Now in its 11th year, this year’s Capitol Hill Block Party line-up is truly spectacular, with a reunited Jesus Lizard, legendary rock band Sonic Youth, the Gossip and a shitload of other quality artists too numerous to list. And apparently, to avoid repeating the overcrowded sardine can that was last year’s Block Party, they’ve revamped the festival layout and are selling fewer tickets. Jury’s still out on whether or not this new strategy will successfully quell the madness, but we’re optimistic.

Fri., July 24, 3 p.m.; Sat., July 25, 1 p.m., 2009