Melissa Adams is a Chicago-based singer/songwriter whose style ranges from the sweet and melodic to the downright irreverent. Her songs are folky-bluesy-country-jazzy-funny-happy-sad. She calls herself genre-challenged. Her fans, friends and family call her "hard to pin down," but that's not always an editorial about her music! Her voice is captivating and earthy. Her guitar style is adept. Her "10-year old little boy hands" seem to overcome their size with her fancy finger- picking and snazzy licks. ("Like munchkins doing a fast dance" -- Selia Qynn) She has opened for the likes of Kim Richey, Shake Russell and Willis Alan Ramsey.

She testifies that the birthplace of her music is most definitely Texas, where she spent 12 years prior to returning to her native Chicago. She claims Houston as her 2nd home and performs there from time to time. In Houston, she gained a reputation for hosting some of the best "in the round" type songwriter gigs. Many in the Houston songwriter community will tell you that she's been instrumental in getting their music heard. As much as she enjoys the spotlight, she takes great pleasure in "sharing the shine" whenever she can.

In addition to her solo performances, she functions as the lead vocalist for Chicago-based band, Separate Checks featuring Jeff Carlson (bass), Rick Collura (drums) and Keith LaPiana (guitar). Her Houston ensemble projects have included recording and performance stints w/Stephen Jamail, Loky and as supporting cast for various notable Texas singer/songwriters.

Her debut CD, "Firefly," was released on June 9, 2000 and has enjoyed radio airplay in the U.S. and abroad. Melissa released her second album, "In My Eyes" in June 2002. The CD Release Party, held at Ovations in Houston was celebrated with a full house of new and old Houston-area fans. Melissa has also earned slots on several compilation projects, out of both Houston and Chicago. Melissa's music has received airplay on several radio stations, in the U.S. and abroad, including: KPFT 90.1 FM Houston, TX, KFAN 107.9 FM Fredricksburg, TX, WLUW 88.7 FM Chicago, IL. Twice in a row, Melissa (w/Stephen Jamail) has helped to put Pat & Rosie's Nightsounds over the top of their subscription goals.

In her secret other lives, Melissa is a mother, wife, real estate agent and web designer.