Communities

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 Dollars (CAD) as of December 2025 for various charities including cancer organizations, music programs, community groups and artist funding and development. All Proceeds from the performances at the King’s Head Theatre will benefit the theatres Angels of Angel program which supports creation and production of new theatrical productions. 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.

2025 - Celebrating 15 years and releasing Brahms, Balkans & Bagels! Oktopus presents Brahms, Balkan & Bagels, a concert that explores the elements of folklore that inspired great classical composers. In a virtuosic, moving, and unique performance, Oktopus brilliantly blends classical and folk music from Eastern Europe. How did Hungarian folk melodies inspire Brahms and Liszt? How does Enescu's native Romania appear in his works? What traces has klezmer music left in Mahler’s great symphonies? A recipient of numerous awards, Oktopus is a prominent figure on the Canadian world music scene, with over 300 performances both nationally and internationally. The group is primarily dedicated to klezmer music and stands out with a fresh approach that incorporates elements of classical and Québécois repertoire, along with some jazz and Balkan accents. The eight virtuosic musicians deliver a show that is as festive and lively as it is melancholic and profound, sprinkled with humor and stories.

Last Birds’ intimate, one mic performance style blends contemporary folk and traditional country music. Through haunting vocal harmonies and interwoven acoustic guitars, the duo tells stories of small-town experiences and the challenges of prairie life. Mike Davis and Lindsay Arnold draw audiences into a shared experience with their honest lyrics and authentic spousal banter that is satisfyingly bittersweet, often humorous, and always mesmerizing to watch.

In 1991, The Johner Brothers took the Canadian country music audience by storm. Brad and Ken were named "Duo of the Year" by the Canadian Country Music Association, kicking off a string of awards. After being crowned 'Entertainer of the Decade' and releasing a remarkable 26 singles from six hit albums, Ken retired from the music business in 2002. Brad continued with a hugely successful solo career, recording six highly praised albums and awarded "Male Artist of the Year" by the CCMA. After twenty years, the Johner Brothers are back together and looking forward to a busy year playing shows across western Canada. Backed by two of Brad's sons, the show is a fresh version of what Johner fans have come to expect as they are astute professionals and true gentlemen of the stage.