About Us

KOKTEBEL JAZZ FESTIVAL – is probably the biggest and most inspired case of open-air festivals in Ukraine and Russia. Maximilian Voloshyn and his genius has once inspired festival organisers to start off the festival, and for six years already, it annually continues to inspire around thirty thousand people to rush off their comfortable seats and experience four days of sleepless joy and get highlights for five years to come. This is at the core of Koktebel Jazz Festival community: thousands of pilgrims for freedom, drive and depth of relationships. We are happy together!

Fulfilling the hopes and foreseeing many joyful expectations, the festival has chosen a steady path of development: we intend to continue our growth becoming a leader of “correct” open-air movement for those, who annually await the September, just to get into jazzy drive with thousands of others alike them.

«Koktebel Jazz» – is more than festival of jazz music... «One of our main aims – is to change perception of jazz as the “old-fashioned” and “out of date” music. Koktebel Jazz today – is a whole movement of people, who change the world into a better place. In the world of common clich?s and standard forms this non-format music attracts more and more people, who seek to balance overall conformity» Comp&nion, ¹37, 2007

Festival is known for a refined musical taste and welcoming atmosphere. “Koktebel Jazz” – is a widely recognised brand, well-known in the whole of post-Soviet space and with great number of loyal fans.

What could you expect:
 - atmosphere of harmony and unity with like-minded people;
 - live music 24/7 played on various festival spots;
 - inspiring surroundings and unique performances;
 - exclusive music programmes

Internet, WEB 2.0 provides “Koktebel Jazz” fans with a comfortable online community where people can meet and share. Discussions, shared highlights, music, photos and video - this makes Koktebel Jazz community at www.koktebeljazzfestival.frendid.com so informal and comfortable to use. FRENDID.com – is a network of music and social communities of tomorrow. All are welcome: we are happy together!

HISTORY

«KoktebelJazz» was “born” in 2003 to stand against tasteless and superficial music, overflowing the TV screens and newspaper pages. It was a private initiative of its founder Dmitry Kiselev (Russia) and fest’s “mom” – Liliya Mlinarych (Ukraine), who has served as unchanging head of Organising Committee throughout all years.  
«KoktebelJazz» takes an active part in various charitable causes. In 2003, when the first festival took place, organisers have actively engaged in re-building Voloshyn embankment square opposite from M. Voloshyn’s museum in Koktebel. Throughout 2004-2005, they have continuously provided support to rebuild and refurnish museum itself. They have also given unique YAMAHA electro-piano as a gift to the local music school.