Finger Eleven Perform For Canadian Troops In Afghanistan

Finger Eleven played a set for Canadian troops stationed in Kandahar, Afghanistan on Sept. 9.

Singer Scott Anderson, guitarists James Black and Rick Jackett, bassist Sean Anderson and drummer Rich Beddoe played an hour-long set for troops at Kandahar Air Field.

The Canadian government invited them to play for troops in Afghanistan as part of a "Team Canada" group that also included Governor General Michaelle Jean, former Montreal Canadiens hockey player Guy Lafleur and singer/songwriter Bruce Cockburn.

"My time in Afghanistan was hot, dusty and informative," Scott Anderson said of the band's trip. "It was a pleasure to play for the men and women who do an incredibly difficult and dangerous job over there.

"Being a member of Team Canada was an absolute honour. I'd go back in a heartbeat."

Finger Eleven left Canada on Sept. 6 on a military airbus. They spent four days at Kandahar Air Field, were taken into the battle zone, played some more off-the-cuff acoustic sets at other outposts and visited troops at the base hospital.

Jackett and Black just released their debut album as alt.country duo Blackie Jackett, Jr. You can see them Tuesday at The Dakota Tavern.