It’s hard to be an aging Hip Hop artist. You can retain your dignity and status only so long before some young whippersnapper MC conjures up the most destructive dis of all: “You’re old.” So kudos to Ad-Rock of The Beastie Boys for somehow managing to not completely embarrass himself or his bandmates during a recent appearance on Quilting Arts TV … er, rather Top Chef: Just Desserts.  

The Heartless Bastards had fans stacked on top of each other last Christmastime at Northside Tavern (or so legend has it, since I couldn't get in) when they played a free two-night stand. You'll have to pony up some dough this year, but the Bastards will again be home for the holidays (from their current headquarters in Austin) on Saturday.  

The best music show on TV, PBS's "Austin City Limits," has announced the lineup of artists for its 35th anniversary season, which starts Oct. 3. The roster is another great mix of established artists and relative newcomers and includes Cincinnati's own Heartless Bastards, who have relocated to Austin.