Nicholas McCarthy Inspires the Cleveland State Community

Andrea Byerly
Wednesday, February 28, 2024 12:00 AM
Press Releases, All, Events, Community

CLEVELAND, TN - Cleveland State Community College Foundation recently hosted An Evening with Nicholas McCarthy. Presented by the Bank of Cleveland, 125 community members attended the event and raised $70,000 for the Foundation which provides support for the college and hundreds of scholarships to students each year.

Nicholas McCarthy was born without his right hand and rose above many obstacles to study at the Royal College of Music in London. He is the only one-handed pianist to graduate from this prestigious school in its 130-year history. Performing around the world in some of the most prestigious concert halls, McCarthy’s performances, recordings and media features have gained him critical acclaim.

While in town for the event, McCarthy performed for residents at Morning Pointe Senior Living on Shallowford Road and for students at the Unity Center afterschool program. On Friday, McCarthy shared his story and performed for more than 800 middle and high school students from Cleveland State’s five-county service area.

The “Evening With” series started in 2022 with Archie Manning. Basketball legend Tamika Catchings was the guest in 2023. The Foundation will host An Evening with Scott Hamilton in 2025. An Olympic gold medalist in figure skating and a cancer survivor, Hamilton has over 70 titles, awards and honors. Tickets will be available for this event in the fall.