KOKTEBEL, September 12 (RIA Novosti), Nadezhda Kulikova – The issue of sanctions imposed by the West against Moscow over Crimea's reunification with Russia did not affect the program of Koktebel Jazz Party, the art-director of the jazz festival Mikhail Ikonnikov told reporters Friday.
"We had only one refusal. It is very surprising, but it was a Cuban jazz group that refused to participate, due to the fact that most of the band's members live and work in Europe. Generally, the program was not affected by the sanctions issue," Ikonnikov said.
The leader of the Cuban band said he was ready to take part in the festival, but part of the band members declined from the offer, according to the art-director.
Koktebel Jazz Party is an international festival organized by Rossiya Segodnya Information Agency with support from Russia's Ministry of Culture.
Hosted by Koktebel, one of the most popular resort townlets in South-Eastern Crimea, on September 12-15, the festival unites music lovers and big names in jazz music from all over the world.
Located on the beach, the open-air stages provide live music by performers from Russia, Armenia, Brazil, the United States, Israel, the UK, India, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Koktebel Jazz Party is Crimea's first international high-profile event since its reunification with Russia.
The general partner of Koktebel Jazz Party is "Rosseti," the official partner is "Russian Railways", the official ticket partner - Parter.ru.
