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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
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.
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
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
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.
