Email from Smoke on the Water
To all the friends of Smoke on the Water Productions it is with heavy heart that after much discussion we have decided to cancel the Quartzsite, AZ event.
Due to pending lawsuit for breach of contract, we can't go into much detail. What I can say, the deadline for depositing the $100,000 prize money is three weeks past due. Our last attempt to collect we were told the Main Event Showplace wanted to pay their fee after the event.
Our main concern is the teams and their guarantee. We can't allow a breach of contract and risk the funds not be there. I'm not willing to risk that and have a philosophy if they don't have it now they are not going to have it later.
Also, the infrastructure was not going to be up to our standards. After our last meeting another breach of contract, Main Event wanted to charge each team $150 for electricity since he didn't realize we were going to have close to 200 teams competing. Plus there is no lodging within 20 miles. We were promised trailers on site to house everybody. There was an excuse and that fell through. First red flag!
That's about all we can say at this point and apologize for any inconvenience. We will start refunding registration fees Monday. We have a six series event with Golden Nugget Properties ending in Atlantic City, an event in SOBOBO casino in CA, BARBER QUE in Birmingham, AL, and two events in Vegas at this point.
I think I'm just sticking with promoters I have a relationship with. This a first for us and will be a last. Again just looking out after your best interests and apologize. Merry Christmas!!
Ron Cates
CEO Cates & Company Creative