Last Wednesday, Facebook announced that it would start to allow business owners and business page admins to list job opportunities on their new job market page, which is equipped with its own designated landing page. Listing a job on Facebook is free, unlike on LinkedIn, which charges employers each time a potential candidate views a post. Is Facebook trying to steal users from LinkedIn? According to Facebook, they are going after a much larger job market and an untapped audience that LinkedIn had not previously appealed to. Facebook trumps LinkedIn’s smaller daily user base, and it also has a more diverse audience. The new job board aims to not only promote professional positions, but also provide hourly, part-time, and other opportunities for younger job hunters and those who may not have a college degree. Job postings will be available to individuals in the US and Canada. When applicants apply, their data will be pre-populated from Facebook, with an option to alter information, and applications will be delivered through the Facebook Messenger app to employers. Facebook stated, “This new experience will help businesses find qualified people where they’re already spending their time—on Facebook and on mobile,” and is giving users more reason to use Facebook products. Why should you care? What is important for advertisers and business owners (which are now the same thing when it comes to Facebook) to note is Facebook's big push to mobile and Messenger. The job listing provides a new avenue for business owners to advertise and use Facebook’s diverse toolkit of products, which just seems to keep growing. Facebook also announced in November that Messenger ads were going to be available, and they’ve been educating businesses on how to get users to start conversations online with their business pages. This is just one more reminder that Facebook can be a powerful platform for B2B outreach and engagement. Decision-makers within the companies you’re trying to reach may be active on the platform, especially via their mobile devices. Do you have a sophisticated Facebook advertising strategy, which includes targeted boosts and engaging website clicks campaigns? We can help. Drop us a line at info@widefoc.us today. By Carrie Gottschalk Carrie is Senior Strategist at WideFoc.us, and excels at creating effective social advertising campaigns for our clients. In her free time, she’s an avid traveler, a Denver foodie, and she dedicates her marketing and PR prowess to the nonprofit Denver Active 20-30 as a board member.

One of the most interesting things about working with the WideFoc.us team is how devoted we are to our own creative and entrepreneurial projects. Whether it’s a hilarious calendar designed to raise money for a cause, writing for advocacy, covering Denver nightlife, or even producing events, we all do so much more than our day jobs. One of my side-projects is writing novels. Sure, I write a monthly column about being a single dad, and have a couple non-fiction works out there (and a fair amount of old writing from my Denver Post and freelance days), but my true love is writing fiction. My first young adult novel, Ray, reflected, came out several years ago, and I’ve promised many a young reader that I’d write a follow-up before too long. But the last several years have been devoted to building a storyworld around a brilliant teen and her little brother — who are not only art thieves, but also come from a family in the Council of Clocks; a small cadre of powerful people who can create “pulses” to manipulate time. When I finished the first novel, The 13th Clock, immediate feedback was positive, but I was told that, at 450 pages, it was too long for a first book in a series. I was encouraged to cut at least 150 pages. It took me more than a year to really dig in and do that, so in the meantime I wrote a novella that comes before the novel — it was my way of introducing readers to the 13th Clock storyworld while I worked on getting the novel ready for publication. The idea has always been to use “transmedia” to create a larger set of narrative experiences for fans of the series — not just novels, or smaller novellas (think of the main Star Wars trilogies and now the emerging “Star Wars Stories”), but interactive opportunities to add to (or gain more from) the world I’m creating. That aspect is a bit stalled at the moment (we’ve been busy at WideFoc.us)! As is my work on a third novella that takes places hundreds of years before the first novel (I’m about 80 pages in). And, if I’m going to be honest, I haven’t written more than the first few pages of the second novel. But I can feel that creative itch, and foresee 2017 as a good year for the 13th Clock storyworld. In the meantime, the first two novellas, “The 3rd Caper” and “Sarah Tuesday on the Run,” and the first novel, “The 13th Clock,” are available in print and as Kindle editions. All Kindle versions will be free to download Thursday, Dec. 22, and Friday, Dec. 23, so you might want to check them out. The first reviews have been positive, which motivates me to get back to work. And our team of supportive creatives in the office inspires me to produce something new! Happy New Year! —by Eric Elkins As CEO and Chief Strategist of WideFoc.us, Eric brings nearly two decades of experience to our clients. In his other life, he’s a single dad, a good eater, and a bourbon aficionado.

