The holy writ has been revealed by the proverbial prophets, angels, and nagas! That is, the 2012 Philadelphia Live Arts Festival + Philly Fringe Guide is out ‘n about: TONIGHT, grab a guide inside the Arden Theatre Company (40 North 2nd Street) from 5pm to  8pm. COME AND GET IT (re: Badfinger below). You can enjoy First Friday celebrations in the Old City while perusing the guide, and making exclamatory snap judgements: “I have to see this one!” “Awful. It sounds like an NBC pilot that was never picked up.” Because, if you follow Malcolm Gladwell’s creed, you know that first impressions are worth investing in.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bk57K4OGrAg&w=420&h=315]

If you don’t pick up a guide tonight head for the nearest coffee shop; more likely than not, they’re packin’. Then continue to mark up your guide–I’m a disciple of the practice of circling and crossing-out–while attending these weekend events:

>>>Friday: Pick up your 2012 Live Arts + Philly Fringe Guide. You have one mission; do not fail.

>>>Saturday: Check out the Mad Decent Block Party from noon to 9pm at Penns Landing. If you’ve found inspiration in Olympians’ endurance, forestall the retreat to the couch and see California hip-hop artist Aesop Rock w/ Rob Sonic and DJ Big Wiz at Union Transfer. Doors open at 8pm.

>>>Sunday: If you’re in the Northern Liberties section, make your way over to the 2nd Street Festival. It starts at noon. There will be beer gardens AND a moon bounce–potentially, a nauseating combo. Or head in the direction of ‘burbia, and check out the Norristown Dance Festival. Performing companies hail from Boston, NYC, and Italy; bellissimo!

–Audrey McGlinchy