Sure, Soundgarden reunited in earnest a few years ago, but critics note the band really hit its stride in recent months as evidenced by a series of shows in England and North America, not to mention some high-profile late-night TV appearances.

When the band headlines the DC101 Chili Cook-Off, fans should expect to hear an array of new songs from the band’s latest studio album “King Animal” — its first new one in 16 years — intertwined with grunge classics such as “Black Hole Sun.”