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
Kansas City Irish Fest comedians and entertainment from around the world on 8 stages. The festival was born from the merger of two successful smaller Kansas City neighborhood events, the Brookside and Westport Irish fests. KCIF is almost 100 percent volunteer staffed, and uses the help of nearly 1,500 volunteers annually. References Kansas City Irish Fest Kansas City Irish Fest celebrates Celtic pride in Kansas City dedicated to promoting the culture, music, character and history of Ireland and of the Irish people who call Kansas City home. Voted by visitors as the "Best Ethnic Festival" in Kansas City in 2011, 2010 and 2009, and