On this episode of The Sauce, host Dawn Burns shares her conversation with Jack Barksdale. Jack is a Texas-born folk, blues, and Americana singer-songwriter with a remarkable musical story that began at just nine years old. Drawing inspiration from the legends of folk, rock, and blues, Jack has developed a distinctive sound and a talent well beyond his years. He has already shared the stage with acclaimed artists including Wynonna Judd, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Bruce Robison, John Fullbright, and Hayes Carll. Jack talks about his music and his message on The Sauce with Dawn Burns!

BrooksBurris Photo Credit

On this episode of The Sauce, host Dawn Burns welcomes Heidi Smith, Executive Director of the School of American Music (SAM) in Three Oaks, Michigan. Since January 2025, Heidi has expanded SAM’s community impact through innovative programming, fundraising, and strategic partnerships. She spearheaded Jazz Fest – The Art of the Song, launched The Music Playground youth music camp, and created Eve of the Eve, an annual fundraising gala celebrating music and community. Discover Heidi’s vision, passion, and commitment to bringing people together through music on The Sauce with Dawn Burns!

On this episode of The Sauce, host Dawn Burns welcomes jazz singer-songwriter, recording artist, educator, and entrepreneur Michele Thomas, a Chicago-rooted artist whose music reflects jazz's evolving spirit—improvisatory, searching, and deeply connected to life. Drawing inspiration from her gospel roots and a love of R&B, soul, folk, and contemporary music, Michele brings a rich emotional and musical vocabulary to her work. Her warm, distinctive voice has earned praise from acclaimed artists Kevin Mahogany and Grammy Award-winning jazz legend Yusef Lateef…on The Sauce! Photo credit Michele Thomas by Kyle LaMere_X1A1618

On this episode of The Sauce, host Dawn Burns welcomes Alex Anest, an American guitarist, composer, educator, and bandleader based in Southeast Michigan. With fourteen recordings as a leader or co-leader and appearances on twenty-five additional albums, Alex has built an impressive and diverse career in music. A graduate of the University of Michigan and Bowling Green State University, he has also studied with acclaimed musicians Miles Okazaki, Benny Green, and Ellen Rowe. Join Dawn Burns and Alex Anest for a conversation about his musical journey, creative influences, and life as a composer, guitarist, and educator—on The Sauce!

On this episode of The Sauce, host Dawn Burns welcomes acclaimed UK singer, songwriter and artist Louise Golbey! The voice behind the global Mercedes EQS advertising campaign, Louise is a BBC Introducing alumna who has performed at Glastonbury and London’s legendary Ronnie Scott’s, The Jazz Cafe and The 606. She’s shared stages with George Benson, En Vogue, Roberta Flack, Roy Ayers, Eric Benét, Paloma Faith, Jessie J, Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran. From a 6,000-person concert to London’s O2 Arena, Louise brings soul, style and serious musical pedigree to The Sauce!

On this episode of The Sauce, host Dawn Burns welcomes South Bend poet and educator Jenario Morgan. A paraprofessional at Riley High School, Jenario teaches life skills and has built a special connection with his students. But beyond the classroom, he’s a poet whose words draw from life, family, the challenges of being Black, and his experience as a Black Catholic. Jenario hopes his poetry can serve as a guide and source of inspiration for his students and others. His self-published collection, Black Nouns, reflects 10 years of writing, and he’s now working on a new anthology. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about identity, creativity, teaching and the power of finding your voice.

On this episode of *The Sauce*, host Dawn Burns welcomes Toronto’s “Queen of Vibes,” award-winning instrumental fusion artist Desarae Dee. With more than 70,000 social media followers and millions of views, Desarae has built an international audience with her genre-defying sound. A 2022 SiriusXM Black Canadian Music Award recipient and GRAMMY® Voting Member, she’s toured with Super Duty Tough Work and been featured on NPR Music’s *Jazz Night in America* and CBC Radio. Her latest album, *Adventure*, is currently under GRAMMY® consideration in three categories. Don’t miss this conversation with Toronto’s Queen of Vibes!

Get ready for a musical journey unlike anything you've heard before! On this episode of The Sauce, host Dawn Burns welcomes the creative force behind FlamenKora, the groundbreaking trio blending the hypnotic sounds of the West African kora, the fiery passion of Spanish flamenco guitar, and the bold spirit of jazz trumpet. Dawn sits down with acclaimed trumpeter and composer Volker Goetze to explore the remarkable collaboration with Senegalese kora master and vocalist Ali Boulo Santo Cissoko and rising flamenco guitarist Alejandro Moreno. Discover how three musical traditions, shaped by centuries and continents, come together to create a thrilling new global sound. Hear the stories behind the music, the inspiration behind the collaboration, and why FlamenKora is captivating audiences around the world. Listen now!

On this episode of The Sauce Live, host Dawn Burns brings you an unforgettable performance by saxophonist and composer Kris Brownlee, recorded live at the Crystal Ballroom in the Lerner Theatre during the 38th Annual Elkhart Jazz Festival. You'll also hear Dawn's conversation with Kris about the inspiration behind his music, the festival performance, and what's next in his creative journey. Great live jazz and an engaging conversation—don't miss this special edition of The Sauce Live.

Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce for a conversation with acclaimed saxophonist, educator, and composer Anthony Bruno, recorded in 2023. Rooted in jazz and inspired by R&B and soul, Bruno has performed with Wynton Marsalis, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Larry Carlton, Bobby Watson, Bobby Broom, and Mary Wilson of The Supremes. In this interview, Anthony discusses his latest album and shares memorable stories from working with jazz greats, including Wynton Marsalis and Bobby Watson. Don't miss this inspiring edition of The Sauce.

