Sparrows of Kabul

Sparrows of Kabul

August 17, 2024 - August 25, 2024

Image Credit: Geoffrey Dunn

Fred Smith, the first Australian diplomat sent to work alongside Australian soldiers in Uruzgan Province, is seen by many as the unofficial storyteller of Australia’s involvement in Afghanistan.

His song, “The Dust of Uruzgan” is universally hailed as an outstanding piece of work, taking its place in the Australian pantheon of war songs alongside “I Was Only 19” and “The Band Played Waltzing Matilda”.

In 2020, Smith went back to Afghanistan when Kabul fell under Taliban control. He worked from Kabul International Airport (KIA) until August 2021 on Australia’s mission to evacuate passport and visa holders.

A songwriter of rare ability and a compelling storyteller, Fred Smith has blended his stories and songs into an impressive concert and song-cycle called “The Sparrows of Kabul”.

It’s a vivid, personal account of Australia’s 20 year involvement in Afghanistan and marks the culmination of Fred Smith’s noted storytelling on Australia’s longest war.

For this tour Fred is collaborating with 4 regional Queensland artists – Karen Law – vocals (Sunshine Coast), Rob Mackay – guitar (Hervey Bay), Murray Law (Sunshine Coast) and Tex Austin (Bundaberg).

 

Tour Dates 2024

 
SunPAC

Saturday 17 August | Time: 7.30pm | Location: 470 McCullough St, Sunnybank | Tickets: sunpac.net.au

Maleny Community Centre

Thursday 22 August | Time: 7pm | Location: 23 Maple St, Maleny | Tickets: events.humanitix.com

Majestic Theatre

Friday 23 August | Time: 7pm | Location: 3 Factory St, Pomona | Tickets: themajestictheatre.com.au

Coolum Civic Centre

Saturday 24 August | Time: 7pm | Location: 2-4 Park St, Coolum Beach | Tickets: events.humanitix.com

Eudlo Hall

Sunday 25 August | Time: 4pm | Location: 19 Rosebed St, Eudlo | Tickets: events.humanitix.com

 

This project is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. This initiative was supported through the Creative Industries Investment Program and is jointly funded by ArtsCoast through Sunshine Coast Council’s Art and Heritage Levy and the Regional Arts Development Fund in partnership with Queensland Government.