Locals' Feature: Jesse James Ziegler, Reno's Poet Laureate

Locals' Feature: Jesse James Ziegler, Reno's Poet Laureate

03.05.2025
Jesse James Ziegler and his wife, Amanda McHenry at Shim's Tavern in Reno

Meet Jesse James Ziegler, Reno's Poet Laureate. Jesse grew up in Grass Valley, California, and now lives in Reno. One of his main goals among Reno’s famously artistic community was to become Poet Laureate. He made his dream come true, and then some!

Group photo of participants in Monday Night Poetry at Shim's Tavern in Reno

Jesse James Ziegler, Reno's Poet Laureate, and an orange and yellow pet parrot on his shoulder

Jesse James Ziegler performing open mic spoken word poetry

Jesse is also the Creative Director of Reno’s Monday Night Poetry and True Colors Poetry. Monday Night Poetry happens at Reno’s Shim’s Tavern which, according to Jesse, is home to the world’s best non-alcohol Guinness beer, hands down—or up (all hail a tasty non-alcohol beer!) If you’re in Reno for an extended stay (always a good idea), head to a Monday Night Poetry session. Everyone is welcome, whether you just want to sit, sip, and listen to poetry or get up and share your own words.

Photo of Lake Tahoe turquoise waters taken by Jesse James Ziegler

Photo of Reno's Love, Believe, Home sculpture in Reno by Jesse James Ziegler

In his spare time, Jesse finds inspiration in Reno's beautiful mountain and desert landscape, as well as the numerous artistic enclaves in the city. As he explores and finds inspiration in and around Reno he enjoys taking pictures.

Listen to our podcast interview with Jesse, where he shares his favorite places to go outdoors for poetic inspiration in Reno (there are a lot of choices!) and discusses the thriving creative community—from Burning Man to less known enclaves where art is always percolating.

Follow Jesse James Ziegler, @sidewayseightprojects

Listen to Weekend Sherpa's podcast Take It Outside, episode 66, "From Southeast Asia to Reno Tahoe"

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