Many places in the Valley allow you to express opinions and creativity through the arts. These places allow an individual to practice his or her skills. The following are a few spots around town to help you find your path to stardom.

Poetry

The best place to catch a poetry show is Da Poetry Lounge at the Greenway Theatre on Fairfax Avenue. The Tuesday night lounge is the nation’s largest poetry venue. The lounge showcases an open mic session every week. Every third Tuesday at DPL, you can catch the best slam poetry Los Angeles has to offer. The first session of the night features professional and guest poets, some of whom have been on cable shows, such as Def Poetry Jam. The second session is reserved for the amateurs, where beginning poets are encouraged to speak.

A small local spot is the Kuts By Kelvin Barber Shop. The barbershop on Chatsworth Boulevard features a First Fridays Showcase once a month. The shop opens up a room divider to the performing room and hosts an open mic for poetry and music.

Comedy

The Haha Caf? on Lankershim Boulevard in North Hollywood has a comedy open mic seven days a week. Open mics are closed for special shows, but there are plenty of opportunities to bring your jokes to the stage. Comedians, who performed on shows such as David Letterman, Black Entertainment Television’s Comic View and Comedy Central, often stop by the caf?. Don’t miss Slammin’ Celebrity Sunday’s, you never know who you will see.

The Ice House Comedy Club in Pasadena is one of the premier places to catch up-and-coming talent. Today’s comedy stars, such as Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno and Rosie O’Donnell, started at the Ice House.

Music

The Cobalt Caf? on Sherman Way is a place where local bands and singers test their talents. Bands such as Linkin Park and Incubus performed at the caf? before they became popular. A’R representatives from various record labels often search for the next big band at the caf?.

The Main Street Songwriters Showcase is held every Tuesday night at Caf? Bellissimo in Woodland Hills. Each week they feature an original act followed by the open mic session. The caf? is an Italian restaurant, whose staff sings. Waiters entertain guests while they wait on orders.

Valley Favorite

Sylmar is home to a local favorite, Tia Chuca’s Caf? Cultural. The caf? features a Friday night open mic. Current and aspiring writers, singers, poets, rappers and musicians perform for the public. Every Wednesday’s Film Night allows independent filmmakers to share short and conscious-raising films and documentaries. For artists, the caf? has an art gallery for local and international talent that includes a community reception.