STURGIS — The Whitehawk Arts Council presented musician and storyteller Keith Alessi in concert at the Sturgis Community Hall on Oct. 8. The Preeceville Hospital Auxiliary co-hosted the event and provided the refreshments and dainties for the evening.
Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life was not just a show, it had 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, stated his website, www.tomatoestriedtokillme.com. Through donations, including 100 per cent of all artist fees, the show has raised over $1.4 million as of September 2026 for various cancer, community, music, and theatre charities.
Alessi shares his exceptional true story of leaving the world of corporate boardrooms 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 humour, 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 four years in a row.
Before taking to the stage, Alessi 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, Alessi lives in Meadows of Dan, Virginia. He is a certified public accountant and received his MBA from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Alessi has been touring the show internationally since 2018 across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Scotland.
Erika Conway 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.
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.
When not touring, Conway develops workshops and creative programs supporting others in finding their voice, reclaiming creativity, and coming home to themselves through story.
