Hey Nonny Introduces New Nightcap Series

Restaurants - and music venues - must evolve with their audience. Arlington Heights hotspot Hey Nonny sees a developing late-night crowd in town and has a plan to serve them with its new free live music Nightcap series.

Kicking off in this month (August), the new concept adds free live music to the bistro side of the enterprise every Friday and Saturday from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m.

A lifelong Arlington Heights resident, Hey Nonny co-owner Chip Brooks has done a lot of research for shows he produced on the history of music in town as well as his celebrated retrospective on The Cellar, a bustling teen club that brought now-legendary acts to Arlington Heights. His knowledge was further influenced by entries into Hey Nonny's annual songwriting contest in which songs must be about local Arlington Heights surroundings and experiences.

"We have a rich history with music in this community, but I've come to really see an evolution on the dining side as well," said Brooks. "We think that Arlington Heights has arrived as a dining and entertainment destination and that there are lots of people looking for a fun place to be later in the evening, so we want those people at Hey Nonny."

The Nightcap series will mostly feature singer-guitar players doing some originals and covers of popular songs, but in true Hey Nonny fashion will include a variety of acts including duos, piano players and even a harp player.

Now recognized as one of the top small music venues in the Midwest, the Hey Nonny team has developed relationships with lots of great musicians, and Brooks said they are eager to show them off in this new Nightcap series.

"Walk down Campbell and Vail at 6 p.m. on any night, but especially weekend nights, and Hey Nonny and most of our peers are hustling to serve capacity crowds. But there is a certain group of patrons who like a later dinner, not unlike what you might find in River North or other Chicago hot spots. Chef Noe and team are ready to meet their dining demands as well but it's just natural for us to add a little something extra with the Nightcap performers."

For details on the new series, or any other dining or music option at Hey Nonny, visit www.heynonny.com.

Hey Nonny is a bistro and music venue located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights. The bistro, helmed by Chef Noe, serves an array of fresh seasonal Midwestern comfort-food-with-a-twist and a seasonally changing menu. The music venue is one of the best new "listening rooms" in the country, and hosts live music six days a week, featuring the best Chicago and touring acts playing jazz, blues, country, folk, and rock.