Just a few years ago the start of something new for the Washington D.C area emerged (Richards Carnival). The creative art director, Earl Rodriguez established an opening door for Caribbean masqueraders, people of his community and family and friends. “Richards” brand has now been a prominent factor in Caribbean cultural events in the DMV area for nearly ten years. Richards Carnival experience was created after discovering the needs of having a good time by providing at an affordable cost.
Richards
He believes in listening to serving the needs of his masqueraders and combining loyal service, excitement and a life changing experience. Now Earl, formerly known as, Richard is not any ordinary man. A charming man who appears to be the jack-of-all-trades, an Artsy Trinidadian Native, US army Veteran and community activist. Growing up, Earl says he’s always had a passion for art and design.
In his early years he attended Pratt institute School of Art and the fashion institute of technology. Additionally receiving a degree in Business to help jump-start his wonderful idea of creating a mas production. He began immersing himself into the culture of carnival early as a child. Performing all over the world in Toronto, Miami, New York, and Trinidad has transformed Richard in to quite a universal Bacchanalist. Bacchanalist Music
Richard has worked on a series of projects and events within the past 5 years and is gaining momentum like never before. Some of his projects include his all black party that takes place in the month of October every year. His Carnival mas band and mini art projects along the side. More specifically his most popular event stands as his, annual all White invitation only party that caters to 300 guests. The white Party began about 6 years ago with the vision of bringing people together to having a good time and getting a taste of the Caribbean culture.
Throughout the duration of his party he provides a spectrum of Entertainment. Every hour on the hour, something is planned to keep his guest jumping. Whether it’s a live band performance by Hard Pound Rhythm Section, showcase of his design costumes or giveaway to one lucky guest. Richard guarantees entertainment and satisfaction. Pretty much every guest is leaving the party with a smile on their face and tons of pictures to later look back to.
Important elements of his party are his themes. Within each year Richard creates a different theme for his party. Themes allow him to focus on his artistic decorations and create a sense of excitement for his guest. Allowing directions to all aspects of the party. This includes food, presentation and decorations specifically. Meanwhile this gives the audience something to look forward to while still alluring them to a spontaneous wow reaction, Richard says. Richard allows a comfortable, fun place for his guest to mingle, learn and be inspired.
Richards’s latest endeavor is his private all white pool fete on “The Soca on the seas” cruise to the Bahamas with the world’s biggest Soca artist and DJs. This event will be taking place from Oct 28-31st. Furthermore his continuation of a 300+ mas band that is going on it’s 4th year. This year he will be presenting his theme MAJI BLK.
MAJI BLK by Richards Carnival
He envisions telling a story with the representation of the beauty of black. Richard says, “In order for someone to understand this concept, one must understand the history of the pitch lake in Trinidad”. He plans on showcasing a story of history through his artistic lens. By sharing with people the importance of not just of the color alone, black but the pitch lake. Richard has created three main sections to cater to everyone’s interest. These three sections include, the Miner, Chima and the Hummingbird.
Richard says to stay updated on his events and contact him directly on Facebook at, (RichardsWhiteParty), Instagram(RichardsCarnival) and Richardscarnival.com. He would like everyone to be apart of his lively events and take part in “Richards” Baltimore carnival July 9th, 2016. Stay Tuned !
Author ~ Giselle Rodriguez