Okay, we get it — 2016 kind of sucked. And by “kind of” we mean that most people we know had a considerably frustrating, stress-filled, emotionally trying year. Whether it was the painful, seemingly endless election process or losing artistic icons, the hits just kept coming. And although we can’t really help you navigate through the remaining portion of the hot mess that is 2016 (unless you need a group of awesome people to run your social media and give you hugs), we did compile a list of five non-crappy things that happened this year. So wipe away your tears, pull yourself together, and let’s celebrate those who gave us a giggle and hope for 2017. Because, frankly? That’s all we can do. Tiny Magic Shops for Mice When you feel like the world is falling apart, make tiny stores for mice. Seriously. It helps. A small town in Sweden and a group of mystery artists (Anonymouse) have begun to create little shops for mice. The teeny bakery and cheese and cracker stores were built from things the artists had lying around, such as bottle caps and matches. The mouse businesses are not quite open for customers, but residents of the tiny town have begun to bake goods and leave gifts for the mice. So if you’re rolling through Sweden, take a moment to look down to embrace the magic that reminds us of the coolness of Ralph S. Mouse. Apple’s Frankenstein Commercial Let’s face it, 2016 hasn’t exactly brought people together, so it was refreshing to see Apple’s new commercial, which features Brad Garrett playing Frankenstein’s Monster. The uplifting two-minute spot follows the creature as he works to learn “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” just to ingratiate himself into the torch-bearing town. Not only is this a perfectly executed example of the power of emotionally-charged marketing, but it also gives those who feel down about the state of the world a small sense of hope. And that’s really what we need right now. Joe Biden/Obama Memes No matter your political affiliation, there is something absolutely magical about Joe Biden’s loose lips. Our favorite silver fox’s inappropriate comments have taken the internet by storm and most certainly cost huge corporations millions of dollars because employees can’t stop reading and sharing the imaginative crowdsourced memes. Sure we know Biden and Obama didn’t actually have these convos, but the creativity hundreds of Americans put into writing them reminds us that, even in the face of uncertainty, our friends and neighbors are hilarious. Thank you, meme makers. Thank. You. We Brought Our Parents To Work On LinkedIn’s “Bring In Your Parents Day,” we decided to invite our folks into WideFoc.us World Headquarters to teach them about social media. And to actually prove that we have real jobs and don’t just play on “The Twatter” all day. More important than what we taught them about using these marketing tools in business is that we were reminded just how crucial it is to surround ourselves with people who completely adore us, no matter how many late night mistakes we make. Sure, parents can annoy and challenge us in ways that are undeniably exasperating, but the amount of pure love and faith they have in our ability to succeed surpasses any frustration we may feel. So, from this team of jaded, dark-web-loving wordsmiths, go hug your damn parents. As soon as possible. OshKosh B’Gosh’s New, Wicked Adorable Model 2016 definitely had its share of political, religious, environmental, and unrelentingly intolerable human behavior stories, so when we came across a ginormous corporation embracing a beautiful little boy with Down syndrome in their new ad campaign? We teared up. Asher Nash’s mom petitioned hardcore for operations to begin including children with disabilities in their ads, and it totally worked. Asher is now the new face of December’s OshKosh campaign. Because we’re in the business of marketing, we understand the importance of inclusive advertising and how it can completely change (for the better!) the face of a company. Well done, B’Gosh. Well. Done. We know it’s been a tough year, but try to take a moment to really think about the positive people and moments in your life that kept you moving through your days with some modicum of hope. We are certainly grateful for the support and love we get every day from our clients, friends, and colleagues. We can’t do anything about the suckiness of 2016, but we can vow to make a change for the better today. So go out into the world, make a difference, give a hug, and keep on shaking. It’s all going to be okay. We promise. --by Stephanie March Stephanie March is a Denver native (people seem to like this detail), hates hiking, the mountains, but will travel for a cold PBR and an enlightening convo about the awesomeness of Anais Nin. She’s a community manager and specializes in sending semi-inappropriate GIFs to her team members. It’s a skill, people.

For LinkedIn's "Bring In Your Parents" to work day, the WideFoc.us team pulled our fabulous parents into the office to school them on the importance of social media. And to let them know what the hell we do, because, apparently, they've just been making up our job titles to friends and family for years. The results were priceless.

