Sparrows of Kabul
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 5 regional Queensland artists – Kacey Patrick – vocals (Gold Coast), Karen Law – vocals (Sunshine Coast), Rob Mackay – guitar (Hervey Bay), Murray Law (Sunshine Coast) and Tex Austin (Bundaberg).
Tour Dates 2024
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: TBA
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.
