Central’s 88.1 The Burg is back at it again with Burgstock. It will be the fourth installment of the battle of the bands competition and the second year featuring MC’s for the hip-hop competition.

“Burgstock is bigger and better than ever before,” said Associate Music Director Tanner Chambers. “We’ve moved into a bigger venue at Iron Horse Brewery, so everyone can be comfortable.”

Chambers, who has been in charge of all the music acts for Burgstock IV, said he is very excited about the eight bands performing this year.

“The bands are insane this year,” Chambers said. “This year, each band has a lot more experience than past year’s bands. I have a lot of trust that each band will put on a killer show for everyone.”

Chambers said he looks forward to seeing how Burgstock has grown since Burgstock III.

With last year’s big crowd and the change of venues this year, The Burg’ is excited about having the opportunity to bring more community members out, to not only see what Burgstock is about, but to see what 88.1 The Burg’ is all about.

Music Director Timo Nakhisa, who has been a spearhead for the hip-hop side of the competition the last two years, said compared to last year, this year’s hip-hop competition will be bringing some new elements to the table.

“The time set for all performers are longer this year and they have more freedom to perform what they like, contrary to last year due to the venue’s request,” Nakhisa said.

Expect a more diverse lineup of artists this year at Burgstock, as the competition will be featuring artists who are not only from Ellensburg, but from all over the Pacific Northwest.

There will be six MC’s competing this year – two of which who competed at last years competition, including D. Mikey and Caj Encee.

“I’m excited to see the progress some of the artists have made, and the creativity that they will bring to the stage,” Nakhisa said.

One of the most key changes to this year’s hip-hop side of the competition is the change of panelists judging the competition.

“All of them have diverse taste when it comes to their hip-hop style, while having the background and knowledge of the music,” Nakhisa said.

Lemuel Cannonier, who is a judge this year and has his own record label under the name “Black Grenade Entertainment,” said he’s excited to be apart of this event.

“As a judge this year, I look forward to the stage presence of the artists,” Cannonier said. “I would expect it to be a little more hype seeing that it’s a competition.”

Cannonier said he’s been in Ellensburg for quite some time now, and is happy to see such a progressive event taking place in regards to hip-hop music.

The other judges on panel are Vann Berryman, who has hosted his own show on KCWU-FM 88.1 The ‘Burg’ called “Hip Hop Prescription,” and Saeed Mohammed, who also has a strong background in hip-hop. Mohammed is very familiar with new and past era artists, and has a firm understanding of the various influences hip-hop has from different genres.

Nakhisa said that with the larger venue size, there will be lots of activities for people to partake in at any moment during the event.

“Come and show support to your friends, who will be performing and discover new local music,” Nakhisa said. “You never know who will be the next artist to breakout and make it big.”

Burgstock will be this Saturday May 14, and is located at Iron Horse Brewery located on Vantage Highway. The Hip-Hop competition kicks off the event at 2 p.m., followed by the battle of the bands, which kicks off at 4 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m..