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Jim Irsay’s massive collection of guitars, artifacts from John Lennon, others to be sold

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Jim Irsay’s massive collection of guitars, artifacts from John Lennon, others to be sold


  • The Jim Irsay Collection, which experts have valued at more than $1 billion, will be offered at Christie’s New York in a series of auctions starting in March.
  • Among the items in Irsay’s collection is an Apple II manual signed by Steve Jobs, Hunter S. Thompson’s Red Shark convertible and Jack Kerouac’s original typewritten manuscript of “On The Road.”
  • A portion of the proceeds will be donated to philanthropy championed by Irsay throughout his life.

INDIANAPOLIS — The family of late Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay is selling his collection of 199 guitars — dubbed “the greatest guitar collection on Earth” by Guitar World magazine — as well as an eclectic assortment of hundreds of other historic artifacts Irsay amassed from the worlds of pop culture, American history, literature, music and sports.

The Jim Irsay Collection, which experts have valued at more than $1 billion, will be offered at Christie’s New York in a series of auctions starting in March.

“This decision was not made lightly, but with deep reflection and love for the legacy he built,” the Irsay family said in a statement provided by the Colts. A few pieces from the collection will remain with the Irsay family, but “the majority” will be sold.

“Our dad was a passionate collector, driven not by possession, but by a profound appreciation for the beauty, history and cultural resonance of the items he curated,” the Irsay family said. “From iconic instruments to handwritten lyrics by legends to rare historical artifacts and documents, each piece in the collection tells a story – and he was always so excited to share those stories with the world.”

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At the center of the Irsay collection, Christie’s said in announcing the sale, are the instruments that were owned and played by some of the greatest artists in music history, including John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Jerry Garcia, Bob Dylan, Kurt Cobain, Eddie Van Halen and Eric Clapton.

Items owned by Elton John, Ringo Starr, John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Jim Morrison will also be on the auction block.

As Irsay immersed himself in professional football for more than 40 years, first as general manager of the Colts and then as owner, he always had a side gig — collector extraordinaire.

The collection “includes extraordinary sports and movie memorabilia, U.S. presidential artifacts, extremely rare books, documents and manuscripts with a focus on American history, the ‘Beatnik’ movement and much more,” Christie’s said.

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There is an Apple II manual signed by Steve Jobs, Hunter S. Thompson’s Red Shark convertible and Jack Kerouac’s original typewritten manuscript of “On The Road.”

“Christie’s is honored to offer this magnificent collection, so lovingly compiled, maintained, and shared bylegendary collector Jim Irsay over decades,” Julien Pradels, president of the Christie’s Americans region, said in a statement announcing the sale.

In recent years, Irsay transformed the collection into a traveling museum and hosted free exhibitions across the U.S. He loaned items to museums, nonprofits and others for display and research, “always with the hope that others would be inspired and united,” the Irsay family said.

Irsay never referred to himself as the owner of the collection but as its steward.

“Now, we believe it’s time for a new life for the collection, and it’s our sincere hope that these artifacts find future stewards who understand and cherish their significance,” the Irsay family said. “In honor of our dad’s lifelong focus on giving, a portion of the proceeds from the sale will go toward philanthropy close to his heart. Giving back was always central to his vision, and this next chapter honors that commitment.”

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Free public exhibitions will be part of the sales at Christie’s New York, who said “passionate collectors around the globe (will) have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of history, and provide this exquisite collection its next chapter.”

More information on the auction will be available in the coming months as the sale approaches. Sign up for updates

Follow IndyStar sports reporter Dana Benbow on X: @DanaBenbow. Reach her via email: dbenbow@indystar.com.   





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Indianapolis, IN

Neighbors share concerns after young male dies in shooting on Indy’s northeast side

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Neighbors share concerns after young male dies in shooting on Indy’s northeast side


INDIANAPOLIS — A young man has died following a shooting on the northeast side of Indianapolis on Saturday night.

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Neighbors share concerns after young male dies in shooting on northeast side

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IMPD said it happened near the 3900 block of Rue Rabelais, which is an apartment complex off Binford Boulevard and 56th Street.

WRTV was in the surrounding neighborhood speaking with residents on Sunday, many of whom told us they were left saddened and worried following the incident.

“It just brings tears to my eyes,” Sheri Harley shared.

Harley has lived on Circle Boulevard, which is one street over from the complex, for more than 20 years.

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“We’re a very close-knit neighborhood,” Harley said. “I know everybody that lives here.”

That’s how she learned about what happened just down the road from her home on Saturday night.

“When I saw that there was police activity at the apartment complex, I contacted one of my neighbors, who lives across the fence,” Harley explained. “They didn’t really hear anything, but there were two young gentlemen who walked through their yard [that they got on camera].”

According to police, IMPD North District officers were dispatched to the 3900 block of Rue Rabelais around 7:19 p.m. Saturday on the report of a person shot. When officers arrived, they located a juvenile male near a playground suffering from injuries consistent with a gunshot wound.

