Check Out Jennifer Hudson-Prenkert’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Hudson-Prenkert.

Hi Jennifer, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The Story of Sounds of the Zoo: How a Vision Became a Movement

For Jennifer Hudson-Prenkert, the creation of Sounds of the Zoo wasn’t just a career move — it was a calling.

Born into a lineage of artists and musicians, Jennifer’s life has always been steeped in creative expression. From her early years in Manistee and Ludington to studying dance at Western Michigan University, music and movement were her constant companions. Even as a college student, she spent as much time in Kalamazoo’s clubs and music venues as she did in class — captivated by the city’s underground energy and talent.

“I’ve always had a fluid artistic life,” she says. “Dance, theater, massage therapy, hair styling — I’ve done it all. But music was the one thing that always brought me back to my center.”

Then came the pandemic — a pause, a rupture, and a reset. In the silence that followed, Jennifer began to imagine how Kalamazoo could heal through music. What if there was a way to bring everyone back together — not just for a night, but for a weeklong celebration? What if she could use her passion, connections, and event experience to build something transformative?

That “what if” became Sounds of the Zoo — a free, multi-venue music festival and symposium grounded in four core values: diversity, inclusion, mental health, and sustainability. Jennifer wasn’t just looking to entertain; she wanted to inspire change and foster community through the universal language of music.

She started small, testing the waters with concerts at the former Arcadia Brewing Co. — and when she saw the community’s enthusiasm, she knew it was time to go bigger. In 2022, she launched the inaugural Sounds of the Zoo, featuring over 30 bands and workshops throughout Kalamazoo. It was bold, grassroots, and deeply intentional.

“I hit the gas hard,” she admits. “People thought I was crazy — but I knew I was onto something.”

Now entering its fourth year, the festival has grown exponentially, with 50 bands slated to perform in 2024. Acts range from beloved local talent to regional and national artists, performing in venues across the city — from Bell’s Brewery to Bronson Park. And yet, the spirit remains rooted in collaboration, not competition. There’s no beer tent in the park, no paywall at the gate. Jennifer is clear: this is about community, not commerce.

“What I want is to make Kalamazoo a true music destination,” she says. “I’m not here to throw a concert. I’m here to plant seeds, uplift artists, and build something that lasts.”

Her passion hasn’t gone unnoticed. Local broadcasters, music journalists, and industry leaders across the state have praised her vision and drive. John Sinkevics of Local Spins calls her a “whirlwind” and a “collaborative force” who is reshaping Michigan’s music scene.

Yet for Jennifer, the magic lies not just in the performances, but in the behind-the-scenes orchestration. She thrives on the logistics — the schedules, the set-ups, the coordination that brings it all to life. “Seventy percent of a show is production,” she says. “That’s what fascinates me. I love being on set. I love bringing people together.”

Sounds of the Zoo is more than a festival — it’s a movement powered by one woman’s relentless energy and her belief in music as a bridge. It’s a living reflection of Jennifer’s journey: artist, entrepreneur, and now, visionary leader of one of Michigan’s most inclusive and dynamic music festivals.

“I’ve always had big dreams,” she says. “But I’m not just dreaming anymore. I’m building. And Kalamazoo is the perfect place to do it.”

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The Struggle Behind the Sound

When I first shared the vision for Sounds of the Zoo, people said it was too broad — too ambitious. A free, week-long music festival and symposium focused on diversity, inclusion, mental health, and sustainability? With over 50 bands, multiple venues, and zero ticket sales? It sounded impossible. And some days, it still does.

But I’m still here.

Four years in, I pay the bands. I don’t pay myself. I reinvest everything into this festival because I believe in what it represents: accessible music for everyone, the celebration of Michigan’s talent, and the power of culture to transform communities.

Raising the money to make that happen is one of the greatest challenges I face. I’ve been doing this largely on my own — writing grants, meeting with donors, pitching to sponsors, and explaining over and over why this festival matters. Why building a music city isn’t just about entertainment — it’s about economic development, identity, and connection.

Getting local businesses to believe in that vision has been tough. Getting consistent support from the city has been even tougher. Every year, I have to re-prove the value of what this festival brings to Kalamazoo — the artists it supports, the communities it uplifts, the vibrancy it generates.

Generating excitement isn’t always easy either. Sometimes the hardest part is getting people to come out and simply support local music — to understand that their presence is part of the movement. It’s a slow process, and often an uphill climb.

But I’m still here. Four years later. Because I believe in this.

Sounds of the Zoo was built on a dream — but it continues because of grit, passion, and the belief that this community deserves music that’s free, inclusive, and alive with purpose.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Jennifer Hudson-Prenkert – Creative Visionary | Festival Director | Hair Artist

I’m a multidisciplinary artist and community builder, known for fusing creativity with purpose. I specialize in two seemingly different worlds—music event production and creative hair artistry—but at the core of both is a passion for self-expression, connection, and transformation.

With over 25 years of experience in the entertainment and arts industries, I’ve grown from a professional dancer and choreographer into a creative director, booking agent, and now the founder of Sounds of the Zoo—a free, week-long music festival and symposium in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I’m most proud of launching this festival from the ground up. It began as a vision to bring people together through music, and has grown into a collaborative, multicultural movement that highlights local and regional talent while promoting diversity, inclusion, mental health, and sustainability.

What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered. I don’t wait for opportunities—I build them. I’m deeply involved in every layer of production, and I lead with empathy, creativity, and hustle.

Beyond the festival world, I am also a creative hair stylist at Salon Noir in Kalamazoo, specializing in color, curly hair, and bold, artistic cuts. I love being an artist in all forms—whether I’m curating a lineup of musicians or designing a transformative new look behind the chair.

To me, art is not limited to one medium—it’s a way of life. Everything I do is rooted in the belief that creativity can inspire change and bring people together.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Absolutely. I draw inspiration from a mix of creative, spiritual, and musical sources that keep me grounded and fueled.

Rick Rubin’s book The Creative Act is a big one—it’s a reminder to trust intuition and embrace the process. I also love tuning into positive energy podcasts and anything that helps me stay centered and open.

Music documentaries and movies are constant sources of inspiration, especially those that dive deep into the heart of the artist. I find a lot of value in PBS and NPR programming, and I’m deeply inspired by organizations like Playing for Change, which use global music collaborations to create unity and purpose.

Live music performances—of any kind—reignite my creative fire. Whether it’s a huge stage or an intimate show, there’s nothing like the energy of live art. Art in general fuels me—visual art, theater, dance, design—it all connects to my creative core and reminds me why I do what I do.

I also find renewal in nature, especially near Lake Michigan. The water, the woods, the stillness—it all helps me reconnect with myself. And most of all, I spend my time with people who are my vibe and my tribe. That kind of honest, creative, supportive energy keeps me going.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.soundsofthezoo.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundsofthezoo
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Nj3JHgRGC/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-hudson-prenkert-178676324
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/soundsofthezoo