South Florida saloons open and close so quickly because entertainment fads move in and out so rapidly; it is often difficult for club owners to predict changing tastes.

Maybe that’s why a lounge such as the one at Norris’s Famous Place for Prime Rib switches its musical slant about every four weeks. Last month, you heard Top 40; this month it’s nostalgic rock ‘n’ roll.

On the evening I attended, Ric and Hollister, a local duo who have played venues in North Miami Beach, Dania and Hallandale, were featured. With the help of a synthesizer, their keyboard and two solid voices blended in a dynamic sound.

They kept half a dozen to a dozen couples from about 25 to 40 dancing on the medium-sized dance floor all night.

(Already, however, there’s a new group playing; it’s another duo called Aura, consisting of a female vocalist and male keyboard player who play contemporary hit requests.)

In the lounge, off to the side of the restaurant, is where the night life action happens.

But there is room here for munchers. They can order a deep-fried vegetable platter for $3.50 (large order) or French onion soup au gratin for $1.95.

Norris’s also has its own version of the “world famous onion ring loaf” to which so many establishments lay claim to fame, as well as “blackboard specials.”

Drinks follow middle-of-the-road prices. The house wine, Taylor, is $1.75; well drinks are the same; call brands are generally $2.25.

Rustic is often the milieu today, and Norris’s follows the pattern: There is enough wood to keep it well into the running, set off by a healthy amount of rich plants.

NIGHT LIFE NEWS

A new addition to the Marco Polo Hotel International Room in Miami Beach is Bottoms Up ’88, a musical revue that has endured for 29 years. The offbeat musical comedy first opened at the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas on July 1, 1958. It features parodies of well-known personalities such as Tom Selleck, Cher, Liza Minnelli ad Carol Channing, showcases production numbers, highlights soloists and reintroduces satirical comedy.

At the Marco Polo, performances are at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday through Monday, with a second show at 11 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are generally $12.50, with special group prices available. For reservations or information, call 931-7663 in Dade or 463-8875 in Broward.

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A matter of verification: It was Alston Bair who played the part of James Davis, close friend of a famed Rastafarian singing star, in a recent Miami Vice episode. Bair has been around and about Miami for some time; in 1970, he performed a one-man concert at the Miami Beach Auditorium and another at Club Gigi in the Fontainebleau Hotel; he also has two original songs out — Love Shores and At the Water’s Edge.

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Shooters on 163rd Street in North Miami Beach started its weekly outdoor jazz presentation last night. Beginning at 8 p.m. every Thursday and lasting until midnight, the eating and drinking repository will have “Jazz on the Water” featuring vocalist and saxophone stylist Ed Calle. Calle has an impressive background. On tour, he has worked with Julio Iglesias, Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine and Bob James. In the studio, he recorded with such artists as Jimmy Buffett, Eddie Money and Greg Allman. In 1986, the Venezuela-born musician released his first solo album, Nightgames.

(By the way, there is no cover.)

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Jon Fragnipane and Dani McMahon have settled into the Crystal Room. The 5- foot-8 keyboard player and the 6-foot vocalist met when both were performing at the Turnberry Country Club in North Miami Beach. “She is one of the best singers I’ve ever heard,” said Fragnipane, who also mentioned that he rarely stands next to the tall woman onstage.

The two were hired to breathe new life into the classy lounge adjacent to the dining room in this upscale establishment. One of their sets may contain anything from Cole Porter to Billy Joel, and room is set aside for dancing. Entertainment begins at 9 p.m. and continues until closing every Tuesday through Saturday, at 5400 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale.

NORRIS’S FAMOUS PLACE FOR PRIME RIB LOUNGE

2500 N. State Road 7

Hollywood

985-0700

Music: Adult contemporary

Entertainment hours: 9:30 p.m.

until 2:30 a.m.

Cover: no

Minimum: no

Valet parking: no

Dress: neat casual