Join host Dawn Burns on *The Sauce* as we remember the life and legacy of Kelly Burgét, founder of UZIMA! African Drum and Dance and a beloved force in our local arts community. In this special encore conversation, Dawn is joined by Executive Director Michelle Jewel and Artistic Director Pierre Batiste to reflect on Kelly's vision, passion, and enduring impact. They also share details about **Ndyio ya Milele** ("Eternal Yes"), a moving celebration of Kelly's life and the spirit of faith, wholeness, health, and joy she inspired. The celebration takes place July 18, 6:30–8:30 p.m., at Leighton Concert Hall in Notre Dame's DeBartolo Performing Arts Center.

Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce for a conversation with Peruvian multi-instrumentalist, composer, and educator Lucia Sarmiento. Based in Minneapolis, Lucia has become a vibrant force on the city's music scene and has toured nationally with international pop star Pitbull on saxophone and guitar. Influenced by her South American roots, jazz, and '80s fusion, Lucia creates music that reflects her diverse cultural upbringing and distinctive artistic voice. Hear how her passion for bold, beautiful melodies continues to shape her exciting musical journey on The Sauce.

Join host Dawn Burns on *The Sauce* for a conversation with acclaimed saxophonist and composer Tim Cunningham. After starring in both football and music at Michigan State University, Cunningham turned down a free agent opportunity with the Dallas Cowboys to follow his passion for the saxophone. That decision launched a remarkable career blending smooth jazz and soulful R&B. He has shared the stage with Dave Koz, George Benson, Earth, Wind & Fire, Patti LaBelle, Boyz II Men, Luther Vandross, and many more. Don't miss this inspiring episode of *The Sauce*.

Join host Dawn Burns on *The Sauce* for a conversation with Polish bassist and composer Kinga Głyk, one of contemporary jazz’s most exciting young voices. Born in 1997, Kinga began performing at age 12 with her family’s Głyk P.I.K Trio. Blending funk, fusion, and modern jazz grooves, her dynamic electric bass style continues to redefine the instrument’s role in contemporary music.

Join host Dawn Burns on *The Sauce* for a conversation with legendary DJ and producer **Terminator X**, the original DJ and founding member of the groundbreaking hip-hop group Public Enemy. Known as the "Silent Assassin," Terminator X helped shape the group's signature sound with his innovative turntablism and unforgettable scratching on classics like *Rebel Without a Pause*. He also released two solo albums and, in 2013, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Public Enemy. Hear his story, his influences, and his lasting impact on hip-hop culture.

Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce for a conversation and electrifying live performance from Toronzo Cannon & The Chicago Way, joined by The Jack Whittle Trio, recorded at The Acorn in Three Oaks, Michigan. A leading voice in contemporary blues, Toronzo Cannon is celebrated for his deeply personal songwriting, fiery guitar playing, and soulful vocals. Drawing inspiration from legends such as Muddy Waters, Elmore James, Albert King, and Jimi Hendrix, Cannon has forged a distinctive sound that honors the blues tradition while pushing it forward.

Tune in for an unforgettable mix of conversation, storytelling, and live music from one of today's most innovative blues artists.

Photo credit Sandra Miller

Join host Dawn Burns on *The Sauce* for a conversation recorded in 2022.with acclaimed jazz pianist, composer, educator, and radio host Billy Foster. With a career spanning more than 35 years, Foster has performed with jazz greats including Art Farmer, James Moody, Jimmy Heath, and Ernie Watts. A longtime educator at Valparaiso University and Indiana University Northwest, he has helped shape generations of musicians while continuing to perform and record with the Billy Foster Trio, featuring vocalist Renee Miles-Foster. Foster also hosts the popular *Billy Foster Jazz Zone* on WGVE 88.7 in Gary, Indiana. Tune in for an engaging conversation celebrating jazz, education, and a lifetime of musical excellence.

Join host Dawn Burns on “The Sauce” for a conversation with Jean-Philippe Rio-Py — known worldwide as RIOPY. RIOPY’s far-reaching music has surpassed 1.3 billion streams and filled concert halls across Europe, North America and Asia — but behind the success is a deeper story of recovery. Be Love was born from a profoundly personal battle: the fight to recover when illness nearly silenced him. For RIOPY, that struggle sparked a return to singing — a lifelong fear turned necessity — which he later transformed into his first-ever vocal tracks: ‘Long Way Home’ and ‘Come With Me’.

Join host Dawn Burns on *The Sauce* for a conversation with rising saxophonist, composer, and producer Kobie Dozier. Raised in Los Angeles and shaped by the rich Leimert Park music community, Kobie studied with legendary saxophonist Ricky Washington and was inspired by jazz mentor Reggie Andrews. A graduate of The New School, Kobie is building momentum with his genre-blending sound rooted in jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and funk. Following his successful “For The People” tour, he’s preparing to release his highly anticipated 2026 project, *N’namdi*—and yes, the album cover is stunning.

Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce for a conversation with Chicago-based guitarist, arranger, composer, and educator Joshua Achiron. Blending jazz and classical traditions, Joshua studied at the Eastman School of Music and earned his master’s degree from the Berklee Global Jazz Institute under Danilo Pérez, Joe Lovano, and John Patitucci. In 2024, Joshua received the prestigious Luminarts Jazz Fellowship and now teaches at Harper College.