Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjoes Saved My Life

Everyone has a story. Your stories matter. Keith Alessi was neither a performer nor a musician before taking to the stage – he was an accountant and corporate CEO of Westmore Coal Company! He now shares his unconventional true story of overcoming great obstacles including cancer and how the healing power of music brought him back home to himself. The grass roots 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 story. This show has been highly awarded and reviewed while touring internationally and has profoundly affected audiences everywhere. Themes of forgiveness and the importance of pursuing your passions resonate throughout. The variety of banjos that join him on stage are all characters and played important roles in his journey. This is more than a show, it's a cause. Keith has never accepted any form of remuneration for his performances, instead choosing to donate it to local charities and to Theatres in support of Artist development. As of June 2026, he has raised over $1.3 Million Dollars (CAD) for these causes. ★★★★★“Storytelling at its best!"-PLAYBILL ★★★★★“Anyone who loves an underdog story, step this way and be ready to laugh and weep in equal measure.”-North West End UK ★★★★★“His spell bounding, heartwarming, and completely inspiring story is related in a friendly, folksy manner peppered with toe-tapping banjo music and a host of hilarious banjo jokes.” -Theatre Eddys (San Francisco)