‘Comets’ soars to victory in Hey Nonny songwriting contest

Emily Barnes’ original song “Comets” won the fourth annual Hey Nonny Songwriting Contest, earning the contemporary folk singer-songwriter a $1,000 prize and a performance slot at the downtown Arlington Heights venue.

The contest, which took place in August and September, drew more than 180 entries across a variety of musical genres and themes. In the first three years of the contest, songs had to have something to do with the Northwest suburbs — think “Penny Lane” by The Beatles — but Hey Nonny co-owner Chip Brooks decided to loosen the parameters this year.

After the Aug. 13 deadline for entries, Brooks and his team narrowed the list to a top 40, then invited contestants to perform their songs live in front of audiences during preliminary rounds on Sept. 2, 9 and 16.

Four finalists from each night returned for the finals on Sept. 23, when a panel of judges, who are professional songwriters themselves, evaluated entries on originality, structure, harmony and lyrics.

After Barnes took the top spot with “Comets,” Brandon Reisdorf placed second with “The Worst Way We Could Go,” which came with a $400 prize. Val Leventhal came in third with “Fine Red Wine,” earning $300.

Arlington Heights personal injury attorney Ron Wittmeyer of the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, who has sponsored the contest since its launch, provided the prize money. The top three also received commemorative trophies.

“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,” Wittmeyer said in an announcement of the contest winners.