The Rendezvous brought 150 slabs of ribs to the first Zoo Rendezvous 25 years ago, Nick Vergos recalled.

Saturday night, the restaurant provided 140 slabs.

That might sound strange considering the event grew from 300 people to one that draws thousands, but Rendezvous was the only food vendor for the first several years, Nick said.

This year's event featured 77 restaurant stations.

"It's so much bigger," he said. "Nobody can eat at every one of these."

People apparently tried; lines were jammed at food stations. Twenty bar stations provided drinks.

The Dempseys, Kathryn Stallins Band, Garry Goin and G3 and The Venus Mission entertained.

Another difference between the original party and Saturday night's event was the weather. It rained cats and dogs at that first Zoo Rendezvous, Nick said.

Beaming zoo director Chuck Brady was pleased the "weather held out" this year.

Rainbow coalition

"Dreaming in Color" was the theme of the 18th annual Southern Heritage Classic Fashion Show and Brunch Saturday at The Peabody. The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc., Memphis Chapter hosted the event.

Guests learned that the "little black dress" is being replaced by little dresses in other colors and that fur coats now come in pink.

Fashions and accessories were provided by B.A.M.'z Boutique, Dillard's in Oak Court Mall, Divine Rags, Eye Con Couture, Flirt Fashions, EEL, Etc. Fashion; From One Greek to Another; King Furs in Laurelwood; JoVen Tosh Neckwear; and The Glam Girls @ Kaleidoscope Beauty International.

Cheryl B. Harris is president of the Memphis chapter.

This stock exchange is always up

Guests at Wednesday's Les Passees Stock Exchange preview party got the first chance to buy consignment items, including furniture, jewelry, antiques and collectibles, at 5246 Summer in the Perimeter Center.

University of Memphis Tigers basketball coach John Calipari was honorary chairman.

A waste basket bearing the words "Memphis State" (now University of Memphis) and a picture of a tiger fell under the "collectibles" category. Spencer McLean, who was with his wife, Katie, found the basket. Austin Jordan, who attended with his wife, Elisabeth, got John to sign it.

Following suit, Maxwell Varner got John to sign a U of M cap. Maxwell and his brother, Hunter, and Hunter's buddy, Tully Dicken, were among the party guests.

Members of Les Passees presented a check for $50,000 to John for the John Calipari Basketball School.

Maybe the wisest purchase was made by Bill Wolf. He bought a $350 sofa near the spot where his wife, Donna, the featured entertainer, played the violin during the evening.

"I had to buy the best seat in the house," said Bill, who leaned back and listened to the music in style.

Kristina Bennett and Tracy Hubbard are this year's Stock Exchange chairmen.

Up close with the Tigers

The Tigers were the special guests at John and Ellen Calipari's home Thursday night. The Caliparis and Harold Byrd, president of the Rebounders University of Memphis basketball support group, hosted the annual High-Tops party. The Dempseys performed. Blues City Cafe and Miss Polly's Soul Food Cafe provided the cuisine.

About 500 people attended, and about $50,000 was raised, Harold said.

The Tigers posed for photographs and mingled with the guests.

"A lot of times people don't get to see the players that close," Harold said.

Harold also was one of the hosts at the 27th annual Bank of Bartlett University of Memphis Football Kickoff Party. The party was held in the Livestock Pavilion next to Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium before the recent U of M/Rice University game. Between 3,500 and 4,000 attended, Harold said.

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