Riverside Carnival Band
Overview
Cornet/ trumpet player Bags Howard leads an all star group of Washington DC area jazz musicians in one of the most exciting and versatile old time jazz bands in the country. Created for Mardi Gras, the Riverside Carnival Band specializes in good times. They play weddings, New Orleans stule funerals, fund raisers, corporate events, and parties of all types. They have been a seven piece ensamble with male and female vocalists, a trumpet and guitar duet and everything in between. They are always on time, always look good and always sound great with the happiest sound around. PA is provided as needed.
Reviews
12 reviews
Danielle D.
May 18, 2026Awesome Crew!
We had a great time featuring Riverside Carnival Band. It was a last minute booking on our end but they showed and delivered. Would highly recommend
Hired as: Big Band, New Orleans Style Entertainment
Morgaine B.
June 4, 2025Would definitely book again!
Great experience, great vibes!
Hired as: 1930s Era Entertainment, Dixieland Band, New Orleans Style Entertainment, Ragtime Band
Bob L.
May 21, 2023Excellent Band. Very entertaining.
We had a 100th Anniversary celebration of our local Lions Club. The band traveled to the eastern shore (Maryland) to play for our event. We had a Roaring 20's theme. Everyone really enjoyed the music. They dressed for the era and the music was perfect. They had the right instruments, and played like a true team. I would highly recommend this group.
Hired as: 1920s Era Entertainment, 1930s Era Entertainment, Big Band, Dixieland Band, Ragtime Band
Sarah S.
August 8, 2022Best Band Ever!
They were amazing! They sounded fabulous and we were thrilled. We will definitely use them again and again!
Hired as: Jazz Band, New Orleans Style Entertainment, Party Band
Matt F.
July 31, 2022Awesome!!
These guys were awesome! We hired them for my father in laws 90th birthday party celebration and they were perfect!!
Thank you so much!
Hired as: Jazz Band, New Orleans Style Entertainment, Party Band
Booking information
Price range: Contact for rates
Languages: English
Gig length: 60 - 240 minutes
Insurance: $1,000,000 - Erie business policy
About
Bags played trumpet and bugle as a schoolboy. He played banjo and harmonica in square dance and clogging bands. He also lead a church children's choir playing banjo and guitar. He played in the roots/blues group Barellhous Brawl and can occasionally be seen in DC with those players. He has been playing traditional jazz in the DC/ Baltimore area for over twenty years with a number of groups, including the Sheiks of Dixie, the Sunshine Skiffle Band. Laissezfoure and the All New Gentically Altered Jug Band. He leads the Riverside Carnival Band, which has played scores of public and private venues.
Past booked events
May 2026
08
Friday
Cocktail Party
6:30pm - 8:30pm
•
Washington, DC
December 2025
29
Monday
Funeral/Memorial Service
3:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Elkridge, MD
November 2025
15
Saturday
Birthday Party
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Severna Park, MD
May 2025
31
Saturday
Grand Opening
9:30am - 11:30am
•
Catonsville, MD
April 2024
20
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
6:00pm - 6:15pm
•
Baltimore, MD
May 2023
20
Saturday
Dinner Party
6:00pm - 9:30pm
•
Salisbury, MD
August 2022
07
Sunday
Fundraiser
2:30pm - 5:30pm
•
Baltimore, MD
July 2022
30
Saturday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Fredericksburg, VA
25
Monday
Retirement Community Event
3:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Catonsville, MD
June 2022
18
Saturday
Birthday Party
11:00am - 12:00pm
•
Potomac, MD
April 2022
02
Saturday
Corporate Event
6:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Chantilly, VA
June 2019
22
Saturday
Corporate Event
6:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Altoona, PA
15
Saturday
Wedding Reception
12:00pm - 3:30pm
•
Annapolis, MD
September 2018
22
Saturday
Birthday Party
5:30pm - 8:00pm
•
White Hall, MD
October 2016
15
Saturday
Fundraiser
4:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Baltimore, MD
May 2015
23
Saturday
Wedding Cocktail Hour
4:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Elkton, MD
05
Tuesday
Reunion
8:00pm - 11:00pm
•
Annapolis, MD
October 2014
31
Friday
Halloween Party
4:30pm - 7:00pm
•
Washington, DC
May 2014
03
Saturday
Birthday Party
6:30pm - 10:00pm
•
Annapolis, MD
March 2014
01
Saturday
Fundraiser
6:30pm - 11:00pm
•
Belcamp, MD
August 2013
10
Saturday
Private Party
7:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Carlisle, PA
Influences and inspiration
Turk Murphy
Louis Armstrong,
The New Orleans Rhythm Kings,
Milton Brown and the Brownies
Fats Waller
Jellyroll Morton
Bix
Hoagy
Al Jolson
Joe Oliver
Walter Donalson,
Cole Porter