Jordan Wright at the 40th Gathering. Photo by Natalie Aramendia
If you joined us for any of the last three National Cowboy Poetry Gatherings, you may have been lucky enough to meet our dear friend Jordan Wright and experience the warm, thoughtful programming he helped create. Born on the Wright Ranch in Tuscarora, Nevada, Jordan was deeply rooted in both Northern Nevada agriculture, Basque culture, and the Elko community. He worked at local restaurant staples like Ogi Deli and Cowboy Joe, and he always kept the Western Folklife staff full of leftover food and laughs late into the night. Jordan was the creative mind behind the annual Wednesday night Dinner Show at the Gathering, first started in 2024, and one of our cooking workshop leads.
Jordan Wright at the 39th Gathering. Photo by Natalie Aramendia
A friendly soul, Jordan drew people to him and made them feel welcome without even trying. Always ready with a grin, a hug, and good natured joke, Jordan made our days brighter whenever he stopped by to chat over a glass of kombucha in the Pioneer Saloon. He was always ready to tackle any creative challenge we threw his way, enlisting the help of his many friends to make our vision a reality. Along the way, those friends also became our friends. He was not just a part of our community, he was a person who helped build it.
Our lives are so much better because of Jordan and we are profoundly grateful for the time we got to spend with him. Jordan, thank you for your friendship.
