Lewis Brice Kicks Off 2025 With A Marathon Set At Hey Nonny!

On a crisp evening in Arlington Heights, Illinois, music enthusiasts gathered at Hey Nonny to witness a concert that promised to be an intimate and heartfelt experience. Lewis Brice, a seasoned performer with over 15 years of history in the Chicago area, took to the stage armed only with his guitar, ready to connect deeply with his audience. With almost nine months having passed since the birth of his daughter, Brice seemed to carry with him a renewed sense of passion and purpose, setting the tone for an evening filled with authentic storytelling and musical prowess.

Photo By: Mark Welsh / Daily Herald

Hey Nonny, located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, offers an experience that is as unique as its name. With a nod to Old English songs and the concept of Hey Nonny Nonny as a state of cheerful bliss, the venue lives up to its moniker by providing patrons with two distinct experiences. The Bistro room boasts an eclectic menu featuring Midwestern comfort food crafted by the friendly Chef Noe, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for dining. Meanwhile, the Venue room, with a capacity of 150, provides an intimate listening room experience, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the music. On this particular night, the Venue room was filled with anticipation as Lewis Brice prepared to share his artistry.

All Photos By: Aaron R. Shriver Photography

As Lewis Brice stepped onto the stage, the room erupted into a warm welcome. The familiarity between the artist and the audience was palpable, a testament to his longstanding relationship with the Chicago area. This time, however, Brice opted for a stripped-down set, performing solo with just his guitar. This decision brought a new level of intimacy to the performance, allowing each lyric and chord to resonate more profoundly with those in attendance.

Lewis Brice's setlist was a journey through his musical evolution, with each song offering a glimpse into his life and experiences. He kicked off the evening with Product Of, a song he collaborated on with his brother Lee, which had previously reached the top 60 on the charts. The heartfelt Thanks For The Heartbreak, co-written with the late Kyle Jacobs, followed, showcasing Brice's ability to convey deep emotion through his music.

He took the audience back to his beginnings with Alabama, the first song he ever penned with his brother, and continued with Love Don't Fool Me Again, a song cut by his co-writer Nick Norman. Brice shared anecdotes about his early days in Key West, a place that holds significance in his musical journey. While most Singer/Songwriters cut their teeth on Broadway in Nashville, Lewis was in the Keys.

As the evening continued, Lewis shared anecdotes that connected him with the crowd, like the time he found himself in handcuffs and only knew his ex's phone number, leading into his song Best Ex Ever. Brice's latest record, Product Of, released in 2023, was a focal point of the evening as he showcased tracks like Goodbye Beer. True to form, Lewis sprinkled a few covers throughout his set but mostly treated fans to his original work. John Mayer's Why Georgia was the first cover of the evening, followed by Songs In The Kitchen, a song written by Lee Brice that mentions Lewis. Despite a pact to never learn each other’s songs, they perform it together on tour, showcasing their brotherly bond.

“I Really appreciate being able to play my songs for y’all, it’s like playing a few minute clips of my life”

Amidst the familiar tunes, Brice treated the audience to a sneak peek of an unreleased song, Nascar Fast, before diving into his third cover of the night, Hemorrhage by Fuel, a song that holds nostalgic value for him from high school days. In a nostalgic twist, he revisited Messin' With My Mind, a song he hadn't performed in a while but found himself effortlessly connecting with.

As the evening progressed, Brice introduced new songs that hinted at potential future hits. She Likes My Country, set for release in March, had a catchy, infectious quality, while Dying To Dance With You, penned by his sister-in-law, showcased his diverse musical influences. Looking ahead, Brice expressed his determination to release new music in 2025, leaving the audience eagerly anticipating what's to come.

The final stretch of Brice's set was a testament to his ability to captivate an audience. It's You (I've Been Looking For), co-written with Niko Moon and boasting over 30 million Spotify streams, had the crowd singing along. First Time, a song that held personal significance as his first dance at his wedding, followed, evoking a sense of nostalgia and romance.

One of the most powerful moments of the night came with Shadow, typically a piano ballad, but reimagined acoustically for this performance. The room fell silent, and Brice held the audience in the palm of his hand, each note resonating deeply. As the set drew to a close, he delivered fan favorites like Blessed, Together, Summertime Vibes, and Livin', leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.

After an impressive 107-minute set comprising 20 songs, the crowd was left wanting more, a testament to the emotional connection Lewis Brice forged throughout the evening. Despite the venue beginning to clear the stage, the audience's desire for an encore lingered, underscoring the impact of Brice's performance. With a marathon of mostly original music and only three covers, Brice demonstrated his prowess as a singer-songwriter and his dedication to sharing his journey with his fans.

Click The Image Above For The Full Lewis Brice Photo Gallery

Hey Nonny provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of heartfelt music, offering an intimate space that allowed Brice's authenticity and talent to shine. For those seeking a genuine musical experience, Lewis Brice is an artist who should be on your must-see list. As he continues to evolve and create, there's no doubt that his future endeavors will be met with the same warmth and enthusiasm that filled the Venue room on this memorable night in Arlington Heights.

For More On Lewis Brice Check Out His Website

Make Sure To See A Show Soon At Hey Nonny

Lewis Brice Set-List

Product Of

Thanks For The Heartbreak

Alabama

Love Don’t Fool Me Again

Best Ex Ever

Goodbye Beer

Why Georgia (John Mayer Cover)

Songs In The Kitchen (Lee Brice Cover)

Nascar Fast

Hemorrhage (Fuel Cover)

Messin’ With My Mind

She Likes My Country

Dying To Dance With You

It’s You (I’ve Been Looking For)

First Time

Shadow

Blessed

Together

Summertime Vibes

Livin’