Tomatoes
tried to Kill me
but Banjos Saved My Life show
An Award Winning, Inspirational True Story

Keith Alessi playing a banjo

Since its humble beginnings as a six-show experiment, Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life has grown into a powerful force for good, raising money for important causes and touching countless lives. Keith's Italian-American heritage and his unique life journey make his story all the more relatable and inspiring, and his message of hope and resilience is one that resonates with people from all walks of life.

Tomatoes Tried to Kill me Awards

Sold Out Run
Edinburgh Fringe 2024
Pick of the Fringe
Mervyn Stutter's Pick
Edinburgh
Sold Out Run
Edinburgh Fringe 2023
Winner
Fringe Encore Series
New York City
Sold Out Run
Off Broadway
Sold Out Run
Edinburgh Fringe 2024
Pick of the Fringe
Mervyn Stutter's Pick
Edinburgh
Sold Out Run
Edinburgh Fringe 2023
Winner
Fringe Encore Series
New York City
Sold Out Run
Off Broadway
Winner
Most Inspirational
New York City
Sold Out Run
Edinburgh Fringe 2024
Pick of the Fringe
Mervyn Stutter's Pick
Edinburgh
Sold Out Run
Edinburgh Fringe 2023
19
19
-
23
Feb
2025
Workshop West Playwrights' Theatre
Edmonton, Albeta
Venue
Buy Tickets
TICKETS COMING SOON!
27
27
-
08
Feb
2025
Chemainus Theatre
Chemainus
Venue
Buy Tickets
TICKETS COMING SOON!

Upcoming Shows

19
19
-
23
Feb
2025
Workshop West Playwrights' Theatre
Edmonton, Albeta
Venue
Buy Tickets
Sold Out!
TICKETS COMING SOON!
27
27
-
08
Feb
2025
Chemainus Theatre
Chemainus
Venue
Buy Tickets
Sold Out!
TICKETS COMING SOON!
10
10
-
13
Jul
2025
Fort Myers Florida
Venue
Buy Tickets
Sold Out!
TICKETS COMING SOON!

INSPIRING COMMUNITY STORIES

From Novice Quilters to Community Pillars: A Journey of Crafting Comfort and Connection Through Quilting

My husband and I purchased a long arm quilting machine in February 2020. We had only been quilting for a few years but we knew we wanted to do more. There was a need for Comfort Quilts: veterans, foster children, cancer patients, babies, nursing homes, etc. And then, of course, Covid happened! But we had plenty of time to practice with the machine and it was all charity work so we spent months getting better. And that first year we completed 300 quilts. We have learned a LOT and attracted a few customers and many more quilty friends. The journey continues and we are still turning out 300 plus quilts each year. The work is immensely rewarding and we are together 24/7 (retired), grateful and blessed to be able to help our community.

C.Y.