Adam Varona
Acoustic Guitar, Vocals

Adam started his musical career in Napa, California with the young band Pornstar. The indie-pop group lasted two years, playing clubs and coffeehouses throughout the Bay Area. Their biggest achievement came in mid-2000, when they were asked to play a local music festival at San Francisco's Warfield. Not long after, the foursome dismantled and Adam moved to Sacramento, preparing to hone his solo skills in the local coffee shop and bar circuit. Within a few months, Adam was a fixture in the midtown scene, playing at the Fox and Goose and True Love Café with local poppers like Anton Barbeau, David Houston, Life is Bonkers and Squish the Bad Man.

By early-2003, Adam's debut acoustic EP "Adam the 18 Foot Guitar Player" had sold hundreds of copies locally and nationally, but friends and fans clamored for a fully-produced album. By April, Adam was in the studio with producer Dave Middleton recording "Coffee and Nirvana."

Upon first listen, "Coffee and Nirvana" sounds something like later-day Lemonheads fused with early Counting Crows. Adam has often been compared to Toad the Wet Sprocket, as well as Adam Duritz (of the Counting Crows) and Richard Ashcroft (formally of the Verve). With the help of drummer Mike Rofe and bassist/guitarist Dave Middleton, “Coffee and Nirvana” comes out with a sound all its own.

Adam has been playing the Sacramento valley (acoustic and with His Famous Celebrity Asses) since the release of "Coffee and Nirvana" to packed houses at the True Love Coffeehouse, Brick Coffeehouse, Fox & Goose, Owl Club, Java Cafe and others.

From the Davis Enterprise - 01/22/04 - by David Meyers
Adam Varona 'Coffee and Nirvana'

Given its status as something more than cow-town but less than city, Sacramento's low-fi, indie pop culture is at times nothing short of world-class. Some amazing hidden treasures can be found in the hallowed halls of the local coffeehouses, among them singer-songwriter Adam Varona.

With a voice akin to Counting Crows' Adam Duritz, and a stature akin to the King's Brad Miller, Varona's style is a great mix of north, south, east and west. All 10 tracks roll easily though the ears, and whether it's a catchy pop hook or a poignant exposition of the human condition, Varona and producer Dave Middleton (of local band Squishthebadman) have presented a regional product worthy of national attention.

Sadly, Varona plans to make his way to Manhattan sometime this summer, so be sure to seek him out now. And don't forget to grab some "Coffee and Nirvana" at the show.

Coffee & Nirvana, 2003

Available from artist and CDBaby