American Grands XXI returns to Elgin Community College

Nearly 500 pianists of all ages and talent levels performed in American Grands XXI Saturday at Elgin Community College's Blizzard Theatre Saturday during three performances.

Director Larry Dieffenbach of Geneva, a member of the ECC music staff, returned for his 13th time to conduct. "It's one-of-a-kind - the original multi-piano concert in the Chicago area. A quality performance," he said. "It is not a recital."

Twelve grand pianos set the stage as pianists filtered in and out to perform over two dozen songs of all kinds. Pieces such as the "Star Spangled Banner" and Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" were mixed in with more modern tunes such as the "James Bond" movie theme song and "Shake It off" by Taylor Swift.

Katie Alaniz of Batavia has played piano for about 15 years and performed several times in American Grands. This year, her husband John joined her for his first performance.

"I'm excited and nervous," Josh Denz, 8, of St. Charles said before walking on stage for his third year in the event. He said his favorite thing about playing piano is learning different songs and composers. His favorite is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.