Updated May, 2017 WideFoc.us Community Manager WideFoc.us, a social media and e-PR company located in Denver, Colorado, creates and implements sustainable, strategic social media plans for small businesses, nonprofits, consumer brands, and global corporations. To support an ever-growing roster of clients, we are seeking an outgoing, detail-oriented Community Manager. WideFoc.us Community Managers are responsible for curating, writing, delivering, and publishing content, interacting with online communities, and engaging with assigned clients. The ideal candidate for this position is a friendly communicator with strong attention to detail, who works well under limited supervision, and is an excellent writer. Responsibilities: Participate in regular client strategy meetings Community management of assigned clients: Manage social media platforms Curate content for assigned social media content calendars Write and post daily and real-time content for assigned social media platforms Engage in two-way, online conversation with target audiences for assigned accounts Support social advertising campaigns Draft blog content Requirements: Excellent writer, proficient in proper grammar, punctuation, and syntax Skilled in interpersonal communication; able to build relationships with clients Ability to respond to social media replies and complaints with messaging that fits the situation (critical information and messaging will be provided) Familiarity with social media platforms, such as Facebook, Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Snapchat, Yelp, YouTube, and others Ideal candidates will: Have experience in using social media tools for business, including developing and managing social media strategy and communities Have previous client and account management experience Be able to write intriguing blogs Enjoy creating and consuming new content types Apply to this position if you: Have strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills Enjoy working independently and with a team Are a self-starter and able to manage your own time Can complete work objectives and goals under limited supervision Carry yourself in a professional demeanor with a positive approach to customer service and teamwork Appreciate the benefits of working for a smaller company with a “startup” mindset Use social media every day Don’t apply if you: Can’t work from home or other locations on a regular basis Need constant oversight, management, and direction Want to work 40+ hours per week Don’t use at least one social media channel consistently You’ll need a moderate degree of familiarity with online systems and general technology and you’ll need to supply your own computer. A strong personal brand/social media following is a plus. Initiative, creativity, and inspiration are appreciated. Agency experience is a bonus, but solo practitioners are also encouraged to apply! Work design and compensation: The Community Manager will enjoy a high level of flexibility in the design of the position's workflow. Hourly pay or project rates will be determined according to the candidate's qualifications and clients assigned. This is a 90-day, contract-to-hire position; part-time to start, with potential to move to full-time. Why us? WideFoc.us is a company made up of full-time and part-time employees, and consultant contractors. We like each other, like working together, and have a friendly office. WideFoc.us considers full time to be 30 or more hours per week and prefer that our team members keep as close to that 30 hours per week as possible, for maximum work/life balance. We offer some benefits, like paid time off and opportunities for professional development. We like to give gifts, free lunches, and high-fives. To Apply: Demonstrate you’re a strong writer with social media chops, and that you can follow instructions. Please send a resume, samples of your social media work, examples of your kick-ass writing, and three synonyms for the word "great" to jobs@widefoc.us. Be sure to include “WideFoc.us Community Manager” in the subject line of your email, so it’s filtered properly.

In August of 2007, “social media” was still what we called “user-generated content,” with a smattering of “that Twitter thing” and the first wave of non-college students getting Facebook accounts. Blogs were mostly people’s day-to-day musings about their lives, newspapers were debating whether to charge for their online content (and open articles to comments), and we shared interesting stories we found online by emailing links to our friends and family. When I started WideFoc.us, and began speaking to businesses about using social media, my story went something like this: “Brands are going to become more and more susceptible to what users share online — not just the negative reviews or outbursts, but the positive stories, too. You can’t control the conversation, but if you’re not monitoring what’s being said about your company, and if you’re not putting out smart, relevant content about who you are and what you do, then you’re missing an opportunity to drive the behaviors that increase revenue and new business. Your search engine ranking will suffer, and your company’s credibility will be at the mercy of the last thing that was written about you.” For every forward-thinking marketing director or business owner who understood what I was saying, three others would grimace, shake their heads, and say, “Social media is for kids.” Nine years later, my story still stands. The tools have changed, the scale has increased beyond my imagination, and the ability to measure success has improved dramatically. But the basics are timeless: monitor your online reputation, know your target