Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce for an inspiring performance by JazzReach’s acclaimed Metta Quintet. Dedicated to advancing jazz through innovative educational programming and community engagement, JazzReach brings world-class artistry to audiences of all ages. This special performance was recorded live at The Acorn in Three Oaks, capturing the energy, creativity, and spirit that make live jazz unforgettable.

Join host Dawn Burns on *The Sauce* for an inspiring conversation with Mark Adams, a pioneering keyboardist and composer who helped define the neo-soul sound. A longtime collaborator of Roy Ayers, Mark spent 25 years as his music director. Following Roy’s passing in March 2025, Mark set out to honor his legacy by forming the Neo-Soul All Stars and recording “This Is Neo Soul”, a tribute album.

In this episode, Mark reflects on decades in music, life on the road, and how his latest project carries forward a timeless sound.

Join host Dawn Burns on *The Sauce* for a powerful conversation with Buddy Red, an Atlanta-based Southern blues artist known for his soulful sound and electrifying performances. A gifted vocalist and guitarist, Buddy channels the spirit of classic influences while crafting a style entirely his own. With roots in a legendary entertainment family, he’s forging his own path—earning recognition for his visceral guitar work and deeply personal storytelling.

In this episode, Buddy opens up about his musical journey, the inspiration behind his sound, and the passion that drives his artistry. It’s an honest, compelling look at an artist creating something real, raw, and unforgettable. Don’t miss this dynamic and inspiring conversation.

Photo credit @abdquadir1 

Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce for a captivating conversation with Paris Jo, an independent fashion designer and photographer based in the Michiana area. Known for her bespoke bridal and evening gowns, Paris blends romance, history, and storytelling into every piece, creating designs rich with emotion, movement, and timeless beauty. A Purdue University graduate with over a decade in design and two years in professional photography, she draws inspiration from old Hollywood, 90s minimalism, and feminine editorial style. Don’t miss this intimate look into her creative world

Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce for a conversation with Chicago-based, cross-genre artist Russoul. Blending soul, house, techno, gospel, R&B, and electronica, Russoul shares his journey from winning Chicago Idol to working with Ye and opening for legends like Erykah Badu, Chaka Khan, and Stevie Wonder. Tune in as he reflects on his musical evolution, creative process, and the lasting influence of his mother.

Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce for a dynamic conversation with Nicholas Payton—a Grammy Award–winning multi-instrumentalist, composer, and cultural innovator. A leading voice in American music, Payton defies genre, blending tradition with what he calls “postmodern New Orleans music.” In this episode, he reflects on his 2022 album Couch Sessions, featuring bassist Buster Williams and drummer Lenny White. The project fuses performance with sampled interview excerpts from influential artists, creating a layered, immersive listening experience. Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of music, legacy, and creative expression.

Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce as she sits down with artist Craig Kilgore, whose work transforms everyday landscapes into meditations on memory, myth, and the human mark on the land. Raised in the post-industrial Midwest, Craig developed an eye for the quiet beauty—and underlying tension—hidden in overlooked places. This spring, he takes that perspective on the road with a series of pop-up exhibitions along Route 66, culminating in a major installation at the Apache Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico.

The project is part of the lead-up to the Route 66 Centennial in 2026—reimagining an iconic American corridor through a deeply personal lens.

Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce for an inspiring conversation with bassist, composer, and cultural advocate Brandon Meeks. A cornerstone of the Midwest creative music scene for over two decades, Meeks is known for his warm tone, deep groove, and fluid movement across jazz, hip-hop, soul, and experimental sounds.

Born in Gary and based in Indianapolis, he’s collaborated with artists from Don Cheadle to Robert Glasper. Meeks also curates the acclaimed 3rd Sunday Jazz Concert Series and creates the livestream Breakfast Beats.Hear how his work bridges tradition, community, and the evolving sound of modern jazz.

Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce. On this episode, she sits down with the fiercely original Andy James, an artist who refuses to be boxed in. Rooted in jazz and inspired by legends like Ray Charles, Sarah Vaughan, and Ella Fitzgerald, her sound blends soulful depth with fearless exploration. Her album Happy People fused jazz with flamenco influences from her dance career, while her latest release, The Architect of My Blues, showcases another creative turn. 

Join host Dawn Burns on The Sauce for a conversation with Ernie Paniccioli—an icon and the preeminent visual historian of Hip Hop. Long before the culture became a global movement, Ernie was there with his camera, documenting its earliest moments in New York City. For more than fifty years, he has captured pioneers like Grandmaster Flash, Queen Latifah, Nas, Chuck D of Public Enemy, and The Notorious B.I.G.. Hear the stories, wisdom, and spirit of a man who helped preserve Hip Hop history. Ernie Paniccioli photo credit Robert Adam @Phototob.