SunPAC & Red Chair Presents

Sparrows of Kabul – Fred Smith and Band Live in Concert

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Event Details

Sat 17 August 2024
7:30 pm

Location

SunPAC 470 McCullough St,
 Sunnybank QLD 4109

Prices

Adults $49*

Concessions $45 *

* A transaction fee of $4.50 applies per transaction.

Duration

2 Hours 10 minutes

(including 20 minute interval)

Additional Information

Recommended for audiences 15+

This performance includes occasional rude language, some bawdy humour, and stories and imagery from the Afghanistan war. It also contains images and descriptions of the evacuation of Kabul airport. Afghan guests who have attended previous performances of these concerts have appreciated that the story is being told, but please consider whether this would be uncomfortable for you or family members.

Ticketing Terms and Conditions

All transactions are final. No cancellations or refunds are given on completed bookings unless the performance is cancelled. Please refer to the Ticketing Terms and Conditions of Sale.

Fred Smith and band present an 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 with an admiration for the work of our soldiers and for 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.

On Fred’s return from Uruzgan he released a CD called Dust of Uruzgan.
 
The album earned rave reviews, and along with the subsequent tour and two books from his Afghanistan experience is raising public awareness of the realities for soldiers on the ground in Uruzgan. The title track from the album Dust of Uruzgan was covered by country music star Lee Kernaghan on his Spirit of Anzacs album.
 
Three of the songs on the album pay tribute to fallen Queensland based soldiers Ben Ranaudo, Darren Smith, Jacob Moerland, Jared ‘Crash’ McKinney (Sunshine Coast), Grant Kirby, and Tomas Dale.
 
Fred wrote Sappers Lullaby after attending a ramp ceremony for Jacob Moreland and Darren Smith, combat engineers from Enoggera barracks killed by an improvised explosive device in the mirror about Valley on 7 June 2010.

 

Great songs, vivid images and some cheeky Aussie humour combine to offer a vivid account of Australia’s Afghanistan story told through the eyes of someone who was there.

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

This project is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

Fred also wrote Derapet encapsulating a Brisbane based solders perspective on the Battle of Derapet 

Make it a night! Enjoy a meal before the show right next door at the Sunset Bar & Grill.

Present your SunPAC show ticket when ordering to receive Members pricing! That’s 20% off your meal just by presenting your show ticket.

Call SCSC on 3323 9600 to secure your table!

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Image Credits hero image: Image by Geoffrey Dunn

Fred Smith dancing with the Afghans

Fred Smith at North gate of Kabul Airport. Image by Roger Richards