The Sauce with Dawn Burns

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!

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.