The fourth annual Hey Nonny Songwriting Contest concluded with Emily Barnes taking first place for her original song "Comets," earning $1,000 and a performance slot at the venue. The contest, sponsored by the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, drew dozens of local songwriters to the Hey Nonny stage in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights. This event underscores the importance of supporting emerging artists through competitive platforms that provide both financial rewards and performance exposure.
Three qualifying rounds led to the final, where judges Jenny Bienemann, Robin Bienemann and Erich Specht evaluated entries on originality, structure, harmony, and lyrics. Brandon Reisdorf placed second with "The Worst Way We Could Go," receiving $400, while Val Leventhal took third with "Fine Red Wine," receiving $300. All three finalists received commemorative trophies. The contest's growth reflects its significance in the local arts scene, with Hey Nonny co-owner Chip Brooks noting, "We got over 180 entries, and lots of them were great!"
Qualifying rounds showcased 12 finalists, including Risa Kopp & her daughter with "Night Likes to Hold On," The Black and Blue Hearts with "Heart Burn Blues," and Nick Stuart with "Witch Hazel and Wildflowers." Other participants included Dave Barrett, Aaron Newsome, Mike Flood, Aiden Burke, and Blue Rose. The diversity of entries highlights the contest's role in encouraging a wide range of musical styles and themes, from folk to blues and beyond.
Ron Wittmeyer of the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer emphasized the contest's broader implications, stating, "We love supporting the songwriting community, and we hope our involvement provides some motivation for all you songwriters to continue writing and exploring new musical ideas." This sponsorship is part of the firm's ongoing commitment to the local arts community, reinforcing how corporate support can nurture creative endeavors. For more information about Hey Nonny, visit https://HeyNonny.com, and for details on the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, visit https://InjuryLawAttorneys.com.
Hey Nonny, a live music venue and bistro, has hosted the contest since its inception, giving songwriters a stage to share new work with engaged audiences. The venue, now under new chef Tim Vidrio, serves an array of fresh seasonal Midwestern dishes and hosts live music six days a week, featuring the best Chicago and touring acts playing jazz, blues, country, folk, and rock. By providing a dedicated space for performances, Hey Nonny helps sustain the local music ecosystem, making events like this contest vital for artistic development and community engagement.
