Creating a Music Movement with Jennifer Hudson-Prenkert

In this episode, we talk with Jennifer Hudson-Prenkert, founder of the Sounds of the Zoo music festival in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Jennifer shares her inspiring journey from a career in dance and theater to creating a one-of-a-kind, mission-based music festival that celebrates diversity, sustainability, and community.“I’m creating change through music.” That’s not just a tagline—it’s the heart of Sounds of the Zoo, a weeklong, free music festival that features over 50 bands across eight venues in Kalamazoo each September. But as Jennifer tells us, it’s more than a festival—it’s a year-round movement built on collaboration and inclusion.Sounds of the Zoo 2025📅 September 22–28, 2025📍 Multiple venues in Kalamazoo, MI + Bronson Park🎶 Free and open to the publicFollow @soundsofthezoo on Instagram for the latest updates, band announcements, and community collaborations. And keep an eye out for the debut of the Kalamazoo Gals documentary screening during this year’s fest!Resources & Mentions* Sounds of the Zoo* Local Spins* Sonic Coast* Michigan Music Alliance* Mitten Music Podcast* GIG - The Art of Michigan Music Foundation* Discover Kalamazoo & the Downtown Commons District* Kalamazoo Gals Documentary* Heritage Guitars & Gibson Guitar History* Sounds of the Zoo Fundraiser and Irene Stearns Day Celebration – Life In Michigan Get full access to Life In Michigan at lifeinmichigan.substack.com/subscribe