audience, develop strategies that are tied to business goals, create and publish relevant content (not always about yourself), and share your brand champions’ stories about their experiences. And now we have more powerful opportunities to target content to specific audiences via tools like Facebook advertising (yes, it costs money; yes, it’s worth it), we have data-driven insights to help us understand how potential customers respond to our efforts, and we have a limitless array of relevant, well-written content to curate and share. Back in August of 2007, I was sitting on the patio at Ink Coffee, working on freelance projects, enjoying Colorado’s late summer warmth and sun. I thought, “I don’t want to work in an office anymore…I just want to do this.” Nine years later, we have an airy office in LoHi, with a big garage door that makes us feel like we’re still working al fresco on temperate days. Office hours are limited to Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, because I believe we all do better with built-in flexibility. Working from coffee shops a day or two per week keeps the team fresh, allows for cross-pollination of ideas and networking, and helps me feel like I haven’t strayed all that far from those summer mornings at Ink. When I started WideFoc.us, it was just me, working with clients and agencies, learning from them as much as I was consulting. Now we have a talented team of pros with expertise in community management, content strategy, content curation, social ad strategy, and operations. And I probably learn more from them each day than they do from me. Work is so much more rewarding with a posse of talented, hilarious, huggable, enthusiastic individuals who share my vision. When I think about the last nine years, I feel pride in what we have managed to build together, but the more powerful emotion, by far, is that of gratitude. Gratitude for nine years of clients who put their trust in us to build their brands and increase revenue; gratitude for nine years of powerful relationships with strategic partners — agencies, media buyers, PR pros, and others; thankful for nine years of co-workers who have grown with the company (some of whom who have gone on to do big things in the world). And humbled by our nine years of successes and occasional blunders, of a changing landscape and new expectations, of growth and joy and intensity. And it all started with a laptop and a dirty chai. Thank you. Eric Elkins As CEO and Chief Strategist of WideFoc.us, Eric brings two decades of of experience to our clients. In his other life, he’s a single dad, a dedicated eater, and author of several books.

Four states account for one third (!) of all the breweries in the United States. And guess which big, square state made that exclusive list? With all those beer choices sloshing around, it can be hard to know which brew is best. Fear not! We consulted the expert drinkers here at WideFoc.us Corp’s World Headquarters to round up our top six picks for summer suds. 1. Vanilla Porter, Breckenridge Brewery Rachel, a WideFoc.us community manager since 2014, says, “I am a huge fan of Breckenridge Brewery's Vanilla Porter.” We can see why, as this dark brew is sweet and nutty, so think of it as the ice cream of beer. In fact, it tastes awesome poured over ice cream and makes a heck of a boozy milkshake! This beer is now a classic, brewed for more than 10 years and distributed around the country, so you can always get your fix when you need it. For a full experience, we recommend you head to your nearest Breckenridge pub or down to the Farmhouse in Littleton to imbibe. 2. Ellie’s Brown Ale, Avery Brewing Co. The second dark beer on our list, this one comes recommended by our copyeditor, Leah B. “It's hard to pick, but I'll go with Ellie's Brown Ale,” she says after mulling it over a little too long. Ellie’s, named for the brewmaster’s pet Chocolate Labrador Retriever, is less sweet and more malt-driven than the porter above. According to Avery, this one pairs best with heavier food flavors like meat, potatoes, gravy, and cheese, which may make you think “winter,” but let’s get one thing straight: Cheese plates are seasonless. 3. Anything by Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project “You know who I love?” opines Paul, another WideFoc.us Community Manager, “Crooked Stave. They’re the leaders in sour beer.” Indeed, Crooked Stave, whose taproom is located at The Source in Denver’s RiNo neighborhood, is the perfect place to snag a flight of funky sours and gose-style ales. If you’re looking for something different from most beers or you love the mouth-puckering combination of sweet n’ sour, Crooked Stave is the place for you. (Eric, our CEO, agrees!) 4. Apricot Blonde, Dry Dock Brewing Co. Feeling a little fruit flavor? Sara, who, as Reporting and Analytics Specialist, geeks out over client reports and social media performance metrics and evangelizes drink-and-learn events in her free time, can relate. Her go-to summer sipper is Dry Dock’s Apricot Blonde, a blonde ale that’s been fermented with crisp, juicy fruit. “It's like summer booze candy,” she says, with a completely straight face. Those three things—summer, booze, and candy—were practically made for each other, right? And Dry Dock has serious beer chops: Aurora’s first brewery, Dry Dock has won medals at the World Beer Cup and 20+ (and counting!) awards from the Great American Beer Festival. 