Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me but Banjos Saved My Life

Quivering Dendrites—PTE – Colin Jackson Studio

I was told to see this by performers who had loved this. I’m so glad I listened! I love, love, love this man! A touching, soul-baring true life (has to be as he said so 3 times) tale about mental health through banjo playing. The title really says it all. Uncomfortable stepping outside himself, CPA Keith Alessi realized that true bluegrass meant jamming; and that meant having to join other folks. Besides being a talented musician and wonderfully warm story teller, he’s just a genuinely nice person with a true appreciation of the banjo. He humorously shares how he overcame some personality traits that were holding him back from fulfilling his life, through finally learning to play the instruments he was hoarding in his closet. I won’t spoil it but let’s just say he has some of the most memorable banjo jokes.

Keith mentioned the Jenny first, as the place to send reviews! Yay for us!

Buzz has it that he is planning to donate some, or all of the proceeds from his shows to some, yet unnamed charity, as he is not hard up for cash. I spoke to him after the show, sharing the story of our Winnipeg bluegrass friend, Dave Nishikawa, of the Magnificent 7’s, who was left for dead in a hit and run bike accident, and never fully regained his magnificent banjo skills. Keith sincerely promised to check them out. A real, warm and personable guy.

Lisa Campbell