The Sauce with Dawn Burns

Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce for an inspiring conversation with Mr. G. Edwin Robinson, head of the Theatre Arts Program at Boys and Girls High School in Brooklyn, New York. Robinson is the recipient of the 2025 Excellence in Theatre Education Award, presented jointly by Carnegie Mellon University and The Tony Awards. This prestigious honor recognizes educators who demonstrate exceptional impa...

Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce for a soulful conversation with vocalist, violinist, and songwriter Emmaline—one of today’s most captivating independent artists. From features in Rolling Stone and American Songwriter to opening for 10-time GRAMMY winner Chaka Khan, Emmaline’s smoky, jazz-infused, genre-fluid voice is turning heads worldwide. In 2023, she made her silver-screen debut in Sweetwate...

Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce for a soulful conversation with smooth jazz saxophonist Harold Dawson . Born in Chicago and raised in Kentucky, Dawson discovered his musical calling at thirteen and drew inspiration from artists like Boney James, Kenny G, and Dave Koz. Blending smooth jazz with R&B, funk, and soul, he reflects on key moments that shaped his journey—from meeting Dave Koz to be...

Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce for a compelling conversation with NEA Jazz Master, Doris Duke Artist, and four-time GRAMMY Award–winning drummer, composer, producer, and educator Terri Lyne Carrington. She’s joined by Washington, DC–born and North Carolina–raised vocalist and composer Christie Dashiell. This year, Carrington released the critically acclaimed album We Insist 2025!, a powerful re...

Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce for a compelling conversation with author, NPR affiliate broadcaster, writer, and essayist Sid Shroyer . Sid joins Dawn to discuss his book, When Once Destroyed: a project that began as a letter to his grandson about his father and evolved into a powerful work of investigative research and reporting. The book uncovers the hidden story behind the destruction of his...

Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce for an inspiring conversation with Jennifer Strombeck and Chad Rajski about the exciting creative resources available at Studio 304 , located inside the St. Joseph County Public Library. This unique public space offers free access to tools and technology for producing print, video, and audio projects—along with a knowledgeable staff ready to help turn ideas into r...

Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce for a conversation with Chicago-based trumpeter, composer, and educator Markus Rutz , whose bluesy, soulful style and “gorgeous” tone have earned him both local and national acclaim. A dedicated mid-career artist, Rutz continues to make his mark through expressive performances, thoughtful compositions, and a deep commitment to teaching. In this episode of The Sauc...

Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce for an illuminating conversation with trumpeter and composer Chad McCullough. Praised for his “solos of mercurial poetry and high craft” (Chicago Tribune), the Chicago-based artist has earned an international reputation for music that is as thoughtful as it is compelling. Critic Dan McClenaghan notes, “He is a rare instrumentalist who makes each note feel imbued w...

Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce for a dynamic conversation with two musical powerhouses: BJ Leiderman, the iconic composer behind NPR’s most recognizable theme music, and acclaimed singer-songwriter Kenny White, known for his sharp, soulful storytelling. Together, they share the journeys that shaped their signature sounds—from BJ’s legendary public radio themes to Kenny’s celebrated albums and s...

Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce for an inspiring conversation with April Sellers about the unique mission of Nomad Theatre. April shares the story of Nomad, born from a dinner table idea into a traveling theatre committed to developing and showcasing diverse, often unheard, stories and original works by local Michiana artists. Discover how Nomad is building a home for local creatives and explori...

Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce for a vibrant conversation with UZIMA! Drum and Dance , a South Bend–based company founded in 2012 by Kelly Burgèt. Meaning “wholeness, health, and life” in Swahili, UZIMA! lives its name through dynamic performances of West African and Afro-contemporary dance, song, and spoken word. Dawn speaks with founder and artistic director Kelly Burgèt, director Michelle Je...

Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce for a conversation with Kristin Korb — a rare talent who seamlessly combines rich vocals with masterful bass playing. Few can sing and play bass at once, and even fewer do it with such effortless grace. With her crystal-clear voice and deep musicality, Kristin delivers performances that both captivate and inspire. Photo by Sofie Barfoed

Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce for a conversation with New York–based saxophonist Christopher McBride. A Chicago native, McBride is known for his versatility, collaborating with artists from Roy Hargrove to Solange and Ne-Yo. His 2023 album Ramon reached JazzWeek’s Top 25 and was hailed as “a sonic marvel.” A performer, composer, educator, and curator, McBride continues to expand the reach of j...

Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce for a conversation with South Bend–based singer-songwriter, musician, and somatic therapist Dena Woods . Her music explores healing and human connection, offering space for deep reflection and emotional honesty. As a songwriter, Dena unpacks moments, examines emotion, and studies what it means to be human. Performing both solo and with her band The Dena Woods Proj...

Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce for a soulful conversation with Montreal-based, British-born singer-songwriter Dawn Tyler Watson , a powerhouse among the international blues elite. Known for her electrifying performances and genre-blending style, Watson infuses Jazz, Soul, and Gospel with an edge that redefines modern Blues. A JUNO Award winner and multiple Maple Blues Award honoree, she’s toure...

Join Dawn Burns on The Sauce for a conversation with trumpeter Marques Carroll, an artist who blends a mastery of musical styles to create evocative works that speak directly to the soul. Rooted in the tradition of Black American Music (BAM), Marques challenges and reimagines the boundaries of Blues, Funk, Soul, Neo-Soul, and Hip-Hop—pushing each into new realms of expression.

Join Dawn Burns on The Sauce for a conversation with Lakecia Benjamin, a 5x GRAMMY-nominated New York saxophonist, arranger, composer, and educator. Known for blending R&B, funk, and diverse jazz traditions, Benjamin’s warm, resonant tone has drawn comparisons to Johnny Hodges. She honed her craft with legends like Clark Terry and Terri Lyne Carrington and has accompanied acclaimed vocalists i...

Join Dawn Burns on The Sauce for a powerful conversation with Dr. Emorja Roberson—the first African American to earn a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from the University of Notre Dame. With a focus on African American repertoire and sacred music, Dr. Roberson is now shaping the next generation as Assistant Professor of Music and African American Studies at Oxford College of Emory Univ...

Join Dawn Burns on The Sauce for a powerful conversation about the groundbreaking documentary The Invisible Player: The Rosemary Sanders Story. Dawn sits down with film creator Dr. Marvin Curtis, producer Chuck Fry, and videographer Ryan Blaske to explore the remarkable life of Rosemary Sanders, the first African American musician in the South Bend Symphony during the 1940s. Hidden from public rec...

Join Dawn Burns on The Sauce for a conversation with Rafael Chávez y Moreno. Born in Puebla, Mexico, Rafael moved to Goshen, Indiana at fifteen and has since become a pillar of the Michiana music scene. From Spanish rock with Lalo Cura to touring nationally with Kansas Bible Company and supporting acts like Rich Ruth and Anne McCue, Rafael continues to push creative boundaries. Hear about his jour...

Join Dawn Burns for a conversation with Salin, a Thai-born, Canada-based Juno-nominated drummer, producer, and composer. Her music fuses Northeast Thailand’s enchanting sounds with 70’s West African psychedelia, layered in modern soulful production. Exploring identity, spirituality, and humanity—with plenty of fun—Salin crafts a unique, genre-bending sonic journey for listeners.

Join Dawn Burns for a conversation with TSwang, a genre-blending artist redefining sound and soul. With roots in the Midwest and the South, he’s crafted a signature style he calls FunkHop —a bold fusion of R&B, Hip Hop, Soul, and Pop. TSwang’s smooth vocals, hip-hop swagger, funk-driven grooves, and streetwise storytelling come together to create a fresh sound.

Join Dawn Burns for a conversation with Patti Shaffner, a versatile vocalist whose artistry spans Folk, Blues, Jazz, Theater, and Improvisational Singing. A gifted songwriter and seasoned performer, Patti’s music blends thought-provoking lyrics with heartfelt emotion, creating songs that speak to our universal longing for love, hope, and connection. Known for her dynamic stage presence and soulful...

Join Dawn Burns for a conversation with acclaimed New York jazz trombonist Conrad Herwig. A four-time Grammy nominee with 28 albums as leader, He has topped DownBeat’s “Jazz Critic’s Poll” three times and performed with legends like Joe Henderson, Horace Silver, and McCoy Tyner. Conrad reflects on his 40-year career, his role with the Mingus Big Band, and his acclaimed “Latin Side” projects.

Join Dawn Burns for a conversation with Monique Burts, aka ‘Mo Gio’—2025 Art & Soul featured artist and visionary wearable artist. With a background in sculpture from Herron School of Art + Design, Monique transforms unconventional materials into stunning runway art. Her work blends costume design, music, choreography, and theatrical storytelling. Experience how she brings sculpture to life th...