5. Beers from Black Shirt Brewing Co. “I love Black Shirt,” says Operations Maven, Leah C. “And not just because it’s closest to my house, though that helps!” With its rock n’ roll vibe—the tap handles are even microphones—and dog-friendly beer garden, complete with a stage made from shipping palettes, Black Shirt is rousing RiNo with red beer, live music, and fun events. (Yes, even though it’s “Black Shirt” they brew red beers only, which range from red porters and stouts to red IPAs and saisons.) The “Now Playing” list of brews changes constantly, though brewery favorites like the Pale Red Rye and American Red Saison are most often on the board. “They have monthly pie and beer tastings,” says Leah. “I mean, they had me at pie.” Girl, we get you. 6. Old Bums and Beat Cowboys Pale Ale, Fiction Beer Company The last brewery rounding out our list is a staff favorite because of atmosphere as much as alcohol. On the edge of South Park Hill, along East Colfax close to Stapleton, Fiction Beer Company is what happens when book- and beer-lovers unite, as each beer is inspired by a literary work. We’re partial to the Old Bums and Beat Cowboys Pale Ale, a seasonless sipper that goes as well with summer as it does with Jack Kerouac. In February 2016, 5280 Magazine listed Fiction as one of their “10 New Denver Breweries You Need to Visit,” but Senior Community Manager, Stephanie, has her own reasons for recommending them: “I like Fiction Beer Company because the brewers are so good looking.” What more can we say to convince you? Bonus Booze: Not a beer fan? We have you covered there, too! If you’re looking for a craveable Colorado wine, Maddie can relate. “I’m not a carbonation fan, but I do partake in Infinite Monkey Theorem’s wines as well as Bonacquisti Wine Company.” Meanwhile, our CEO says the most magical Colorado distillery is Golden Moon Distillery in Golden. “They make unique, delicious spirits, and the speakeasy is extra-special!” so rise up, boozehounds! --by WideFoc.us Team The WideFoc.us Team is an eclectic mix of writers who love food, drink, and music more than your average human. Though eccentric doesn’t begin to cover it, this talented group of so-and-sos is exactly who you want handling your social media. Learn more about our services at http://widefoc.us/our-approach.

I’ll admit it: the first time I sent an ugly selfie on Snapchat, I took it three times to get the right kind of ugly. You know, high neck, tucked chin, open eyes, squirrely mouth. Cute-ugly, not truly ugly-ugly. And then I received my first round of snaps in return—a parade of ridiculous doodles and rainbow-puking portraits that cued me in to Snapchat’s central truth: in the land of ephemeral photography, authenticity rules and silliness is the hand of the queen. I abandoned cute-ugly selfies for good. Since 2011, Snapchat has inspired legions of high school and college students to chronicle their days in a series of photos and videos, each visible for ten seconds or less (for the historically inclined, see this Snapchat timeline infographic). With the spring 2016 integration of third-party content and advertising that catapulted company worth to an estimated $20 billion, Snapchat has earned new street cred. It seems imminent that parents (and perhaps even grandparents) will soon join the fun, which in turn creates exciting new markets for social-media advertising. I love Snapchat because it makes smartphone photography playful. The amber filters of Instagram may preserve your weekend hike in Aspen, and Facebook may boost your ego by broadcasting your new profile pic to your latest crush, but no other app allows you to swap faces with a friend, to transmogrify your likeness into a panda, nymph, or bumblebee, to spew fire, hiccup bubbles, or frame your photo with a neighborhood geo-filter—in short, to play in an unbridled selfie carnival. The app’s navigation has a trapdoor funhouse quality that is also easy to learn: swipe left to chat with contacts, up to add friends (up again for your trophy case), right for public stories and third-party content, down for memories, and a simple touch for silly filters. By freeing us from the ideal, Snapchat opens up the silly, the ugly, the boring, and the real. We can swap glimpses into each others’ lives without the threat of judgment or censure, which so often lurks in other forms of social media, and we can celebrate the mundane, stitching together snippets of everyday life that only we experience. Some critics scoff at the seeming narcissistic self-absorption of the app, but reporter Rachel Syme is quick to remind us that selfies are inherently social: “Once they go live, they have adventures, they go out and ​make friends…They ​voyage ahead ​and probe new communities, and sometimes they bring back stories. Our selfies are weightless versions of ourselves, with wings.” It’s this buoyant, ‘90s-internet feeling of possibility that keeps me chatting with my friends and coming back for more, and that feeling doesn’t go away even with the occasional ad. I can dip into user-generated shots of far away events like Mardi Gras or the upcoming Rio Olympics, and I can quickly access CNN updates, Amy Schumer sketches, or Buzzfeed distractions with a few swipes. Snapchat makes it easy to access the stories that matter the most to me. Ultimately, Snapchat offers a fun way to build public engagement and recognition of your brand. You should consider adding it to your social media presence if your brand has a significant visual component or if you host regular events. Start simple by creating a geo-filter for select times and places, then build a group of followers who see your work and ultimately join you in documenting it. Curious about how Snapchat could work for your brand? Contact WideFoc.us today! --by C. Paul Bindel Paul is a WideFoc.us community manager who appreciates his co-workers’ well-played puns. He performs improv with the Bovine Metropolis house team, Squid Goat.

