Tiger fans dressed in blue and gray gathered under blue tents beneath a gray sky Thursday to root for their home team.

Harriett and Hilliard Crews opened their majestic Collierville home and grounds for the annual High Tops Party sponsored by the University of Memphis Rebounders.

Team members chatted with guests and posed for photos before joining them on the iconic column-lined porch for Blues City Cafe barbecue and all the trimmings.

"The Rebounders are so important for our program and for what we want to do both on and off the floor to keep it at the highest level possible," said head basketball coach Josh Pastner, who attended with his wife, Kerri.

"Our fan base is the best in the world, best in the country," he continued, adding, "This is the city's team. We're in this together. It's a 'we' and 'us' attitude."

Josh thanked the Crews for holding the party at their home. "I just want to live here. I want see if I can rent a room."

Harold Byrd is Rebounders Club president.

Auction shows mettle

Two veterans showed young metalsmiths a thing or two at the Repair Days auction and party Saturday night at the National Ornamental Metal Museum.

James "Wally" Wallace, retired director of the museum, and artist Dolph Smith, a retired Memphis College of Art instructor, were the collaborators on one of the live auction items -- a 7-by-3-foot wrought iron gate. The museum's annual fundraising event drew young metalsmiths from around the country.

He and Dolph gathered found pieces of iron, which they found "no more than 50 feet from the shop," Wally said. "I cut it and modified it to make it fit where Dolph thought it should go."

Explaining the title, "2 Smith Gate," Wally said, "'Dolph Smith' and I'm the blacksmith."

Perfect partying again

The Memphis Symphony League celebrated its 50th year with "Perfect Party II" on Saturday night at The Peabody Skyway.

Debbie Litch, accompanied by pianist Jason Bell, honored past league presidents with Broadway show tunes. Babbie Lovett provided the commentary.

Musician Bill Ellis, a former music writer for The Commercial Appeal, accepted the Hebe Award for singer Joyce Cobb, who was unable to attend. Memphis Symphony League president Nancy Lou Jones presented the award, which annually is given to recognize contributions to the arts.

Billie Jean Graham was event chairman. Tim Goodwin, Chris Parker and Doctors' Band performed.

Contact Michael Donahue at 529-2797 or e-mail donahue@commercialappeal.com