Boulder's a great town to develop your artistic talents, and there are plenty of open mics, jam nights and poetry readings to get you on your way.

Lots of local bands and writers got their first on-stage experiences in Boulder, so here's a guide to help you find the right place to show off your stuff.

Conor O'Neill's

Where: 1922 13th St., Boulder

When: 8 p.m. Tuesdays

Phone: 303-449-1922

Web: conoroneills.com

One of Boulder's longest-lasting open mic nights takes place every Tuesday at Conor O'Neill's pub. The weekly music event lets artists of all levels try out their tunes on local audiences.

Johnny's Cigar Bar

Where: 1801 13th St., Boulder

When: 7:30 p.m. Mondays

Phone: 303-449-0884

Web: johnnyscigars.com

Johnny's Cigar Bar has undergone several incarnations of its open mic nights.

This time around, the open mic nights welcome everyone from musicians to stand-up comics. Plus, this is one of the few venues in town with a baby grand piano. Bet your originals will sound awesome on that.

Rock N Soul Cafe

Where: 5290 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder

When: 7:30 p.m. Mondays

Phone: 303-443-5108

Web: rocknsoulcafe.com

The Rock N Soul Cafe also features a long-running open mic night.

This is the deal -- locals can perform solo or with a band, sing your faves or just jam. There is a three-song limit per performer.

Johnny's Cigar Bar has a classy vibe and a baby grand piano. ( PAUL AIKEN )

Abo's on the Hill

Where: 1124 13th St.

When: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays

Phone: 303-443-5018

Web: abosonthehill.com

Abo's in the Hill has gotten into the open jam mode.

However, this pizza place prefers to hold its jam bluegrass style. Every Thursday, the eatery hosts a drop-in picking circle.

This is a great place to show off your twang skills and meet other performers.

Boulder Outlook Hotel

Where: 800 28th St., Boulder

When: 7:30 p.m. Sundays

Phone: 303-443-3322

Web: boulderoutlookhotel.com

If you want to show off your blues, jazz and jam skills, then head over to the Boulder Outlook Hotel. The hotel offers Sunday night jams that alternate between blues and jazz nights, plus an occasional Tuesday jam.

Laughing Goat Coffeehouse

Where: 1709 Pearl St., Boulder

When: 8 p.m. Mondays

Phone: 303-440-4628

Web: thelaughinggoat.com

Student poets and locals can try out their works at the Laughing Goats weekly poetry reading.

Newbies and pros show off their works every Monday at this long-running event. In fact, the readings are held every week -- rain, shine or holidays.

Outback Saloon

Where: 3141 28th St., Boulder

When: 9 p.m. Thursdays

Phone: 303-444-0081

Web: outbacksaloon.net

The Outback Saloon on 28th St. has also become part of Boulder's open mic scene. The venue's open mic night is held every Thursday.

Oskar Blues Lyons

Where: 303 Main St., Lyons

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Bluegrass Pick, and 7 p.m. Thursday Open Stage

Phone: 303-823-6685

Web: oskarblues.com

Oskar Blues in Lyons offers locals two nights to show off their talents.

Every Tuesday the venue features a bluegrass pick, and Thursday's the club features a weekly open stage night.

Oskar Blues Longmont

Where: 1555 S. Hover Road, Longmont

When: 7:30 p.m. Mondays

Phone: 303-458-9400

Web: oskarblues.com

Oskar Blues' Longmont location features an electric blues jam every Monday.

Waterloo Icehouse

Where: 809 Main St., Louisville

When: 8:30 p.m. Thursdays

Phone: 303-993-2094

Web: waterloolouisville.com

The Waterloo features an acoustic open mic night that runs Every Thursday.

Sign up is on a first-come first, first play basis.

Nissi'sWhere: 2675 North Park Drive, Lafayette

When: The second Tuesday of the month

Phone: 303-665-2757

Web: nissis.com

Nissi's just started up a new open mic night that runs the second Tuesday of the month. Musicians and comedians are invited to show off their stuff at the monthly event.