WideFoc.us is a dynamic, real-time social media agency, but what does that actually mean? Our staff members are more than autonomic content generators—they’re a diverse group of go-getters with quirks, hobbies, and personal passion projects! Meet one of these wacky wordsmiths below: WAKE UP WITH SARA Mornings are my nemesis. As a lifelong insomniac, I know that some days are meant to be early days and some are meant to be late days. Obviously it varies within reason, but the freedom to follow my circadian rhythm by finding a job with a flexible schedule has changed my life. And strategic wardrobe choices—like pajamas that pass as outfits—don’t hurt. The two little monsters in my house are huge fans of this lifestyle. It’s a rare occasion when I don’t wake up cozied up with a cat...or at the very least with an obscene amount of cat hair. This morning is no exception. Today, the beast known alternately as Cheryl, Carol, Munchkin, or Poop-face serves as my morning alarm. I highly recommend this cuddle-powered alarm system to anyone and everyone — it makes it very difficult to have a bad day. Not that they don’t happen, but I have high hopes for today. GOOD MORNING! Contrary to what you might think of an erratic sleeper, routines are an important part of my mornings. Whether a day is a work day or a non-work day dictates the first 30 to 60 minutes. Today being a work day, my must-haves are coffee, NPR, and quiet time on my tree-lined balcony. Listening to the news is more than a veiled attempt at adulthood. I am ravenously curious about all things. And knowing, however superficially, the salient points of the day’s news both activates my brain and helps me keep my day in perspective. Especially if there’s something stressful on the docket, placing myself as just another small character in this great big world, and an even smaller character in the universe at large, takes some of the anxiety out of the day. It also solidifies my role as “that annoying friend” who talks geopolitics at the bar later. MY CO-WORKERS ARE JERKS Not my human co-workers -- they’re phenomenal. But today is a Thursday, which means WideFoc.us team members are working from home (or the coffee shops of their choice). So, for now, I’m stuck with a fuzzy monster who thinks every piece of paper I set down is a bed. Jerk. I can only handle Madame Scratchy for so long before the distraction is too much. I head out to my favorite coffee shop: Roostercat Coffee House. I’d like to say I’m one of those people who consumes caffeine in moderation...but I don’t want to go lying in a public forum. Three or four cups of coffee later, I’m on a roll with a monthly report for one of our clients. Data aggregation might not be your preferred pastime, but it’s definitely mine. Next on the agenda, though, is something equally nerdy, but a lot boozier. My passion project and where you’ll find me once a month: Nerd Nite Denver. NIGHTTIME NERDERY Two of my favorite activities are drinking whiskey and learning things. So two years ago, I co-founded and began hosting the local chapter of Nerd Nite, a once-a-month show that promotes two things: thinking and drinking. Each month, at the Oriental Theater, 200 or so nerds gather to hear presentations from local experts. We’ve had presentations on everything from the ethics of killing zombies, to atomic clocks, to the psychological value of toys. Needless to say, it’s a good time. And that’s how a typical day in the life of Sara ends. On stage, a little tipsy, promoting a culture of laughter and learning. Tomorrow, we start all over again. Cheers! --by Sara D. Wilson When not geeking out on social media metrics as WideFoc.us’ chief analytics and reporting guru, Sara D. Wilson can be found reading almost anything, filling up her passport, and nerding about town.

