An audience award has been set up within Koktebel Jazz Party 2016. A special device measures the loudness of applause during performances to pick the winner who receives a special prize from the festival's partner, the Smolenskiye Brillianty (Smolensk Diamonds) company. The JB and 24 Kopeks band got the award at the end of the first day of the event.
The band's leader Julian Burdock said after the ceremony that he was very pleased with the win thought he was not sure that they really deserved it. There are a lot of great musicians at the festival, and maybe the audience had to applaud louder because our music was louder than the others', he mused. But the musician was happy to receive the prize, anyway.
He also commented on the festival's top-level organization and extremely welcoming audience of all ages. They are very friendly and supportive of the musicians. He was glad he had a chance to play at this festival, Julian Burdock concluded.