The Howlin’ Wolf & The Den: The Beating Heart of New Orleans Music

In a city fueled by rhythm and soul, The Howlin’ Wolf has earned its place as one of New Orleans’ most beloved and enduring music venues. Since 1988, it has evolved from a suburban bar into a cultural institution, hosting an eclectic range of performances—from brass bands and bounce to rock legends and jazz icons.

🎸 Origins: From Fat City to the Warehouse District

The Howlin’ Wolf was founded in 1988 by brothers Jack and Jeff Groetsch in the Fat City neighborhood of Metairie. Named after blues great Chester “Howlin’ Wolf” Burnett, the venue was dedicated to preserving the raw power of southern blues while opening the door for New Orleans’ diverse musical talent.

As its popularity grew, the venue relocated around 1990 to the Warehouse District, setting up shop in a 7,000-square-foot 19th-century cotton warehouse at 828 S. Peters Street. This move positioned The Wolf closer to the heart of New Orleans nightlife, in a neighborhood quickly becoming a hub for the city’s arts and entertainment.

“The new space had character—it had bones. It was the kind of place where you could feel the music before the first note hit.”— Jack Groetsch, Co-Founder

For over a decade, the Howlin’ Wolf at 828 S. Peters hosted acts that spanned generations and genres. Everyone from Galactic, Dr. John, and The Roots, to Foo Fighters, Rebirth Brass Band, and Trombone Shorty graced the stage. The venue became a go-to for Jazz Fest late nights, secret sets, and surprise appearances.

“We’d walk in not even knowing who was playing and end up dancing ‘til 4 a.m. It was that kind of place.”— Local musician, recalling a Jazz Fest night in 2003

🌊 Hurricane Katrina & a New Era

When Hurricane Katrina struck in August 2005, The Howlin’ Wolf—like much of New Orleans—was deeply affected. The venue at 828 S. Peters was damaged, and the city was left reeling. But just two months later, in a show of resilience and vision, new owner Howie Kaplan relocated The Wolf one block downriver to 907 S. Peters Street, into a larger music hall that would become its new home.

The new space, once a music hall and event venue, allowed The Howlin’ Wolf to grow into a true powerhouse with expanded capacity, better acoustics, and more room to dance, while staying rooted in the Warehouse District.

“We weren’t just rebuilding a venue—we were rebuilding part of the soul of New Orleans.”— Howie Kaplan, Owner

🐺 Welcome to The Den

Attached to the main room at 907 S. Peters is The Den, an intimate and versatile side space that developed its own identity as a launchpad for local talent and underground events. Whether it’s comedy nights, drag brunches, burlesque shows, or pop-up art markets, The Den is where New Orleans’ creative scene thrives in unexpected and electric ways.

Many local legends, including Kermit Ruffins, Big Freedia, and Tank and the Bangas, have either cut their teeth or dropped in unannounced at The Den.

“The Den is like New Orleans itself—small, loud, weird, and unforgettable.”— Frequent performer and local DJ

🎭 More Than a Music Venue

The Howlin’ Wolf is more than a place to hear a show—it’s a cultural hub. It has hosted political forums, benefits for musicians, and community-focused events like Funky Uncle Live, a livestream series that supported artists during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over the years, it has welcomed performers across every genre, including:

• The Foo Fighters

• The Roots

• Galactic

• Trombone Shorty

• Big Freedia

• Rebirth Brass Band

• Lettuce

• The Revivalists

🎷 Legacy & Culture

Today, The Howlin’ Wolf and The Den remain pillars of New Orleans nightlife. With their combination of legendary talent, grassroots charm, and unwavering local support, the venues have become sacred ground for musicians and fans alike.

“Some places play music. The Howlin’ Wolf is music.”— Trombone Shorty

📍 Timeline of Key Locations

Year	Location	Notes
1988	Fat City, Metairie	Original founding location
~1990–2005	828 S. Peters St.	Warehouse District venue pre-Katrina
Late 2005–Present	907 S. Peters St.	Current home, post-Katrina expansion