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. Three Cheers

    Good things come in threes when you visit Sonoma. Head out on a short hike right from town, sip and stroll the historic plaza, then take in the magical holiday lights.

    View

  2. Island Tree Topper

    The light display atop Angel Island State Park’s Mount Livermore has long been a cheerful twinkle visible from many cities throughout the Bay Area on holiday season nights. Get into the festive spirit by hiking the 2-mile (one-way) trail from Ayala Cove up to the "Angel Lights."

    View

  3. Go, Tell It on the Mountain

    {NOTE: Due to atmospheric rivers that can come this time of year, always be sure to check ahead for trail closures and hazards. And of course, wait for better weather and drier con

    View

  4. Serene Las Gallinas

    A serene stroll alongside marshland, passing ponds and grasses frilled in seasonal wildflowers, with Mount Tam a beacon in the background … how nice. As part of the esteemed Bay Trail, San Rafael’s Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop and Wildlife Ponds comprises about 3.5 miles of wide-open trail.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

    View

  2. Dune It Right

    Want a beach that will really get you away from it all? Monterey's Fort Ord Dunes State Park is just the ticket. And it often glows golden toward sunset.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Redding Lights and Silent Nights

    Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

    View
  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View