SunPAC 7 Red Chair Presents

Sparrows of Kabul – Fred Smith and Band Live in Concert

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!

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