Whitehawk Arts Council

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.

Inspirational/Country Artist Amanda Hagel is thrilled to bring her audience on a musical journey with - These Roots - Take me Home Country Roads Christmas"! In the true spirit of the holiday season, Amanda was inspired to create a concert series with a cast of amazing musicians, infused in a Christmas theme with the melodic roots of Country, Folk & Americana along with Amanda’s soulful, heartfelt songs & storytelling. Celebrating over a decade of music including the incredible success of her single release titled "These Roots" along with one of her latest releases, the re-imagined rendition of John Denver’s "Take Me Home, Country Roads", Amanda & her band are excited to bring a captivating & immersive musical experience where you will 'Come as You Are & Leave as You’ve Never Been".

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.

Jessica Rhaye with Bill Preeper and Sandy MacKay is a folk trio that back to the height of the Greenwich Village folk scene of the 60’s, weaving and sharing lead and harmony. It's new folk music at its finest, pulling together inspiration from the likes of Woody Guthrie, Ian Tyson, Bob Dylan, with a Maritime Appalachian Folk sound with a unique mix of acoustic and electric instruments. The trio’s version of Blowin’ in the Wind has generated, to date, more than 15 million views on YouTube. "The modern folk trio offered their skills to the famed Dylan track (Blowin’ in the Wind) in a string laden rendition. Rich with golden vocals, acoustics and even a Mandolin, Rhaye, and her group would make Baez and the rest of the ‘60-s decade proud with this heartfelt version.+- AMERICAN SONGWRITER MAGAZINE