Telling Stories Performance Exhibition and Educational Series: Western Poetry

Jake spent much of his youth in the upper Arkansas Valley of the Colorado mountains, where his passion for cowboy culture took root. Growing up, he immersed himself in roping and rodeo, which led to working on local ranches and deepening his appreciation for the Western way of life. His love for poetry began early, sparked by the magic of words and solidified after seeing poet Waddie Mitchell perform at Copper Mountain in the mid-'90s.

  Jake’s talent for storytelling emerged in high school when a poem he wrote for a class project was published during his senior year—a moment that set him on a lifelong path of writing and performing. He first shared his work at his church before stepping onto the stage at the Nebraska Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Valentine in 2016. Since then, he has performed at events across the country, from Minnesota to Nevada, including five appearances at the prestigious National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada.

  With a style that leans toward contemporary cowboy poetry, Jake captivates audiences of all ages. His storytelling is engaging, often animated, and filled with heart. He also has a deep respect for the classics and takes great pride in carrying forward the tradition of cowboy poetry. Now calling central Nebraska home, Jake shares this journey with his wonderful wife and a lively crew of young’uns, embracing the Western lifestyle and the art of storytelling every step of the way.