Meet New Orleans’ “Night Mayor”: Howie Kaplan Takes on the City’s Nighttime Economy

Here Comes The Night Mayor:

Q’s With New Orleans’ Director Of Nighttime Economy Howard ‘Howie’ Kaplan

by Andy Gensler

08/29/2022

If you’ve spent any time in the New Orleans music scene, you already know the name Howie Kaplan. As the owner of The Howlin’ Wolf, manager of the Grammy-winning Rebirth Brass Band, Louisiana precinct captain for the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), and the force behind community initiatives like Meals For Musicians, Howie has spent decades making sure music and culture in this city don’t just survive—they thrive.

Now, he’s bringing that experience to a new role: Director of the Office of Nighttime Economy—better known as New Orleans’ “Night Mayor.”

From Feeding the Scene to Shaping Its Future

During the pandemic, when venues went dark and gigs dried up, Howie launched Meals For Musicians—a program that served over 50,000 meals to culture bearers, hospitality workers, and first responders. He also helped connect artists with healthcare and essential services. After Hurricane Ida knocked out power for a week, he coordinated with more than 100 restaurants to prepare 20,000 meals in just eight days without electricity.

“Being a responsible member of the community isn’t optional,” Howie says. “It should be part of every business plan.”

Lessons from Katrina and a Career in Music

Howie’s perspective is shaped by more than 25 years in the industry. After Hurricane Katrina scattered New Orleans’ musicians across the country, he learned the importance of adaptability—taking Rebirth Brass Band on the road and expanding into artist management to keep the culture alive.

“You constantly need to evolve,” he explains. “In a city that counts on its culture, you always have to think about what’s next.”

The Road to “Night Mayor”

Howie’s advocacy with NIVA helped secure $118 million in federal Shuttered Venue Operator Grant funds for Orleans Parish—money that stayed in the city and directly supported artists, venues, and staff. That work caught the attention of city leaders who had already been exploring the idea of a nighttime economy office, inspired by similar positions in cities like New York, Seattle, and San Francisco.

At first, Howie just wanted the role created. “I wasn’t going to apply,” he admits. “But the more I thought about it, the more I realized I had the experience to do it—and to do it well.”

A Seat at the Table for the Cultural Economy

The new office is about more than nightlife—it’s about recognizing the economic power of New Orleans’ cultural ecosystem. From independent venues and neighborhood bars to festivals, restaurants, and tourism, the nighttime economy touches almost every part of the city’s identity and livelihood.

One of Howie’s favorite quotes comes from former Texas Governor Ann Richards:

“If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.”

His goal? Make sure the people who are the culture—musicians, venue owners, promoters, bartenders, and beyond—have that seat at the table.

Building Solutions, Not Just Talking Problems

Rather than pitting neighbors against venues, Howie wants to bring everyone together to find solutions—whether it’s through soundproofing, mediation, or policies that protect both quality of life and cultural vibrancy.

“In New Orleans, your neighbors are the industry,” he says. “We can’t ignore that. We have to work together.”

What This Means for New Orleans Nightlife

From shaping legislation to encouraging better business practices, Howie believes this office can create an environment where music and hospitality aren’t just preserved—they’re empowered to grow. And that’s good for everyone, because for every $1 spent in an independent venue, $12–$15 flows back into the local economy.

As Howie puts it: “Other cities want to be New Orleans. We just have to make sure we’re doing everything we can to protect and promote what makes us unique.”

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