cox. The talent showcase is presented by Eagle’s Wings and Le MoulinRouge de Danse. Cash prizes for the top three finalists are donated by Lee Chevrolet and F. Ray Moore Propane. First place receives $1,000. Second and third prize winners will be awarded $500 and $250, respectively.

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.