Imagine being displaced by a natural disaster, only to wake up in an entirely new city. That’s Terrance Gasper’s story after Hurricane Katrina. He never planned to stay in Houston, but 20 years later, this New Orleans native has found deep roots and a vibrant music scene. What makes a place truly feel like home, even when it’s miles from where you started?

Twenty years have passed since the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina reshaped the lives of hundreds of thousands, transforming New Orleans and forcing a mass exodus. For many, Houston became an unplanned sanctuary, a temporary stop that for Terrance Gasper, an evacuee from the heart of Louisiana, unexpectedly evolved into his permanent home.

Gasper’s journey to Houston was a consequence of the storm’s immediate aftermath in August 2005. He vividly recalls the moment he and his cousin, then residing in the Lafitte housing project, joined the throngs of people seeking higher ground. The surreal image of a human tide escaping rising floodwaters from atop a bridge remains etched in his memory, a stark reminder of the sheer scale of the disaster and the shared ordeal of displacement.

The arrival in Houston was disorienting. “I fell asleep, and when I woke up, we was in front of the Reliant Center, the Astrodome. I said, man, we’re in Texas, in Houston,” Gasper recounted, capturing the abruptness of their relocation. What began as a desperate flight for safety, landing him in an unfamiliar city, was never intended to be a long-term arrangement; yet, the vibrant spirit of Houston gradually began to intertwine with his own.

Despite the two decades spent in Texas, Gasper’s New Orleans roots run undeniably deep. This profound connection is visibly passed down to his 10-year-old son, Terrance Jr., who has inherited his father’s passion for music, actively drumming in local shops and on stage. This legacy underscores the enduring cultural ties that resiliently bridge geographical divides, a testament to the strong cultural identity of the New Orleans culture.

Gasper himself continues to nurture these musical traditions as a bass drummer for The New Orleans Hustlers, a brass band predominantly composed of fellow Hurricane Katrina evacuees. Their performances serve not only as a vibrant expression of their heritage but also as a powerful symbol of community resilience, fostering a sense of belonging and shared history among those who rebuilt their lives in Houston life.

When asked about his decision to stay, Gasper often highlights the city’s unique charm and offerings. “I’ve been here half of my life,” he reflects, noting one particular local delight: the food. Houston, he enthusiastically declares, is home to “barbecue specialists… These people can barbecue anything,” a clear indicator of how the local culinary scene has captured his affection and contributed to his sense of belonging.

The New Orleans Hustlers Brass Band is a familiar sight and sound across Houston, regularly gracing various venues throughout the week. Their presence is a vibrant thread in the city’s diverse cultural tapestry, showcasing how the infusion of brass band music brought by the Hurricane Katrina evacuee community has enriched the local arts scene.

Terrance Gasper’s evacuee story is a poignant illustration of adaptation and the search for home amidst unforeseen circumstances. His two-decade journey from a temporary refuge to a cherished home in Houston, while maintaining strong ties to his New Orleans heritage, embodies the profound human capacity for resilience and the unexpected ways life can unfold after pivotal events.