Acts performing at Celtic Connections embrace the all-pervasive aesthetic of the festival, covering most if not all roots- music bases - and a few beyond for good measure. While the Irish element is well looked after - it includes Paul Brady & the Liberty Belles, Cara Dillon, Karan Casey, Eleanor Shanley, Mary Coughlan, Sean Keane, Brian Kennedy, Colin Reid, The Dubliners, Hothouse Flowers - UK, US and European performers are also well represented - by Capercaille, Kate Rusby, Dick Gaughan, Eliza Carthy, Incredible String Band, Tom Paxton, Runrig, The Waterboys, Rodney Crowell, Steve and Stacey Earle, Alison Brown, Mike Harding, The Poozies, Indigo Girls, Michael McGoldrick, Cherish the Ladies, Tim O'Brien, The Oysterband, Marta Sebestyen, Martin Carthy & Norma Waterson, Ishbel MacAskill and the Tartan Amoebas. Any festival worth its salt also throws in a few curved balls, which is why Norway's Kings of Convenience are in the mix, as are rock bands Cosmic Rough Riders, Reindeer Section and Snow Patrol. The opening night concert, on January 16th, features commissioned works from two of Scotland's leading musicians, William Jackson and Brian McNeill, both of whom will blend traditional and classical music.