When the Lights Went Out, The Wolf Stepped Up

Laura Kuhn
Aug 14
2 min read

Howlin’ Wolf Becomes a Lifeline After Hurricane Ida

When Hurricane Ida slammed into Southeast Louisiana in August 2021, it left more than two million people without power — but it couldn’t silence the soul of New Orleans. And when the city needed food, community, and leadership, The Howlin’ Wolf opened its doors — not for a show, but for survival.

Just days after the storm, our Warehouse District venue transformed into a full-scale meal distribution hub, serving thousands of hot plates to locals who suddenly found themselves without power, refrigeration, or resources.

💡 No Grand Plan — Just a Gut Instinct to Help

“There wasn’t a grand plan to start the program,” said owner Howie Kaplan, who returned to the venue as soon as the winds died down. “Monday morning, we came in, had a few drinks because we survived a hurricane, and recognized right then and there that something was going on — but we didn’t yet understand the magnitude.”

By that afternoon, Kaplan and his team were cooking, packaging, and handing out meals from inside the venue. Refrigerated goods from other local restaurants — suddenly facing spoilage due to the widespread outage — were donated to The Wolf’s kitchen and immediately put to use.

🍽️ 3,000 Meals in One Day — And Then Even More

What started as a spontaneous act of service quickly scaled into an operation feeding thousands each day. On Wednesday alone, The Howlin’ Wolf team prepared and served over 3,000 meals. The following day? Closer to 5,000.

But it wasn’t just about food. It was about neighbors helping neighbors, artists helping workers, and a venue helping its city.

🎷 A Venue That Knows Its Roots

At The Howlin’ Wolf, we’ve always believed in being more than just a stage. We’re a part of New Orleans — not just its nightlife, but its heartbeat. That means when the party stops, we show up for our people in other ways.

Whether it’s a late-night jazz set or a midday hot meal after a storm, this space will always be one that serves.

💬 Want to Help?

While this storm has passed, New Orleans always needs its people. If you want to get involved, support future relief efforts, or collaborate on community partnerships, reach out to us.

Because when the city howls, we howl back.