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 $1.3 Million Dollars (CAD) as of March 2026 for various charities including cancer organizations, music programs, community groups and artist funding and development.  

The show has sold out runs across Canada, Off-Broadway in New York City, and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland 3 years in a row. It has toured internationally including Canada, the US, England, Scotland and Australia. 

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, Keith’s story is an uplifting tale of challenge, triumph, and the the healing power of the arts and music.

THE SHOW

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?

DIRECTOR'S NOTE

FROM ERIKA CONWAY

Keith’s story is as important as it is compelling and a meaningful lesson for all of us.

Our stories change us, challenge us, and define us.  There is healing in speaking out the truth.  Life can throw us obstacles but, if we choose to look at it through a different lens, they can be the gifts to steer us back to ourselves and our souls.

This has been the heartbeat of the show and the magic I have attempted to capture and draw out in the sharing of his personal story.

Keith is an entertaining and dynamic storyteller but it's his bravery, authenticity and vulnerability on stage that holds the real power to this piece. We have purposefully constructed it in a way that allows him to engage you in the journey, disarm you with music and humor and then pull at your heartstrings.

It has been an absolute privilege to be a part of bringing this incredible story to the stage and it is my hope that it will cause you to reflect on your own journey, wake you up to listen to that nudge inside of you and unlock the passions that have been tucked away.

Keith Alessi - Writer/ Performer

Before taking to the stage, Keith was well known as a successful public company CEO, having run companies in both Canada and the United States.  He has been a college professor, entrepreneur and has served on numerous corporate and charitable Boards of Directors.

A dual Canadian/US citizen, Keith lives in Meadows of Dan, Virginia. He is a certified public accountant and received his MBA from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Keith has been touring the show internationally since 2018 across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Scotland.

Here is his LinkedIn Page to find out what he did before taking to the stage!

Erika Conway - Director/ Producer/ Dramaturg

Erika Conway is a Canadian actress, writer, director, and creative collaborator with over 35 years in the performing arts across theatre, film, and television. Her passion lies in working with people to unlock their innate creativity, personal stories, and authentic voice.Her work is grounded in a belief in the healing power of storytelling, community connection, and art that gives back.

Erika is the director and producer of the internationally touring solo show Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life, which has toured across Canada, the United States, the UK, and Australia. She has been privileged to collaborate on the show since its conception in 2018, and it remains one of the highlights of her career.

When not touring, Erika develops workshops and creative programs supporting others in finding their voice, reclaiming creativity, and coming home to themselves through story.

Visit Erika’s website to connect with her for more information.