Jimmy Buffett [ tickets ] & the Coral Reefer Band will open their touring year in April, starting with several amphitheaters in warm-weather markets. One of the most consistent draws on the amphitheater circuit, Buffett is expected to announce an extensive summer touring schedule later in the year.

Buffett's short April tour gets underway April 13 in Dallas. Tickets for the Dallas show, as well as for Buffett's appearances in Las Vegas, Chula Vista, Calif., and Phoenix, go on sale Saturday (2/12). Tickets for Buffett's other April shows go on sale Monday (2/14). (The appearance at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas is the only indoor date on Buffett's itinerary.)

According to Amusement Business, Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band was the sixth-highest-grossing touring act of the 1990s, taking in nearly $166.6 million and playing almost 400 shows.

Buffett's latest business venture, Margaritaville Tequila, was launched in January, and the 2000 tour has been dubbed the Margaritaville Tequila Tour. The tequila is currently available in Florida and California, and is expected to hit stores throughout the U.S. in the spring. Also among Buffett's stable of businesses is his chain of Margaritaville restaurants and the recently launched Mail Boat record label.

Earlier this week, Buffett picked up a nomination for a Blockbuster Entertainment Award in the Favorite Rock Artist or Group category for his 1999 album, ''Beach House On The Moon.'' Phil Collins and Santana are also nominated in the category.