SPARROWS OF KABUL

Fred Smith and band will be presenting this extraordinary song cycle on Australia’s involvement in Afghanistan culminating in the dramatic evacuation from Kabul in August 2021. Fred was there at the beginning in Uruzgan Province and returned at the end working from Kabul International Airport (KIA) on the difficult evacuation. His epitaph for the mission is “it was what it was”, and we are left admiring the courage and tenacity of thousands of Afghans who braved the human logjams outside the gates of Kabul International Airport in a last-ditch dash for freedom.

Fred Smith is simply the best folk/country musician working in this country...beyond writing some of the finest songs about Australians at war, he has created a repertoire that is wry, literate, witty, powerfully emotionaland insightful.” (Bruce Elder, SMH)

He blends tunes you can whistle with stories you will remember. His songs are subtle, wry and perceptive. His remarkable hybrid career is the subject of an Australian Story documentary. His memoir, the Dust of Uruzgan, was published by Allen and Unwin. Fred’s performances will have you laughing, thinking and feeling.

Proceeds from this event will be shared evenly between two charities working to support Afghan communities - the Indigo Foundation and SCARF Refugee Support.The Indigo Foundation collaborates with Afghan families in Australia to support education and women's empowerment programs in Afghanistan.SCARF Illawarra helps refugee entrants to build a sense of belonging and navigate the practical and personal challenges of starting a new life in Australia.

Doors open 7pm