Music, Mission, and the Man Behind It: The Story of Howie Kaplan

In New Orleans, music isn’t just entertainment—it’s the heartbeat of the city. Few people understand that better than Howie Kaplan, the owner of The Howlin’ Wolf and a driving force behind both the preservation and progress of the city’s cultural economy.

For decades, Howie has worn two hats: venue owner and civic activist. Together, those roles have allowed him to champion the artists, traditions, and neighborhoods that make New Orleans unlike anywhere else in the world.

A Stage for the City

When Howie took over The Howlin’ Wolf, he wasn’t just investing in a building—he was investing in a vision. He saw the venue as more than a place to see a show; it was a community hub where local legends and rising stars could share the same stage.

Over the years, The Wolf has hosted unforgettable performances, supported cultural nonprofits, and given countless musicians the exposure they needed to take their careers to the next level.

From Katrina to Rebirth—Literally

Hurricane Katrina in 2005 was a turning point. The city’s music scene scattered, and Howie knew it needed anchors to keep its identity alive. He began managing the Grammy-winning Rebirth Brass Band, ensuring their music—and by extension, New Orleans’ brass tradition—continued to thrive both at home and on the road.

That experience also taught him an important lesson: resilience comes from adaptability. By diversifying his work in the music industry, Howie helped ensure that the culture could endure whatever storms—literal or figurative—came its way.

Advocacy on the National Stage

When COVID-19 shuttered venues nationwide, Howie stepped into a new arena as Louisiana’s precinct captain for the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA). His leadership helped secure more than $100 million in federal relief for Orleans Parish through the Shuttered Venue Operator Grant program.

That win wasn’t just about survival for The Howlin’ Wolf—it was about keeping stages lit and musicians working across the city.

Fighting for Music Equity in New Orleans

Today, as Director of the city’s Office of Nighttime Economy—often called the “Night Mayor”—Howie advocates for fairer policies and stronger support for the city’s cultural workforce. From streamlining permits to pushing for performance rights reforms, his goal is simple: make it easier for musicians and venues to succeed without sacrificing the spirit that makes New Orleans unique.

More Than a Job

For Howie Kaplan, music and mission are inseparable. Whether he’s booking a brass band at The Wolf, lobbying for federal arts funding, or organizing community meal programs after a disaster, he’s guided by the belief that New Orleans’ cultural economy is its greatest asset—and it’s worth fighting for.

As he puts it:

“If we take care of the culture, the culture will take care of us.”

Howie Kaplan: Music & Mission Timeline

Year	Milestone
1990s	Early career in music retail, hospitality, and venue management.
1997	Moves to New Orleans; buys first bar in Metairie, begins booking live music.
2000	Becomes owner of The Howlin’ Wolf, building it into a premier Warehouse District music venue.
2005	Post-Katrina: Begins managing Rebirth Brass Band, touring nationally to keep NOLA’s brass tradition alive.
2010s	Expands The Wolf’s community role—hosting benefits, cultural events, and supporting nonprofits like Roots of Music.
2020	Launches Meals for Musicians during COVID-19, serving 50,000+ meals to culture bearers and first responders.
2021	As Louisiana NIVA precinct captain, helps secure $100M+ in federal relief for Orleans Parish venues.
2022	Appointed Director of the Office of Nighttime Economy (“Night Mayor”) to advocate for music equity and cultural policy.
Today	Continues running The Howlin’ Wolf, managing Rebirth, and leading efforts to strengthen New Orleans’ cultural economy.