Biography
Kevin McCarthy
Singer, Songwriter, Professional Musician, & Entertainer
Inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame in 2009, and an award-winning entertainer, songwriter, and touring musician, Kevin McCarthy is one of the most sought after solo acts in the northeast. Kevin has performed thousands of shows and has thrilled audiences all over the United States & eastern Canada. Kevin just finished a tour playing numerous shows in the summer of 2018.
Playing acoustic and singing with his own unique professional backing tracks, his show features state-of-the-art computer, lights, and BOSE PA system which allows for a pleasant, dynamic, and full band sound.
For his educational concerts, Kevin is an ideal role model. He has the ability to relate to, and inspire young people, by combining the key messages of his programs with his talent and unique experiences – not only as a professional musician but also a father, a high school coach (7 years high school football coach at Lancaster High School), and as a wellness educator.
For the past 7 years, Kevin has been an active partner with a large HMO in WNY – Independent Health. He has performed for a number of events for them including events for their Fitness For Kids Challenge program. This program partners with the Buffalo Bill and Play60. Kevin is a member of the Young Audiences national organization chapters – Young Audiences of WNY and the Rochester RAC.
With his youthful & fresh approach, Kevin draws in young people with his huge range of diverse popular music – from current and familiar songs to the classics – and leaves a lasting impression on all who attend. Kevin’s main goal with his school shows is to build enthusiasm and generate excitement for learning.
Kevin is a fully insured, full-time entertainer, and a member of the National Association of Mobile Entertainers. He performs for many of the top events & family shows in WNY including Darien Lake, Dashes for Dads, Thursday at the Square, Canalside, First Night Bufffalo, Taste of Buffalo, Buffalo Zoo, AM Buffalo, Tonawanda Winterfest, Buffalo Irish Festival, Youth Concert Series at Eastern Hills Mall, Allegany State Park and is a features entertainer for Young Audiences of WNY.
In 2012, Kevin opened for rock legend Rick Springfield on the main stage and the next year, played before Lianne Rimes on side-stage… both at the University at Buffalo Stadium. He was chosen as the Artist of Residence at Allegany State Park for years and played numerous shows at Darien Lake Theme Park in the summer of 2013.
In 2014 – 2018 , Kevin has continued to travel and perform in numerous states including Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Indiana, Pennsylvania, etc… and continues to be one of the busiest full-time music entertainers in Western New York! In the summer of 2018, Kevin played numerous shows in Ireland and in the fall of 2018, Kevin played a large event for the Buffalo Bills.
Kevin is a graduate of Lancaster High School and the University at Buffalo and finished a year of graduate classes at D’Youville College. He has been certified as a Personal Trainer by the American Council on Exercise, has his New State Coaching Certification, and is a graduate of the Dale Carnegie Course (human relations & public Speaking). He has been nominated and won numerous awards in including the Buffalo Music Awards where he is a 4-Time Winner, including twice voted Top Solo Performer of the Year. Kevin also was chosen to headline the Outfitter Tour which traveled throughout the USA. He feels very blessed to be living his dream and is extremely thankful for all the support he has received from family friends & fans.
Did you know? Kevin has played solo at many of the top events in Western New York and the United States. Buffalo’s Thursday in the Square, First Night Buffalo, Chicago’s New Convention Center, The Michigan 500, The Cleveland Air Show, Opening Day at Detroit’s Ford Field in Michigan, Livonia Spree in Michigan, Horseshoe in Saratoga Springs, NY at the Traverse, opened for Dave Mason in Seven Spring West Virginia, played before many nation acts including Rusted Root, Great Big Sea, Dave Mason, Cold Play, Lynard Skynard. Kevin has also recently played shows in Georgia, Alabama, & Florida. He also performed in the Bahamas and played on the Royal Caribbean Cruise line.
Kevin’s family and youth shows have expanded greatly in the past few years. His cutting-edge school assembly concerts consist of high-energy music, an amazing light show, and a large video screen. This, along with his character education messages, make for a memorable experience for all who attend. He has performed for some of the top school districts in NY & PA – including Williamsville, Clarence, Amherst, Ken-Ton, Cheektowaga, Alden, Perry, Cory, etc… and also for the top private schools in the area including Elmwood-Franklin, Nardin, OLV, and many more!
Kevin resides in East Amherst with his wife Natalie & 3 kids – Shea, Brennan, and Aiden. He feels very blessed to be able to sing & perform as his living for almost 20 years – special thanks to family, friends, & fans!