CSM: "No Dubai Desert Rock 2010"

Center Stage Management have announced that Desert Rock 2010, will not be happening and have issued the following statement on their official site:

"Center Stage Management will not be organizing any annual events in the Middle East in 2010, including the much-awaited and renowned Desert Rock Festival, held in March every year since its inception in 2004.

Jackie Wartanian, Managing Director, explains “this decision was not taken lightly and was well-thought-through with my team in my company’s best interest. It marks the beginning of a new era for CSM, a human-sized yet international entertainment-specialized company, which I’ve chosen to grow beyond UAE boundaries. I have focused uniquely on the Middle East in the past 10 years, which has positioned CSM to build a credible and reputable name ; it’s now time to take it to another level. We’ve always taken pride in producing top-quality events which is why in order to develop my company in a professional manner (to equal its standards), we will to focus on our international projects and artist management, until further notice”.

"Center Stage Management’s ambition to expand globally started in 2008, by organizing the Urban Desert tour with Akon, Fat Joe and Black Violin at the end of the first quarter in South Africa. 7 months later, the American subsidiary based in Los Angeles opened as Scorpio International Inc., engaged in numerous and various projects such as reality TV shows, theatrical movies and music production.

In the spring of 2009, Center Stage Management scored a deal with FIFA as a contractor to execute both the opening and closing ceremonies of the Football Confederations’ Cup in South Africa, held over the summer in preparation to the FIFA 2010 World Cup. At the end of 2009, it was confirmed that Center Stage Management would have the same role in working on FIFA World Cup 2010 Opening & Closing Ceremony.

At the same time, CSM had organized a tour for the band Nervecell whom they signed under a management deal, putting them on the road for 3 months in Europe to perform at some of the biggest festivals on the continent and striking a record deal before the end of the tour.

Headquarters will remain in Dubai, which still operates in artist management. Jackie affirms “sorry for disappointing all of Desert Rock’s loyal fans. We would like to reassure you that our passion remains in organizing top-scale events. The show will go on!”.

[Source: CSMME.com]