The fourth annual Hey Nonny Songwriting Contest concluded with Emily Barnes securing first place for her original song "Comets," earning $1,000 and a performance slot at the Arlington Heights venue. The competition, sponsored by the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, attracted dozens of local songwriters to the Hey Nonny stage in downtown Arlington Heights, reinforcing the venue's commitment to nurturing artistic expression. This event matters because it provides tangible support and recognition for emerging musicians in an industry where opportunities for exposure and financial reward are often limited.
Three qualifying rounds preceded the final judging, where entries were evaluated by judges Jenny Bienemann, Robin Bienemann, and Erich Specht based 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," earning $300. All three finalists received commemorative trophies, underscoring the contest's role in validating artistic efforts. Hey Nonny co-owner Chip Brooks noted the high caliber of submissions, stating, "This year's contest was amazing. We got over 180 entries, and lots of them were great!"
The qualifying rounds featured 12 finalists, including Risa Kopp & her daughter performing "Night Likes to Hold On," The Black and Blue Hearts with "Heart Burn Blues," Bruce Wilson II's "Sunset," and Nick Stuart's "Witch Hazel and Wildflowers." Additional performers included Dave Barrett ("Dance With Me"), Aaron Newsome ("Dead Animal Bar"), Mike Flood ("Scared to Be Brave"), Aiden Burke ("Moments"), and Blue Rose ("Life Is Short"). This diversity of participants highlights the contest's importance in showcasing a wide range of musical styles and voices, potentially influencing local cultural trends and inspiring other venues to host similar events.
Ron Wittmeyer of the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer emphasized the sponsorship's motivational impact, stating, "We love supporting the songwriting community, and we hope our involvement in the Hey Nonny Songwriting Contest provides some motivation for all you songwriters to continue writing and exploring new musical ideas." This support is part of the firm's ongoing commitment to the local arts community, demonstrating how corporate partnerships can bolster creative ecosystems. For more information about Hey Nonny, visit HeyNonny.com, and for details on the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, visit InjuryLawAttorneys.com.
Hey Nonny, a live music venue and bistro now under new chef Tim Vidrio, serves fresh seasonal Midwestern dishes and hosts live music six days a week, featuring jazz, blues, country, folk, and rock acts. Described as one of the best new "listening rooms" in the country, the venue has hosted the contest since its inception, providing songwriters a platform to share new work with engaged audiences. The contest's implications extend beyond the winners, as it fosters a supportive environment for artistic risk-taking, potentially leading to broader recognition for participants and strengthening the local music scene's vitality.