With so much going on in Denver during the summer, it’s a struggle to keep track of the things you’d like to do. Between People’s Fair, Cherry Creek Arts Fest, and the obligatory Rockies games, don’t forget the amazing live music events happening throughout the metro area. This list should satiate your sonic needs until September, with just a little something for everyone, no matter your musical taste. MCA Denver’s B-Side Music Thursdays Looking to enjoy outdoor tunes, but hoping to avoid the hustle and bustle of the festival scene? The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (MCA Denver) has you covered with their B-Side Music Thursdays series. “Focused on presenting the best up and coming bands and side projects of well-known Denver…musicians”, the MCA’s rooftop is a hidden oasis tucked between high rises – an ideal setting to end your day while enjoying tunes from artists like Ancient Elk, Rubedo, Chimney Choir and DéCollage. The best part? This event is free for MCA members, and a mere $5 for non-members who arrive after 5pm. Red Rocks 75th Anniversary Concert Season What’s a summer in Denver without at least one visit to Red Rocks Amphitheatre? Lucky for you, between a primo Film on the Rocks lineup and Red Rocks’ 75th Anniversary concert season, you’ll find plenty of epic shows to choose from at our most breathtaking music venue. Film On the Rocks is perfectly packaged for anyone who wants to make the most of their time: a comedian, a local band, and a classic film all in one night, and performed in the wondrous setting that is this historic Colorado landmark. July through September, you’ll have the chance to catch films like “Scream,” “The Sandlot,” “Deadpool,” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” If you’d rather celebrate Red Rocks with a proper concert, big names like Blues Traveler, Twenty One Pilots, Dolly Parton, The Avett Brothers, Grace Potter, and Colorado’s very own Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats will all make their way to the magical monoliths before the summer’s out. Denver Botanic Gardens Summer Concert Series And if you still haven’t found the right outdoor venue for perfect musical enjoyment, the Summer Concert Series at the Denver Botanic Gardens might be just your kind of thing. Situated smack in the middle of one of the nation’s most revered botanic gardens, groups like Guster, José Gonzalez, Marc Cohen, and Keb’ Mo’ will serenade you as you sit on the grass and enjoy the ambience of this distinct setting. (Bonus: you can bring your own food and drink to the York Street gardens, so prepare your picnic baskets!) The Underground Music Showcase presented by The Denver Post There’s nothing quite like experiencing The Underground Music Showcase (UMS) for yourself. This 4-day festival takes over just about every venue on South Broadway in the Baker neighborhood, even expanding into “unofficial” showcases in backyards and on rooftops. Primarily focused on “underground music” you’ll find smaller bands from across the US performing throughout the weekend. Don’t let the unfamiliarity scare you, the atmosphere of this showcase is unlike anything else our city offers, and is certainly worth the experience alone. A complete four-day pass is a mere $55 dollars, and gives you access into the main festival grounds behind the Goodwill on Archer St. and all other official venues. From July 28 - 31, take the time to wander into a sushi shop or boutique hosting a stage, and be prepared to discover your next favorite band. Riot Fest Denver Lace up your combat boots, throw on your leather jacket, and set your mohawk: Riot Fest returns to Denver for its 4th year in the Mile High City. The Chicago festival first partnered with local promoter Soda Jerk Presents to bring its carnivalesque atmosphere to May Farms out in Byers in 2013. After legal shenanigans and one year in Mile High Stadium’s parking lot, Riot Fest has finally found its home here in Colorado at the National Western Complex. Shifting from the carnival theme of Chicago to embrace the “rodeo” aspect of its new location, Riot Fest’s carnival rides, a bucking bronco, and five stages means there’s nary a dull moment during this three-day festival. In 2016 Denver will see performances from Death Cab for Cutie, NAS, Deftones, Fitz & The Tantrums, Underoath, Motion City Soundtrack (their farewell performance), and the original Misfits reuniting for the first time in decades. This punk-rock carnival hits Denver September 2-4, 2016. http://riotfest.org/denver/ – by Maddie Casey A connoisseur of all things music, you can usually find this tiny blonde in the crowd (or behind the merch booth) at nearly any concert all year round. She’s a community manager who loves getting to know her communities through engaging content, bad jokes, and adorable Red Panda gifs.

