VALLEY WEEKEND : Venues to Break in the New Year With Rousing Bands, Bubbly : Hopping music and plenty of food, as well as party favors and a midnight toast, can be found as local establishments ring in ’96.

Jazz may not generally be regarded as true party music--though many would argue the point--but come New Year’s Eve, most bands tend to deliver the kinds of performances that get a festive crowd going. Here’s a list of some Valley places where jazz will be spotlighted Sunday. You can count on party favors and a champagne toast at midnight at all these establishments. Prices listed are per person.

Baked Potato (3787 Cahuenga Blvd. W., North Hollywood, 818-980-1615).

The room’s owner, pianist Don Randi, loves to incorporate jazz, blues, rock and other musical forms into his performances. It’s no wonder, then, that he’s been headlining at the Baked for 25 years and the fans keep coming back. Starting at 8 p.m., enjoy a dinner selected from the regular menu of oversized spuds, two well drinks and music from Randi’s Quest. $50.

Bjlauzezs (14502 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, 818-789-4583).

Singer Nina Hill works with a band featuring Rick Zunigar (guitar), Mike Garson (piano), Dave Enos (bass) and Billy Mintz (drums) at this new, refreshing joint. From 7 p.m., enjoy a special menu--steaks, grilled salmon, chicken--and more than a glass or two of complimentary champagne. Music from 9:30 p.m. $75.

Chadney’s (3000 W. Olive St., Burbank, 818-843-5333).

Starting at 9:15 p.m., saxophonist Jimmy Madden’s Happy Blues-Jazz Train plays music with a hearty beat that puts a smile on your face. Some specials--lobster tail, for example--spruce up the regular menu. Modest $7 cover.

Jax (339 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale, 818-500-1604).

This joint, with its long, narrow bar area that leads to an open back room, is loud on a regular night, so anticipate a New Year’s Eve scene that pulls out all the stops. Still, saxophonist Sonya Jason, who plays a mean horn in the pop-jazz vein, should be able to cut above the din. Jax’s regular menu will be abetted by lobster tail and other items, and the room’s no cover/no minimum policy is in effect.

J.P.’s Money Tree (10149 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake, 818-769-8800).

Margaret Love and the Lover Boys deliver rousing numbers that draw on both jazz and blues. The dinner show at 9 p.m. allows you to select from such items as prime rib, red snapper and New York steak. $32.50.

J.P.’s Restaurant-Lounge, 1333 Hollywood Way, Burbank, 818-845-1800).

Larry Green offers the solid vocals here, backed by perky drummer Frank Wilson’s trio. Dinner from 5 p.m., music from 9 p.m. Menu includes New York steak, pork chops, chicken Marsala, salmon. $32.50.

La Ve Lee (12514 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, 818-980-8158).

Singer Kevyn Lettau draws from several of her JVC Records albums in offering an appealing brew of Brazilian pop tunes, contemporary jazz and jazz-flavored R & B. Her band features her husband, the fine drummer Michael Shapiro. Dinner--seafood dishes, New York steak, lemon chicken--will be served from 8:30 p.m. $60.

St. Moritz (6711 Forest Lawn Drive, Toluca Lake, 213-851-8844).

Page Cavanaugh is a most entertaining pianist and singer with a repertoire of classic and arcane pop standards, many drawn from his own appearances as a performer in movies. He leads an orchestra for those who love to listen, and for those who can’t wait to dance. Dinner shows at 6 p.m. ($45) and 9 p.m. ($65).

New York West (19540 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana, 818-758-3900).

Expect nothing less than vigorously performed classic standards, jazz classics and originals from vibist Tommy Vig and his wife, singer Mia Vig. The room offers a three-course dinner and complimentary bottle of champagne. Seating is at 7 p.m. $50.