SATURDAY: Last DanceWest Coast modern dance doyenne...

SATURDAY: Last Dance

West Coast modern dance doyenne Bella Lewitzky brings her 10-person dance company to CSUN’s Performing Arts Center on Saturday.

In spring of 1995, the 79-year-old Lewitzky announced that she was disbanding her renowned company in June 1997, after this, its 30th season.

The former dean of the CalArts School of Dance, Lewitzky is not retiring. She remains committed to her art, but wants a break from the rigors of running a company.

CSUN will host a reception following Saturday’s performance to honor Lewitzky for her contributions to modern dance.

* The Bella Lewitzky Dance Company performs at 8 p.m. Saturday at Cal State Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St. Tickets are $25 general, $20 seniors. Call (818) 677-2488.

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Last Chance

Blood, Sweat and Tears, featuring lead singer David Clayton-Thomas, comes to the Alex Theatre on Saturday. Originally conceived and fronted by rock keyboardist Al Kooper, the band enjoyed its greatest success after he left the group.

Its second album, entitled “Blood, Sweat and Tears,” was released in March 1969, topped the charts for seven weeks and stayed on the charts for two years, while winning a Grammy and selling several million copies.

It was the first album to spawn three gold singles: “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy,” “Spinning Wheel” and “And When I Die.”

The horn-based, big-band jazz rock sound provided a firm foundation for Clayton-Thomas’ gutsy vocal stylings.

Several other successful albums followed, but none equaled the sales or impact of the 1969 recording. The original band dissolved by the mid-1970s, but Clayton-Thomas re-formed the group in the mid-1980s.

* Blood, Sweat and Tears with David Clayton-Thomas at 8 p.m. Saturday at Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. Tickets are $22.50-$29.50. Call (800) 233-3123.

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WEEKEND: Just a Taste

The Encino Chamber of Commerce hosts its ninth annual “Taste of Encino” this weekend. The food, wine and entertainment festival will offer samples of the wares of many Encino eateries, as well as live entertainment.

Music will include samples of rock, jazz and blues plus six different military bands.

Children’s entertainers and strolling performers will also be featured, along with storytelling, games, carnival rides, face-painting, arts and crafts, and a classic car show.

Proceeds will benefit 10 area schools, which use the funds to buy supplies and equipment from chamber-member businesses at a discount.

* “Taste of Encino” runs 5-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday and noon-7 p.m. Sunday at the Naval & Marine Corps Reserve Center, 6337 Balboa Blvd., just south of Victory Boulevard. Daily admission is $3 general; $1 seniors, children 5-12; children under 5 are free. Tastes range from $1 to $4. Call (818) 789-4711.

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More Music

Six Flags Magic Mountain will present an evening of contemporary Christian music at its Hallelujah Jubilee on Friday. The lineup includes Audio Adrenaline, whose music combines elements of hip-hop and alternative rock; Grammy nominee Big Tent Revival; and the Kry. Admission to all the Hallelujah Jubilee concerts are included in the price of admission to the park.

* Six Flags Magic Mountain, Magic Mountain Parkway and the Golden State Freeway near Valencia. Park admission is $33 general, $15 for children shorter than 4 feet, $19 seniors 55 and older, free for children 2 and younger. Parking $6. Call (818) 367-5965 or (805) 255-4111.