Tomatoestried to Kill meBut Banjos Saved My Life
The Cause
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 $1.2 Million as of December 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 3 years in a row.
This intimate experience is one sure to leave you feeling empowered, inspired, and ready to dust off your own long forgotten dreams.
The People behind the Cause
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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.
Cancer Resources
Sophie's Place
Sophie’s Place at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, the sixth in the nation, is a dedicated music therapy environment to promote creative expression, safety, and solace for patients and their families throughout the healing process.
Esophageal Cancer Action Network
ECAN was created with the primary goal to raise awareness of the risk of Esophageal Cancer posed by persistent heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (known as GERD). While increased awareness remains ECAN’s primary focus, educating patients about their options for prevention, early detection and treatment has become a priority. ECAN has become a trusted and reliable source for the latest in medical research affecting those at risk for Esophageal Cancer.
