Going South

* Buffet--The state of mind that is “Margaritaville” comes to the Universal Amphitheatre on Friday, when Jimmy Buffett headlines a New Year’s Eve bash. Although never a favorite of music critics, Buffett has been successfully entertaining his ever-growing army of fans--the Parrot Heads--for well over 20 years. This dinner-dance-concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and runs until 4 a.m. Saturday with nonstop music from Buffett and his Coral Reefer Band and two other musical acts. Appropriate attire: shorts and Hawaiian shirts. Tickets are $500 per person. The venue is at the Hollywood Freeway at Lankershim Boulevard, Universal City. (818) 622-4440.

* Nostalgia--The New Year’s Eve show at the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City will feature the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, conducted by Christopher Riddle with special guest Harry Connick Sr., the father of pop crooner Harry Jr. The music of Frank Sinatra will be showcased with songs such as “Witchcraft,” “You Make Me Feel So Young,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “New York, New York,” “My Way” and others. $199.99-$249.99 per person includes four-course dinner, bottle of champagne per couple and cocktail reception. The restaurant is at 12833 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. (818) 755-5000.

* Country--Billy Tulsa and the Psycho Crawdads will perform at a New Year’s Eve party at the Cowboy Palace Saloon in Chatsworth. Besides the country-rock music, a Southern-style buffet, complimentary champagne, party favors, prizes and a balloon drop at midnight will all be featured. $40 per person. The saloon is at 21625 Devonshire St., Chatsworth. (818) 341-0166.

* Coffeehouse--Singer-guitarist Mike Rawson and friends will bring in Y2K with massive quantities of caffeine but no cover charge at the Common Grounds coffeehouse in Northridge. The party starts at 8 p.m. The shop is at 9250 Reseda Blvd., Northridge. (818) 882-3666.