‘The Sauce’ captures the journey of arts, music and culture creators

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Join Dawn Burns for an episode spotlighting Isabella Isherwood. She’s a Chicago native and accomplished actor, vocalist, pianist, music director, and conductor. Isabella has shared her artistry on stage and screen both nationally and internationally. She is a proud alum of The Second City, Acting Studio Chicago, and the Jazz Institute of Chicago.Tune in to hear what inspires her creativity and her most recent health scare. That’s on The Sauce with Dawn Burns.photo credit: 1 joe-mazza-chicago-brave-lux-inc-3817

Episode 100: Isabella Isherwood Vocalist, Pianist and Actor

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Join Dawn Burns for an exciting episode spotlighting the South Bend Civic Theatre and its Executive Director, Aaron Nichols! An award-winning actor, director, and designer, Aaron has dedicated more than 25 years to volunteering at the CIVIC and theatres throughout the region. As the South Bend Civic Theatre prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary, Aaron shares a behind-the-scenes look at the exciting plans, special events, and community celebrations in store.Tune in to hear how the CIVIC continues to bring stories to life, inspire creativity, and enrich our community through the magic of theatre!

Episode 99: Aaron Nichols.Executive Director South Bend Civic Theater

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On this episode of The Sauce with Dawn Burns, we bring you The Sauce Live, recorded at The Acorn in Three Oaks, Michigan, featuring indie-folk-rock duo The Bergamot! High-school sweethearts Jillian Speece and Nathaniel Paul Hoff transformed their humble beginnings into a nationwide musical journey, performing in all 50 states. Blending heartfelt folk, infectious pop, and soaring rock, their music inspires connection and community.From their breakout single “P.D.R.” to their latest album, Give Love Away (2025), featuring the Notre Dame Children’s Choir, discover their remarkable story, creative journey, and passion for making a difference through music—all with Dawn Burns on The Sauce!

Episode 98: American Indie-Folk-Rock Duo The Bergamot

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On this episode of The Sauce, host Dawn Burns brings you The Sauce Live, recorded at Goshen Brewing Company in Goshen, Indiana, featuring the electrifying instrumental groove-jazz trio Sugar Bomb. Formed in Asheville, North Carolina, in 2023, Sugar Bomb features Jacob Bruner on keyboards, Eli Kahn on bass and guitar, and Joe Enright on drums. Drawing inspiration from jazz, classical, fusion, hip-hop, and electronic music, the trio blends it all into a genre-defying sound driven by adventurous compositions, fearless improvisation, and high-energy performances.Turn up the volume and experience the music, groove, and energy of Sugar Bomb—plus Dawn’s conversation with the band—on The Sauce with Dawn Burns!

Episode 97: Sugar Bomb-The Instrumental “Groove Jazz” Trio

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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

Episode 96: Jack Barksdale — Folk, Blues & Americana Singer-Songwriter

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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!

Episode 95: Heidi Smith-Executive Director of the School of American Music

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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&#39;s evolving spirit—improvisatory, searching, and deeply connected to life. Drawing inspiration from her gospel roots and a love of R&amp;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

Episode 94: Michele Thomas — Jazz Singer-Songwriter, Educator & Entrepreneur

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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!

Episode 93: Alex Anest — Composer, Guitarist & Educator

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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!

Episode 92: Singer-Songwriter and Artist Louise Golbey

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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.

Episode 91: Jenario Morgan — Poetry, Purpose & the Power of Words

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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!

Episode 90: Toronto’s Queen of Vibes: Desarae Dee

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Get ready for a musical journey unlike anything you&#39;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!

Episode 89:  World Music Sensation Flamenkora

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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&#39;ll also hear Dawn&#39;s conversation with Kris about the inspiration behind his music, the festival performance, and what&#39;s next in his creative journey. Great live jazz and an engaging conversation—don&#39;t miss this special edition of The Sauce Live.

Episode 88: Saxophonist and Composer Kris Brownlee

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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&amp;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&#39;t miss this inspiring edition of The Sauce.

Episode 87: Saxophonist and Composer Anthony Bruno

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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&#39;s vision, passion, and enduring impact. They also share details about **Ndyio ya Milele** (&#34;Eternal Yes&#34;), a moving celebration of Kelly&#39;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&#39;s DeBartolo Performing Arts Center.

Episode 86:Tribute to Kelly Burgèt UZIMA! Drum and Dance

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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&#39;s music scene and has toured nationally with international pop star Pitbull on saxophone and guitar. Influenced by her South American roots, jazz, and &#39;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.

Episode 85: Lucia Sarmiento—Peruvian Multi-Instrumentalist and Composer

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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&amp;B. He has shared the stage with Dave Koz, George Benson, Earth, Wind &amp; Fire, Patti LaBelle, Boyz II Men, Luther Vandross, and many more. Don&#39;t miss this inspiring episode of *The Sauce*.

Episode 84: Saxophonist & Composer Tim Cunningham

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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.

Episode 83: Bassist & Composer Kinga Glyk

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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 &#34;Silent Assassin,&#34; Terminator X helped shape the group&#39;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 &amp; Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Public Enemy. Hear his story, his influences, and his lasting impact on hip-hop culture.

Episode 82: DJ Terminator X of Public Enemy

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Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce for a conversation and electrifying live performance from Toronzo Cannon &amp; 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&#39;s most innovative blues artists.Photo credit Sandra Miller

Episode 81: Chicago Bluesman Toronzo Cannon

‘The Sauce’ captures the journey of arts, music and culture creators