Celtic Connections and is an integral and vibrant part of cultural life in Glasgow, with the economic impact on the city reaching £5.8 million in 2007. The festival actively promotes artistic links and cultural exchange across countries, reinforced by Showcase Scotland which brought 200 music industry delegates from 35 different countries to Scotland looking to book Scottish bands for festivals abroad in 2008. The 2008 festival opened with the Common Ground concert where many of the artists taking part in the event performed together. Donald Shaw, artistic director of the festival, spoke about the future of Celtic Connections as well as the
Rootz: The Green City Music Festival Rootz: The Green City Music Festival Rootz: The Green City Music Festival is a folk music festival sponsored by in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The first annual Green City Music Festival was held in Mellon Park near Shadyside on Saturday, July 12, 2008, and featured performances by Rani Arbo and Daisy Mayhem, Steve Forbert, Ernie Hawkins and his band, and many other performances by various local and regional musicians. In 1977, held its first outdoor music festival, The Smoky City Folk Festival. The SCFF was held for the next 23 years and created the opportunity for local artists to perform in front