CONCERT SEASON TO FEATURE SERIES OF DIVERSE ACTS.

Byline: Jean Russel Vogel

The 1996-97 East Ventura County Community Concert season offers area music lovers six outstanding programs beginning Sept. 23.

The Community Concert series debuted in Simi Valley in 1975 with a three-concert series, recalls Geri Gaines, one of the original organizers and subsequently president of the then Simi Valley Concert Association.

The Northridge Earthquake in January 1994 ended Community Concert's nearly 20 years of programs at Simi Valley High School. During her five years as president, Gaines acknowledges hearing occasional dissatisfaction with folding chairs and the cafetorium setting. However, the audience enthusiasm brought Gaines numerous comments from performers who enjoyed returning here because of their appreciative reception.

When organ virtuoso Aram Basmadjian plays the ``King of Instruments'' at 8 p.m. Sept. 23, he will open the second Community Concert series to be booked in the Probst Center for the Performing Arts at the Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks.

The move to a theatrical venue with cushioned seats and reserved ticketing developed during 1994-95 as the Civic Arts Plaza neared completion, recalls Harold Knight of Simi Valley, association president. With the support base extended to all of East Ventura County and adjacent areas, a membership surge made scheduling the 1995-96 series at the 1,600-seat Probst Center a break-even possibility, and the ``Live from the Plaza'' identity was created.

Another change is the sale of individual concert tickets for seating not purchased by season subscribers. However, Knight emphasizes that tickets purchased separately are approximately twice the cost that subscribers pay per concert.

The six-concert series costs from $40 to $100, depending on location. There is also a family plan. For more information, call [phone].

The series will continue Nov. 4, with the music and dance of old Russia as performed by the Red Star Red Army Chorus and Danse ensemble. On Jan. 4, the Dodge City Cowboy Band will re-enact the role of Regimental Band for Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders. The Slovak Sinfonietta and pianist Machiko Otaki will entertain Feb. 4.

On March 4, Elite Syncopation's five members will play American popular and dance music of 1850 to 1935. The 150 voices of the Masters of Harmony on April 23 will conclude what Knight calls the ``affordable variety series.''

In addition to Knight and Gaines, East Ventura County Community Concert leadership includes Leonard Kline, Bernard and Sue Bauer, Ken Nelson and Ron Wilcox.