New Orleans is easily distracted.

While eating at world-class restaurants, we talk about our next meal. During cherished celebrations like Jazz Fest and Mardi Gras, we continuously compare it to past years’ events to display our keen levels of appreciation.

Yet on Saturday night at Tipitina’s, there was nothing but joy, gratitude and awe from the age-diverse crowd as Big Chief Bo Dollis took his ailing body to the stage for what some believed to be the final time.

Flanked by fellow legend Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and the Wild Magnolias, Dollis forced his signature scream and ebullient attitude to crack through the illness which wouldn’t even allow him to stand on his own.