Hey Nonny Songwriting Contest winner announced at sold-out show

Three local songwriters took home top honors in the 2023 Hey Nonny Songwriting Contest. The second annual challenge took off where the inaugural event left off with performers sharing their works before a sold-out crowd at the Arlington Heights music venue.

The $1,000 first prize was awarded to James Moore for his composition "Roots (Coming Home)." "Train to Chicago," earned writer Caroline York runner-up honors, while third place went to the team of Kim Schaefer and Keith Banaszak for the tune "Oak & Vine." Songs had to relate to locations or experiences in or around the Northwest Suburbs.

"We had a blast with this contest again this year," said Hey Nonny co-owner Chip Brooks. "There is so much talent and creativity in this community. It was great to see it on display and we can't wait to tap into it further."

Along with the top prize, Moore will also get the chance to showcase his talent and creativity with a live set on the Hey Nonny stage.

After Hey Nonny staff members selected finalists, a panel of expert judges rolled up their sleeves and took on the task of choosing the winning songs. The judging panel included Jenny Bienemann, a noted performer, songwriter, poet, and author, last year's contest winner Sean Heffernan, and Erich Specht, who has written songs for three albums for his band Push Puppets. Finalists performed their songs live for the judges and a packed house at Hey Nonny.

"We have to thank our sponsor, the Law Office of R. L. Wittmeyer for making it all happen again this year," said Brooks. "We've built a thriving community of music lovers and artists here and this contest is a way of celebrating new and exciting music. I can't wait to hear what songs will be submitted next year."

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.