China West Shuts Down

China West Entertainment CEO Steve Sybesma announced in a Jan. 9 statement that the Shanghai-based entertainment company is suspending operations. No reason was given.

Sybsema started his career in the entertainment business as a concert promoter in the United States in 1970. He moved to Shanghai in September 2003 to “immerse [himself] in the culture and to develop a plan for a China concert business centered on Western concerts.”

He launched China West in early 2004, bringing in acts like Norah Jones, James Brown, The Black Eyed Peas, Ziggy Marley, The Roots, James Blunt and Kanye West to China.

China West was also involved in “Titanic – The Priceless Artifact Exhibition” and a halftime event at China’s first NBA game in Shanghai.

The company was the entertainment coordinator for the 2007 Special Olympics Opening Ceremony and was involved with Kylie Minogue’s recent Shanghai concert.