The Sauce with Dawn Burns

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 reimagining of Max Roach’s Freedom Now Suite. The highly celebrated project reflects on the past while challenging the present—honoring Roach’s original masterpiece and furthering Carrington’s lifelong commitment to using jazz as a force for social activism.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about music, legacy, and the enduring power of jazz to spark change. Photo Credit Erik Bardin

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 father’s boyhood home and the erasure of the town of Somerset, Indiana. The title, When Once Destroyed, is drawn from Oliver Goldsmith’s poem “The Deserted Village,”echoing the lasting impact of loss, memory, and place.

Tune in for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation about history, legacy, and the story he wanted to share with his grandson..

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 reality. Studio 304 fosters collaboration and creativity through guided access to cutting-edge media tools, including computer workstations, scanners, color printers, 3D printers, and professional recording studios. Artists and creators can build new skills through one-on-one support, classes, and special events. Recorded in November 2023, this conversation highlights the thrill of offering such an inclusive space—and the vital role community plays in helping creators learn, connect, and thrive.

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 Sauce, Markus shares insights into his artistic journey, the influences shaping his sound, and the creative process behind his most recent projects. Tune in for an inspiring and music-filled conversation with one of Chicago’s standout trumpeters.

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 with deeper meaning—measured and deliberate, often introspective, sometimes gorgeously melancholic, and always rich with mood and atmosphere.”Tune in for this unforgettable episode of The Sauce Live, where artistry, insight, and creative spirit come together.

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 studio work. Don’t miss this inspiring, music-filled episode with two masters of their craft.

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 exploring what it means to create "storytelling that moves, literally and emotionally." Tune in to learn more about this innovative approach to community arts and theatre.

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 Jewell, and company director Pierre Cooks about community, culture, and how their art inspires joy and connection.

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 jazz through creativity, collaboration, and community.