Since 2000, Howie Kaplan has owned and operated the Howlin’ Wolf, a multi room venue located in the greatest city in the world and the birthplace of modern music, New Orleans. He has also managed the Grammy Award Winning Rebirth Brass Band for over 17 years.

Howie formerly served as Vice Chair of Advocacy and Government Relations for the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and now continues his work with the organization as a Precinct Captain. He was also the founding director of the New Office of Nighttime Economy for the city of New Orleans.

At the beginning of the covid shutdowns he started Meals for Musicians. This program, in conjunction with the New Orleans Musicians Clinic was responsible for distributing over 60,000 meals and assisting culture bearers and first responders in accessing health care, housing assistance and unemployment payments. Mr. Kaplan also received the SBA Phoenix award for his efforts after Hurricane Ida severed all power to the city. Working with supplies donated from over 100 restaurants and hundreds of volunteers, they created over 20,000 meals in eight days in a makeshift street kitchen.