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

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 annual competition represents a significant commitment to nurturing local artistic talent and providing emerging musicians with professional performance opportunities.

Three qualifying rounds led to the final competition, 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 in recognition of their artistic achievements. The contest's growing popularity was evident in the record number of submissions, with Hey Nonny co-owner Chip Brooks noting, "This year's contest was amazing. We got over 180 entries, and lots of them were great!"

The qualifying rounds showcased twelve finalists across three preliminary competitions. Round 1 featured Risa Kopp & her daughter performing "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 included 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 composition "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."

Ron Wittmeyer of the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer emphasized the importance of supporting creative communities, 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 sponsorship reflects a broader commitment to cultural development within the local community. For more information about Hey Nonny, visit HeyNonny.com.

Hey Nonny, a live music venue and bistro now under new chef Tim Vidrio, has hosted the contest since its inception, giving songwriters a professional stage to share new work with engaged audiences. The venue serves an array of fresh seasonal Midwestern dishes and features a seasonally changing menu while maintaining its reputation as one of the country's premier "listening rooms" that hosts live music six days a week. The Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer has supported the contest since its launch as part of an ongoing commitment to the local arts community. For additional information about the law firm, visit InjuryLawAttorneys.com.