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 of thousands of people. The 2008 Green City Music Festival was an updated version of the Smoky City Folk Festival. The name change reflects the city of Pittsburgh's efforts to clean itself up over the years and shed its smoky past while still celebrating the people who helped make it what it is today. 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