Tomatoes
tried to Kill me
But Banjos Saved My Life

An Award Winning, Inspirational True Story
Keith Alessi playing a banjo

Accolades

Awards

Winner
Fringe Encore Series
New York City
Winner
Festival Spirit
New York City
Top Three Fringe Picks
Edmonton

Reviews & Press

5 STARS- PLAYBILL (EDINBURGH)
5 STARS- PLAYBILL (EDINBURGH)
August 1, 2025

"It is his purity of self that draws the audience in, his story glistening with intrigue yet unvarnished by twisted truths. It is storytelling at its finest, a fitting descendent of the bards and balladeers who have gathered crowds about them for millennia, eyes gleaming in the firelight."

Buzz4good TV-It's All About The Music
Buzz4good TV-It's All About The Music
March 7, 2025

Keith does an interview for an episode on Buzz4good TV.

Global News Edmonton
Global News Edmonton
February 18, 2025

Global News Interview Edmonton

Audience Feedback

I went to see this because I like banjo music, but it was infintely more than that. The personal story of how a love of music can raise you from the worst that life can do. Highly recommended!

That was, without doubt, the finest fringe-style show I have ever seen. It was sensational in every important way. The subject was compelling. The script was carefully crafted: there was not one surplus word, and there were a number of clever connections to earlier moments. The use of tomatoes and banjos for life’s challenges and victories is nothing short of brilliant. It was poignant, moving, funny and uplifting. And your storytelling superb. It was so impressive."

Nice Loved this show! Riveting and profound. Live life to the fullest."