Juice & Elle Varner Light Up Sweet Lorraine’s — Essence Weekend Magic in New Orleans

When Essence Weekend rolls into New Orleans, the city’s heartbeat gets a little louder — and this year, it pulsed straight through the walls of one of its most beloved jazz clubs: Sweet Lorraine’s.

On July 4, 2025, locals and out-of-town Essence Fest guests packed into the warm, intimate space at 1931 St. Claude Avenue to witness a night that felt like history in the making. New Orleans’ own Julian Gosin, better known as Juice, took the stage with his unmistakable trumpet in hand, fusing the city’s iconic brass sounds with soul, jazz, and hip-hop energy.

This wasn’t just a performance — Juice drew everyone in with his lyrical storytelling, sharing raw life experiences and vivid moments that brought the audience deep into his world. With every note, he painted a scene from Sinners, blending hypnotic trumpet sounds that pulled the room into a place where old school jazz met new school hip-hop vibes — proof that the language of jazz is ever-evolving, yet timeless.

By his side, Grammy Award-winning powerhouse Elle Varner brought her signature sultry vocals to the Crescent City stage, adding soulful layers that wrapped the crowd in sound and emotion. With DJ RQ Away spinning grooves between sets, the night flowed like a love letter to the past and a toast to the future.

Together, Juice and Elle reminded everyone why Sweet Lorraine’s remains a cornerstone for New Orleans music lovers — a place where stories, brass, beats, and community collide beautifully.

A Legacy That Lives Through the Music

Sweet Lorraine’s Jazz Club has always been more than just a venue. It’s a living, breathing tribute to the timeless spirit of jazz — a genre born in this very city. Its name is a nod to one of jazz’s most enduring standards: “Sweet Lorraine.”

First published in 1928 with music by Cliff Burwell and lyrics by Mitchell Parish, “Sweet Lorraine” quickly became a favorite among jazz legends. Rudy Vallée gave it its first popular voice in 1928, followed by charting versions like Teddy Wilson’s in 1935. But it was Nat King Cole’s 1940 recording with the King Cole Trio that truly immortalized the song — marking the start of Cole’s reign as one of the greatest vocalists of all time. From Art Tatum’s intricate piano interpretation to Frank Sinatra’s memorable versions (including an unreleased 1977 take), “Sweet Lorraine” remains a touchstone for every generation of jazz.

Keeping the Spirit of New Orleans Jazz Alive

Walking into Sweet Lorraine’s today feels like stepping back into that golden age. Locals, tourists, and musicians gather under its warm lights for jam sessions, spontaneous performances, and intimate shows that feel like home. It’s the kind of place where you might catch a legend dropping in for an unannounced set — or see fresh, fearless talent stepping into the spotlight for the first time.

And during Essence Weekend, that spirit shone bright as Juice’s hypnotic trumpet, lyrical storytelling, and Elle Varner’s soulful vocals filled the club with music that honored where jazz has been — and where it’s headed next.

Sweet Lorraine’s Jazz Club

1931 St. Claude Avenue, New Orleans, LA

Come for the history. Stay for the music. Feel the jazz spirit live on.