SHOALHAVEN High School student Liam Maihi is set to dazzle audiences when he performs at the 2009 Schools Spectacular at the Sydney Entertainment Centre in late November.

The talented 18-year-old performer from Sussex Inlet has secured a featured role in the world’s largest youth variety extravaganza, which celebrates its 26th anniversary this year.

This year’s theme, Reaching Out, will see more than 3000 NSW public school students aged five to 19 in a stunning display of colour, movement and music inspired by Australian life.

This year marks his first appearance at the Schools Spectacular as a featured artist and he will be singing solos, including Let It Be by The Beatles, Motown tune Reach Out and O Saya from the Slum Dog Millionaire soundtrack.

The HSC Pathways student plays guitar, bass, drums and keyboard as well as singing and song writing – with that kind of repertoire you’d be forgiven for thinking he has been playing from birth.

Mr Maihi, however, began his musical endeavours just three years ago with the guitar.

“Then I fell into singing about two and a half years ago. I was playing drums for a friend in a band – he needed a singer and told me I had no choice,” he said.

Mr Maihi is now a recognised face around town; he performs in many local haunts and has also featured in musicals, regional ensembles and Southern Stars.

His main influences are Matchbox 20, Jason Mraz, John Mayer and Michael Buble and their soulful sounds inspire his song writing, which is mostly acoustic reggae folk music and contemporary pop.

He pens songs inspired by the world, problems and girls.

Mr Maihi said that although he loved playing, he had no grand plans for fame and fortune.

This laid-back attitude is reflected in his music, which he hopes audiences will find relaxing and chilled out.

Despite some nerves about the Schools Spectacular, he expects the event to be great fun and a huge success.

Schools Spectacular 2009 will be staged at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on Friday, November 27 at 1pm and 8pm and Saturday, November 28 at 2pm and 8pm.

Tickets, which are on sale through Ticketmaster, are $59 for adults and $38 for students and concessions.