Emily Barnes Wins 2025 Hey Nonny Songwriting Contest, Highlighting Local Arts Support
Emily Barnes claimed first place in the fourth annual Hey Nonny Songwriting Contest, showcasing the venue's commitment to nurturing local musical talent through community partnerships.
The fourth annual Hey Nonny Songwriting Contest concluded with Emily Barnes securing first place for her original composition "Comets," earning $1,000 and a performance opportunity at the acclaimed 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 importance of corporate-community partnerships in sustaining local arts ecosystems.
Three qualifying rounds preceded the final judging, where industry experts Jenny Bienemann, Robin Bienemann and Erich Specht evaluated entries based on originality, structure, harmony, and lyrical content. 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 recognizing their artistic achievements.
"This year's contest was amazing," said Hey Nonny co-owner Chip Brooks. "We received over 180 entries, and lots of them were great!" The substantial participation demonstrates growing interest in songwriting competitions as platforms for artistic exposure and professional development within the Chicago-area music scene.
The qualifying rounds featured twelve finalists showcasing diverse musical styles and themes. Round 1 included performances by Risa Kopp & her daughter with "Night Likes to Hold On," The Black and Blue Hearts with "Heart Burn Blues," Bruce Wilson II with "Sunset," and Nick Stuart with "Witch Hazel and Wildflowers." Round 2 featured Dave Barrett's "Dance With Me," Brandon Reisdorf's "The Worst Way We Could Go," Aaron Newsome's "Dead Animal Bar," and Emily Barnes's winning entry "Comets." Round 3 showcased Val Leventhal's "Fine Red Wine," Mike Flood's "Scared to Be Brave," Aiden Burke's "Moments," and Blue Rose's "Life Is Short."
The contest's significance extends beyond monetary awards, providing emerging artists with valuable performance experience at Hey Nonny, recognized as one of the country's premier new "listening rooms" that hosts live music six days weekly. The venue, now under new chef Tim Vidrio, complements its musical offerings with seasonal Midwestern cuisine, creating a holistic cultural experience for patrons. For more information about Hey Nonny, visit https://HeyNonny.com.
Ron Wittmeyer of the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer emphasized the sponsorship's broader purpose: "We love supporting the songwriting community, and we hope our involvement provides motivation for all songwriters to continue writing and exploring new musical ideas." This ongoing support reflects a strategic commitment to local arts development that benefits both artists and the community. Additional details about the law firm's community initiatives can be found at https://InjuryLawAttorneys.com.
Since its inception, Hey Nonny has hosted the contest as part of its mission to provide songwriters with professional stages to share new work with engaged audiences. The consistent partnership with the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer demonstrates how sustained corporate support can create meaningful opportunities for artistic growth while strengthening community cultural infrastructure. Such collaborations model effective private sector involvement in arts development, potentially influencing similar initiatives across other regions.