Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life

Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life isn’t just a show, it’s a cause. A heartfelt passion project that began as a nudge after Keith Alessi’s life took a major turn, it has been his mission to raise money for causes close to his heart. Through donations, including 100% of all artist fees, the show has raised over $1,000,000 as of February 2025 for various cancer, community, music, and theatre charities. Keith shares his exceptional true story of leaving the world of corporate board rooms behind to follow his long-delayed passion—playing the banjo! When faced with a deadly cancer battle, his musical pursuit took him on a journey that became the key to saving his life. Told through authentic storytelling, heartfelt humor and music, this show is an uplifting story of challenge, triumph, and the power of positivity. The show has been highly awarded and has toured internationally, including sold out runs across Canada, Off-Broadway in New York City, and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. This intimate experience is one sure to leave you feeling empowered, inspired, and ready to dust off your own long forgotten dreams. Everyone has a story. Your stories matter. Keith Alessi had a story. He was neither an actor nor a musician, and his journey to the stage was a highly improbable one. But this show is a reflection of the power and purpose our stories can have when we share them with the world in an authentic and honest way. The grassroots sound of the banjo lures you in and brings you back to a simpler time in life, as Keith takes you on the journey of his unique personal story about how music was the catalyst to ultimately saving his life. A heartwarming, true story of transformation, this show is like a homecoming, and has captivated audiences internationally. Everyone has a story. What’s yours?