Emily Barnes Wins 2025 Hey Nonny Songwriting Contest with 'Comets'

The fourth annual Hey Nonny Songwriting Contest concluded with Emily Barnes securing first place for her original composition "Comets," earning a $1,000 prize and a performance opportunity at the renowned music 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 role as a cultural hub for emerging musical talent.

Three qualifying rounds preceded the final judging, where entries were evaluated by judges Jenny Bienemann, Robin Bienemann, and Erich Specht based on criteria including 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 were awarded commemorative trophies in recognition of their achievements.

Hey Nonny co-owner Chip Brooks expressed enthusiasm about the contest's growth, noting, "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," Nick Stuart's "Witch Hazel and Wildflowers," Dave Barrett's "Dance With Me," Aaron Newsome's "Dead Animal Bar," Mike Flood's "Scared to Be Brave," Aiden Burke's "Moments," and Blue Rose's "Life Is Short."

Ron Wittmeyer of the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer emphasized the importance of supporting artistic endeavors, 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." The law firm has backed the contest since its inception as part of its ongoing commitment to the local arts community, demonstrating how corporate partnerships can foster cultural vitality.

Hey Nonny, which operates as both a live music venue and bistro 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 performances by Chicago and touring acts. Recognized as one of the country's premier new "listening rooms," the venue provides an intimate setting for artists to connect with audiences. For more information about Hey Nonny, visit https://HeyNonny.com. Details about the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer are available at https://InjuryLawAttorneys.com.

The contest's impact extends beyond the winners, offering exposure and performance opportunities that can propel local musicians' careers. By providing a platform for original work, Hey Nonny and its sponsors help sustain the songwriting ecosystem, encouraging artistic innovation and community engagement. Such initiatives highlight how venues and businesses can collaborate to enrich cultural landscapes, potentially influencing similar efforts in other regions and supporting the broader music industry's growth.