WideFoc.us employees are known for moving and shaking all over Denver and since we truly want to elevate your social status, we’ve compiled a list of rad June events. And this, friends, is no normal list. It’s all glitter, rainbows, and unicorns up in this joint. So grab your boas, pride, and flasks, and let’s get to dancing. Colorado Shakespeare Festival - June 3 - August 7 The Fest itself says it best: “Since 1958, the festival has celebrated and explored Shakespeare and his continuing influence and vitality through productions of superior artistic quality, education and community engagement.” And if Shakespeare is your thing, this year’s festival promises to be their best yet. With more obscure plays such as “Equivocation,” “Troilus and Cressida,” and “Cymbeline,” CSF is taking risks, but creating a creative space for those of us who have seen “Hamlet” so many damn times we know the dialogue. No surprises there, brah. http://www.coloradoshakes.org/ LoHi Music Festival - June 11 Get your Space Odyssey outfit ready, kids. It’s time for LoHi’s music festival. Partnering with The Humanity and Hope United Foundation (an organization working to end poverty through sustainable change solutions), LoHi Music Festival has become one of Denver’s most-popular summer music events. Two stages, eight bands, all sorts of goodness. Only second-tier tickets and VIP passes remain—there’s no time to waste. (Of course, if you’re too hungover to get to the actual show, suit up and join us at Cervantes for the after-party.) http://lohimusicfestival.com/ Juneteenth Celebration - June 12th and June 18th Juneteenth Celebration celebrates African-American heritage, freedom, and achievements. This celebration focuses on increasing awareness and bringing communities together while also remembering the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. June 12 is the Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant at Cleo Robinson Dance and June 18 is the massive parade and concert. Get the details here: http://juneteenthmusicfestival.com/ PRIDE!! (Catching our breath…) Denver PrideFest!! PRIDE!! If you haven’t been prepping for Denver’s PrideFest on June 18 and 19, you’re running out of time. This year is the 40th anniversary of celebrating Colorado’s LGBT community. PrideFest is a month-long celebration featuring dozens of events throughout the month. So if you’ve planned some big Father’s Day thing, don’t fret—you can still take part in movies, concerts, and the Big Gay 5k. It’s a time for love, people. Feel. It. http://www.glbtcolorado.org/pridefest/ Denver Comic Con - June 17 - June 19 Nerds unite! Stan Lee is coming to town! Stan Lee is coming to town! Stan Lee is coming to town! We’re fairly certain that all of you already know what Comic Con is, but for that one dude who doesn’t, it’s a festival of awesomeness for comic book peeps. People spend thousands of dollars on their cosplay outfits, so the least you can do is stand outside and give them the validation they so desperately desire. If you’re not into dressing up, you’ll also find contests, bands, games, autograph lines, and overpriced food. Comic Con is one of those secret pleasures; so even if you go for nothing more than the people watching, it’s absolutely worth it. --by Stephanie March Stephanie March is a Denver native (people seem to like this detail), hates hiking, the mountains, but will travel for a cold PBR and an enlightening convo about the awesomeness of Anais Nin. She’s a community manager and specializes in sending semi-inappropriate GIFs to her team members. It’s a skill, people.

They’re a meme, a website, a hashtag, a joke. There’s even a song by one of our favorite nerdcore rappers. But, yikes, if first world problems don’t suck some joy out of the everyday. We know it’s ridiculous to yell at autocorrect (especially on our fancy smartphones), but we just can’t help ourselves. For your eye-rolling scrutiny, we offer up the world problems that drive us battiest. Which ones get your goat? Rachel, one of our long-time community managers, can’t stand “when you are at the gym but too many people are on the WiFi because you went at a busy time so your video or music stops mid-set and you have to wait to continue your exercise while it loads again.” Because, seriously, who can work out without a soundtrack or binge watching Battlestar Galactica? Eric, the CEO and founder of WideFoc.us, can barely handle cold bathroom tile floors or “the woefully short battery life of my phone.” Copy editor Leah B. detests “wasting time dealing with login issues or password requirements (particularly if you have to deal with colleagues' login problems in order to access something).” Girl, yes. There’s nothing worse than the painful slowness of someone else not being able to type their own password. It’s enough to make us want to go full on Nick Burns (“Mooove!”). Operations Maven, Leah C., asks that everyone from acquaintances right on down to grandma, would do their part to end one first world problem altogether by putting your their phone number in email signatures. “Don’t send an email that says ‘Call me’ without providing a phone number! I’d love to call you. But. I. Can’t.” (Didn’t we all learn from Carly Rae Jepsen’s wise advice to provide the number first so someone can call you, maybe?) Another WideFoc.us community manager, Paul, is overwhelmed by the number of choices streaming video, cable, satellite, and on-demand offer. His least favorite first world problem is “spending 30 minutes looking through Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and Showtime for a movie you ACTUALLY want to watch.” Jacquelyn, a junior community manager, has started avoiding malls, airports, and other crowded places entirely because she can no longer handle “someone walking in front of you slowly when you’re in a rush to get somewhere.” Even Buzzfeed agrees that some of these are among the “absolute worst things in the world.” Isn’t it nice to know we’re all in this together?