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Sparrows of Kabul
February 25 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Narrogin Town Hall
Saturday 25 February 2023
Licenced bar available.
Tickets: $25 Member, $27 Concession, $30 Adult, $15 Student
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). 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.
Early performances of this concert have received rave reviews:
“A beautiful retelling of Australia’s Afghanistan experience” – Adrienne Francis, ABC 666, Saturday Breakfast
“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
“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
“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
About Fred Smith
“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 emotional and 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.
