AUSTIN, Texas (Nov. 23, 2021) - Jim Irsay, owner & CEO of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, is bringing items from The Jim Irsay Collection – his renowned assemblage of historic and iconic artifacts from rock music, American history and pop culture – to Austin, Texas for a one-of-a-kind, invite-only reception on Thursday, Dec. 9 showcasing Irsay’s passion for preserving culturally-significant artifacts to share with the world.
Guests also will get to enjoy tunes from The Jim Irsay Band, a band “which has never existed and will never exist again.”
Performing with Irsay on vocals are Mike Wanchic on guitar (John Mellencamp), Mike Mills on bass (founding member of R.E.M), Tom Bukovac on guitar (has played on over 700 albums with major artists), Kenny Wayne Shepherd on blues guitar (Five-time GRAMMY® nominated), Kenny Aronoff on drums (Sir Paul McCartney, John Mellencamp, The Rolling Stones, Sting, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson and more), and Austin’s own Michael Ramos on keys (John Mellencamp, Los Lonely Boys, Patti Griffin, Paul Simon and more).
For photos of the collection, see here (photos courtesy of the Indianapolis Colts).
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 9, 7-10 p.m.
WHERE: The Four Seasons Hotel, 98 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin
NOTE:
The collection is highlighted by musical instruments and items owned and used by some of the greatest artists in music history, including Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Prince, Eric Clapton, Elton John, The Grateful Dead’s Jerry Garcia, Les Paul, Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour, The Doors’ Jim Morrison and other music icons, as well as autographed photos, handwritten lyrics and other historical music memorabilia.
Outside of music, the collection includes Presidential artifacts, historical documents from American history, original manuscripts, sports memorabilia and much more. Items from the collection have been displayed at the U.S.’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) and the Indiana State Museum; as well as at The Centre Pompidou (Paris), the British Library (London), Auditorium Parco della Musica (Rome) and other locations around the world.
Irsay currently is considering locations for a permanent museum to display the collection for all to enjoy. He recently brought items from the collection to star-studded events in Nashville, Tenn. and Washington, DC to preview multiple exhibits.
“I began this collection to preserve, protect and share historic items with others in hopes of inspiring people to dream big and do great things in life,” said Irsay. “We’re excited to come to the heart of Austin’s vibrant musical and cultural scene and display instruments from some of the greatest musicians in history, as well as other special pieces that tell the stories of our shared past and culture.”
