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"

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View

  4. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Tram to Cool Treks

    Elevate your fun, getting whisked from palm trees to alpine wilderness on the world’s largest rotating tramcar. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports you up and away on a 2.5-mile scenic route from the desert floor to the refreshing wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

    View

  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Your Mission Is Less Crowded

    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

    View
  4. Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

    Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

    Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.

    View