Fred Smith Sparrows of Kabul concert, Sydney

Fred Smith and band will present this extraordinary musical and multimedia experience on Australia's involvement in Afghanistan in a unique concert on Friday 26th August 2022 at the Sybil Centre, University of Sydney. The concert starts at 7:00pm, doors open from 6:15pm. 

Fred will offer his personal account of Australia's mission to evacuate families from Kabul International Airport in the days following the fall of Kabul to the Taliban on 15 August 2021. 

The first set of the concert will feature songs from Fred’s acclaimed Dust of Uruzgan album which draws on his experiences working in southern Afghanistan between 2009 and 2013. The second set will centre around material he wrote after working on the evacuation from Kabul in August 2021.

Proceeds from the event will be shared evenly between local organisations working to support Afghan communities:

• Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia (CRSA). CRSA provides assistance to and mobilises support for refugee families around Australia, supporting newly arrived families to rebuild their lives in safety; and 
• Indigo Foundation. indigo foundation collaborates with Afghan communities in Australia to support education and women's empowerment programs in Afghanistan.

Reviews from recent performances of Fred Smith's Sparrows of Kabul are glowing:

“A beautiful retelling of Australia’s Afghanistan experience...” Adrienne Francis, ABC 666, Saturday Breakfast, 19 February 2022

“This was more than a concert. It was an astute analysis of Australia’s 20-year involvement in the Afghan War from a humanitarian who witnessed the many shades of war first-hand.” Ian McLean, City News

"Finely observed snapshots of a harsh, sad and funny reality…In concert he has a knack for balancing drama and humour…towering artistic achievement” John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald“

Fred Smith is an Australian national treasure. Diplomat, philosopher, poet and raconteur his songs reverberate with the prophetic voice of humanity…an extraordinary, wonderful and heart-uplifting concert.” Peter Wilkins, Canberra Critics Circle

If you are making a donation in addition to purchasing a ticket to the event, a tax-deductible receipt will be provided to you from one of the two organisations after the event.

With many thanks to the Women's College at the University of Sydney for their support for this event. 

Women’s College will be providing drinks (beer, wine and soft drink) before the concert and during interval. Sandwiches are included in the cost of the drinks or packets of crisps will be available for purchase.

Please buy your drink tickets at the venue before heading to the bar. Eftpos or exact change preferred.

This performance includes images and descriptions of the evacuation of Kabul airport. Afghan guests who have previously attended these concerts have appreciated that the story is being told, but please consider whether this would be uncomfortable for you or family members.