New Orleans vocalist and revered Jazz Ambassador to the city Lillian Boutté remains in a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia, according to organizers (including her niece, Tonya) of a forthcoming series of benefit concerts in her name. Celebrated not only for her musical talents, Lillian is also a devoted humanitarian, lending her hand in post-Katrina recovery efforts and raising money for the New Olreans Musician’s Clinic, which she helped found. Now, it is the city’s turn to show her the same support as she fights for her recovery.

In speaking with WGNO in 2017, Tonya said her aunt’s 2016 diagnosis was delayed in part because of Lillian’s living overseas at the time. “I went up to Germany where she’s been living for, like, 35 years, and I noticed a pattern that just wasn’t her. I called home and said, ‘Hey, it’s time to bring her home.’ It’s a language barrier, and they were treating her for something that wasn’t the problem.” Lillian has since returned home and continues to need help.

Three benefit concerts have been announced, all of which will raise money for her healthcare costs:

Jazz Mass for Lillian – April 15, 10-11:15 a.m. – Scandinavian Church
1772 Prytania St.
Performers: Mitchell Player, Leon “Kid Chocolate” Brown, Derrick Smoker, Tanya Boutté and Sharon Nabonne. Refreshments with Lillian served after mass.

Gotta Love Lil – Autocrat Club – April 22, 2018 – 1-4 p.m.
725 St Bernard Ave.
Performers: John Boutté, Cyril Neville, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Joe Krown, Wanda Rouzan, Stephanie Jordan, Marlon Jordan and more. Plus, an all-star band led by Detroit Brooks.
$30 at the door. Cash Bar and Fish and Chicken dishes available for sale.

Gotta Love Lil – Treme Hideaway – April 22, 2018 – 8-11 p.m.
1234 N Claiborne Ave.
Performers: Philip Manuel, New Birth Brass Band, Brian Murray Trio, Shannon Powell and more. Plus, an all-star band led by Don Vappie.
$20 at the door. Cash bar and food items for sale.