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 slot at the Arlington Heights venue. Sponsored by the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, the competition attracted dozens of local songwriters to Hey Nonny, a bistro and music venue recognized as one of the country's premier new "listening rooms" that hosts live music six days a week. The event underscores the importance of local arts support, providing a platform for emerging musicians to showcase their work and gain recognition.

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 finalists received commemorative trophies, reflecting the contest's commitment to celebrating artistic achievement. Hey Nonny co-owner Chip Brooks noted the high caliber of entries, stating, "We got over 180 entries, and lots of them were great!"

The qualifying rounds featured 12 finalists, including Risa Kopp and 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" in Round 1. Round 2 showcased Dave Barrett's "Dance With Me," Aaron Newsome's "Dead Animal Bar," and Emily Barnes's winning "Comets," while Round 3 included Mike Flood's "Scared to Be Brave," Aiden Burke's "Moments," and Blue Rose's "Life Is Short." This diverse lineup highlights the contest's role in nurturing a wide range of musical styles, from folk and blues to rock and country.

Ron Wittmeyer of the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer emphasized the sponsorship's broader impact, saying, "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 partnership, part of the law firm's ongoing commitment to the local arts community, demonstrates how corporate support can fuel cultural initiatives, benefiting both artists and the wider public. 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.

The contest's significance lies in its ability to amplify local talent in an era where independent artists often struggle for visibility. By offering cash prizes, performance opportunities, and public recognition, events like this encourage artistic innovation and community engagement. Hey Nonny, now under new chef Tim Vidrio, enhances this experience with its farm-to-table dining and seasonal Midwestern dishes, creating a holistic environment where music and culture thrive. As such competitions grow, they contribute to the vitality of local economies and cultural landscapes, reminding audiences of the power of grassroots artistic endeavors.