"Today Baltimore, tomorrow the world"… What wide receiver **Derrick Mason** described as his karaoke "world tour," made its final stop of the year at Atrium Village in Owings Mills on Tuesday (12/29). The two-time Pro Bowler joked with the audience that next year they could look for him to headline the concert circuit in Europe.
The karaoke event that began in 2008 has grown to include a total of five stops at various retirement communities and assisted living facilities throughout our community. Many Ravens have made guest appearances and taken their turn behind the mic while interacting with Ravens fans that are "young at heart."
Mason is the first to admit that his vocal performance is not of the same caliber as his abilities on the field, but he approaches each song with the same dedication. The Michigan State product's song catalogue includes crowd favorites by Frank Sinatra and karaoke classics like Kool and the Gang's Celebration.
Fellow wide receiver **Mark Clayton** joined the festivities and flexed his golden pipes for the crowd singing various tunes including Rock with You by Michael Jackson. Clayton channeled Earth, Wind and Fire in his rendition of September which got the audience on their feet. The Ravens' number one draft pick in 2005 impressed the crowd with his dance moves while leading the group in the electric slide.
Proving that age is just a number, the crowd was eager to participate by dancing and singing along to their favorite tunes including Atrium resident John Patterson who just celebrated his 100th birthday on Christmas day. A few residents displayed their singing abilities and joined the players for all-star duets. Lester Meyers and Mason tackled Frank Sinatra's Night and Day. Mel Sody debuted his band, Mel2 with the Ravens' own karaoke songstress Melanie LeGrande. Everyone left the memorable event tapping their toes and humming along with hopes that number 85's tour will make a repeat visit next year.
