PHOTOS: Winner of Singer-Songwriter Contest

Maria Dontas of North Caldwell came out the winner of the first Essex Singer-Songwriter Competition sponsored by The Modern Music Academy in Montclair.

The event, which took place Sunday night at Just Jake's, was aimed at benefiting local charities while also giving a boost to the careers of some budding area musicians. 

Eight fabulous finalists were initially whittled down to a final four—Dontas as well as Ron Vreeland of Franklin, Jon Provan-West of Caldwell, and Joe Ghermann of Kearny.

They came out ahead over Steve Lovell of Newark, Kayla Correa of Clifton, Maya Bensalem of Montclair, and Vern Lee of Montclair.

Proceeds from Sunday night's grand finale will go to five area non-profits—YMCA of Montclair, the NECC, Parents Who Rock, Toni's Kitchen, and Zimm's Fund.

Sunday's competition had been weeks in the making.

Earlier this year, The Modern Music Academy, which opened at 129 Grove Street in December, asked budding songwriters to apply by June 1 for the chance to record a three-song EP with Jarrett Zellea, a two-time Grammy Award-winning producer, a prize valued at over $6,000.

Additional prizes from sponsors—as well as producing sessions, recording sessions, and music lessons—also were announced.

Contestants were asked to video themselves singing an original song. That led to a recent semi-final contest at Whole Foods.

“The contest serves as an opportunity for local singer/songwriters to gain exposure and have valuable producing time,” said Zellea, co-director and producer at The Modern Music Academy.

So congrats to Dontas and all the other finalists!