2022 - American Grands returns to the ECC Arts Center on Jan. 22

On Saturday, January 22, the Elgin Community College Arts Center presents the live return of American Grands, celebrating its 27^th year of performances. Pianists of all ages will gather for performances featuring music from recent movies, popular classic themes, Latin music, and more. Performance times are at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

In previous years, the event has featured almost 500 performers of all talents and age groups from throughout the area. Due to COVID-19, the number of performers has been scaled back to allow for socially-distanced performances.

Cordogan’s Pianoland of Geneva, Illinois, has sponsored the events since its inception and will be providing some of the pianos for the event. Stephanie Spolum, new Music Director of American Grands, is replacing longtime ECC music director Larry Dieffenbach who recently retired. Colin Holman will return as conductor.

“I have loved American Grands for as long as I have participated,” said Spolum. “This concert provides a unique opportunity for pianists to perform as an ensemble. I am happy and honored to be able to continue this yearly musical tradition, where students and teachers from more than 40 communities come together for a day of celebrating our mutual love that is piano.”

Tickets to American Grands are $26 for adults and $17 for children ages 12 and under. To purchase tickets, visit ECC Arts Center or by phone at 847-622-0300. ECC’s culinary arts program will be offering an American Grands buffet before each performance in the Spartan Terrace for $17.

For more information on American Grands, visit elgin.edu/americangrands. Questions can be directed to Spolum at americangrands@gmail.com.

The ECC Arts Center and Spartan Terrace are located in Building H on Elgin Community College’s Spartan Drive Campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. The ECC Arts Center can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/eccartscenter and on Instagram @eccartscenter.