Tag: Jennifer Hudson-Prenkert

Fifth Edition — Jennifer Hudson-Prenkert Marks First Major Milestone for Kalamazoo’s Sounds of the Zoo Music Festival

Jennifer Hudson-Prenkert. Courtesy photo.

For Jennifer Hudson-Prenkert, the fifth year feels special.

It marks the start of longevity and the first major milestone for Sounds of the Zoo, the free-admission music festival she’s hosted since 2022 in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

“It feels pretty amazing to still be here,” said Hudson-Prenkert, founder, curator, and director of Sounds of the Zoo.

“Recently, Sounds of the Zoo was recognized by Local Spins as the No. 2 September music festival in Michigan—right behind Wheatland. That’s an incredible honor and something I’m really proud of. I’m trying to take a moment to sit back, take it in, and recognize that we made it to year five. But honestly, I also feel like I’m just getting started.”

Running September 21-27, the festival features more than 40 acts at several locations across the city. Some of the acts include Myron Elkins, The Mark Lavengood Band, Desmond Jones, The Go Rounds, MexiCuba, The Rupple Brothers, Grace Theisen, Kylee Phillips, Chris Canas, and others.

In addition to celebrating Michigan music, Sounds of the Zoo has become part of the city’s cultural movement and has built partnerships with local venues, Western Michigan University, and other organizations.

“Sounds of the Zoo is so much more than a festival,” Hudson-Prenkert said. “It’s rooted in community, but it also reaches beyond the community. I think that’s part of what makes it different. Festivals can sometimes have a certain stereotype or formula, and I’ve always wanted Sounds of the Zoo to feel different.”

I recently spoke with Hudson-Prenkert about preparing for the festival and celebrating its first milestone.

Continue reading “Fifth Edition — Jennifer Hudson-Prenkert Marks First Major Milestone for Kalamazoo’s Sounds of the Zoo Music Festival” →

Live and Local — Sounds of the Zoo Hosts Year-Round Shows to Build Momentum and Support Michigan Music

Jennifer Westwood will perform at the first Sounds of the Zoo Presents: Live. Local. Vibes. show of 2026 on January 24 at Kalamazoo’s Old Dog Tavern. Photo – Chuck Marshall

For Jennifer Hudson-Prenkert, Sounds of the Zoo runs all yearlong.

The founder, curator, and director of the Kalamazoo-based music festival is featuring several shows in 2026 to keep its momentum.

“Sounds of the Zoo has reached a point where it’s no longer just an idea or an annual event—it’s a living, growing ecosystem,” Hudson-Prenkert said.

“Lately, I’m motivated by the idea of sustainability: how we build something that supports artists long-term, not just for one weekend, and how we keep evolving while staying rooted in community.”

Billed as Sounds of the Zoo Presents: Live. Local. Vibes., the shows include different Michigan artists sharing the stage with each other and out-of-town guests.

“Creatively, I’ve been inspired by collaboration across scenes and genres and by watching artists support one another in really genuine ways,” Hudson-Prenkert said.

To get things started, Hudson-Prenkert is hosting a January 24 show at Kalamazoo’s Old Dog Tavern. It will feature performances by The Incantations’ Lisa Mackie and Ryan Gladding, along with Detroit’s Jennifer Westwood and Dylan Dunbar, and special guest Ted Russell Kamp.

Kamp is a Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter and a member of Shooter Jennings’ band.

“I wanted artists who are not only incredible musicians but also strong storytellers and collaborators,” Hudson-Prenkert said.

“Bringing Detroit and Kalamazoo artists together with Ted Russell Kamp from Los Angeles reflects what Sounds of the Zoo is all about—connection across regimes and scenes. Ted has deep roots in Americana and songwriting, and pairing him with Michigan artists creates a really special, shared musical conversation rather than a typical headliner format.”

Longtime friends of Kamp’s, Westwood and Dunbar are eager to perform with him in Kalamazoo.

“Ted called, and we decided it was a great chance to get our pumps primed for the road again,” said Westwood, who performs with husband Dunbar and their band, The Handsome Devils.

“I wanted to treat our friend to some good experiences here. We wanted a date on the west side of the state. I love Jennifer [Hudson-Prenkert’s] vision, we enjoy Kalamazoo, and saw it as an opportunity to work with someone with a real vision versus looking to add a date to a calendar.”

I recently spoke with Hudson-Prenkert and Westwood ahead of the January 24 show.

Continue reading “Live and Local — Sounds of the Zoo Hosts Year-Round Shows to Build Momentum and Support Michigan Music” →