The victim was taken to Riley Hospital in critical condition. IMPD confirmed the victim was pronounced deceased in the hospital.

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“There is no known danger to the public at this time,” IMPD Night Watch Captain Richard Ray said during a media briefing. “It appears by the basic, limited information that we have at this time that this was a targeted incident.”

It’s the latest incident involving juveniles to concern Indianapolis residents.

“I was raised where you respect one another,” Harley said. “You don’t always have to get along, but now they’re just pulling guns on one another and shooting.”

For neighbors like Harley, they just hope it doesn’t continue.

“Parents, please take care of your kids. Watch them… It’s very disheartening,” she stated.

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While we were out on Sunday, IMPD officers were going around asking neighbors to share any information they had about the incident.

“We’re asking any individual that might have been filming, that might have any doorbell cameras or anything like that to come forward and provide as much information as possible,” Ray said.

They have not yet identified any suspects in the case.

The Marion County Coroner’s Office (MCCO) will be assisting and will determine the exact manner and cause of death. The MCCO will release the decedent’s name once a proper next-of-kin notification has been made.

An investigation into this incident is underway. Anyone with information or doorbell footage is asked to reach out to IMPD Detective Christopher Williams at the IMPD Homicide Office at 317.327.3475 or e-mail the detective at Christopher.Williams4@indy.gov. Alternatively, they can call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317.262.8477 or (TIPS) to remain anonymous.

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Casey Zanowic is the In Your Community reporter for North Side Indy. She joined WRTV in July of 2025. Casey has a passion for storytelling and is ready to showcase impactful stories that make a difference in her community. Share your story ideas and important issues with Casey by emailing her at casey.zanowic@wrtv.com.





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Indianapolis, IN

HBCU ALL-STAR Game Experience

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HBCU ALL-STAR Game Experience


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HBCU ALL-STAR Game Experience

INDIANAPOLIS — At the 5th Annual HBCU All-Star Game Experience, organizers are bringing together student-athletes, civic leaders, and community advocates for a social justice-focused event in downtown Indianapolis.

The Social Justice & Civil Rights Luncheon and Panel Discussion is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Madam Walker Legacy Center on Indiana Avenue.

The event will focus on the intersection of sports, equity, and social change, with organizers aiming to inspire civic engagement and community leadership among attendees. Participants will include HBCU student-athletes, coaches, and local leaders.

Two panel discussions are planned. The first will center on civic engagement, public safety, and police accountability, examining how voting, public policy, and community involvement shape law enforcement practices and justice systems. The second panel will focus on youth, education, and workforce development, highlighting ways to expand opportunities and strengthen career pathways for the next generation.

Organizers say the luncheon is designed to go beyond conversation and encourage action, using the influence of HBCUs to promote leadership and long-term community impact.

In addition to the discussions, Indianapolis teen DJ Reese Rayford will provide live entertainment. She has performed at several prominent venues across the city and is also scheduled to appear during other HBCU All-Star Game weekend events.

The luncheon is free and open to the public, though registration is encouraged. The event is part of a broader series of activities tied to the HBCU All-Star Game, which takes place during college basketball’s championship weekend and highlights talent from Historically Black Colleges and Universities while promoting education, economic empowerment, and social impact.
The event will focus on the intersection of sports, equity, and social change, with organizers aiming to inspire civic engagement and community leadership among attendees. Participants will include HBCU student-athletes, coaches, and local leaders.

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Two panel discussions are planned. The first will center on civic engagement, public safety, and police accountability, examining how voting, public policy, and community involvement shape law enforcement practices and justice systems. The second panel will focus on youth, education, and workforce development, highlighting ways to expand opportunities and strengthen career pathways for the next generation.

Organizers say the luncheon is designed to go beyond conversation and encourage action, using the influence of HBCUs to promote leadership and long-term community impact.

In addition to the discussions, Indianapolis teen DJ Reese Rayford will provide live entertainment. She has performed at several prominent venues across the city and is also scheduled to appear during other HBCU All-Star Game weekend events.

The luncheon is free and open to the public, though registration is encouraged. The event is part of a broader series of activities tied to the HBCU All-Star Game, which takes place during college basketball’s championship weekend and highlights talent from Historically Black Colleges and Universities while promoting education, economic empowerment, and social impact.



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Mt. Vernon boys basketball wins program’s first state title

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Mt. Vernon boys basketball wins program’s first state title


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Mt. Vernon High School boys basketball team has accomplished something it hasn’t done before – win a state championship.

The Marauders beat Crown Point 52-50 on Saturday night in the IHSAA 4A State Championship Game inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse. It’s the program’s first-ever state title.

Mt. Vernon senior guard Luke Ertel, the favorite to win Indiana Mr. Basketball, finished with a game-high 26 points. He also finished with 10 rebounds.

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