Des Larson of Courtenay is looking to place one spot better when he competes Monday in the semi-finals of the PNE Star Showdown, where he finished second last year.
The winner of Tuesday's final wins $10,000.
"This year there's a lot more prize money involved," said Larson, who won $2,000 and $7,500 in prizes for his 2011 performance at the annual fair in Vancouver.
The 22-year-old singer-songwriter has been described as a skilled guitarist with a natural showmanship, combining small-town charm with urban appeal. His music is roots rock with a hint of reggae. He has a new song called My Love on iTunes which has received regular air play on local radio stations.
A 2012 Vancouver Island Music Award finalist for Male Vocalist of the Year, Larson attributes his artistic abilities to growing up near the beach by the Powell River ferry.
"The beach is one of those places where you get to be free; there's no parents around," he said. "I never really grew out of being a kid. Music's my soul time."
Before the PNE show, Larson performs at 8 p.m. this Saturday on the mainstage at the Big Time Out in Cumberland.
The following weekend, he is at the Vancouver Island ArtistFest in Honeymoon Bay, where he will headline with Vince Vaccaro and Mindil Beach Markets.
To follow Larson, visit itunes.com/deslarson or deslarson.ca.
reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com