This just in! Jim Irsay, longtime owner of the Indianapolis Colts, has donated $1 Million dollars to Farm Aid while performing on stage with his band, The Jim Irsay Band, at the 2023 Farm Aid Festival live from Noblesville, Indiana.
James Irsay invited Farm Aid founder and fellow Indiana native, John Mellencamp to the stage to accept the generous donation. Former Colts running back Edgerrin James proudly presented the check.
Watch the special moment below:
In addition to owning the Colts, Jim Irsay is an active philanthropist and has a passion for rock music and history. The Jim Irsay Band includes a collection of historic artifacts, known as The Jim Irsay Collection, which is made up of musical instruments owned by some of the greatest artists in music history, such as Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Prince, Sir Elton John, Jimi Hendrix, and more.
The band members themselves are equally impressive, consisting of Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Mike Mills of R.E.M, five-time Grammy nominee Kenny Wayne Shepherd, guitarist and producer Mike Wanchic and prominent Nashville guitarist Tom Bukovac. Not to mention Kenny Aronoff on drums who has played with Paul McCartney, John Mellencamp and The Rolling Stones, three-time Grammy nominee Billy Branch on harmonica, Danny Nucci on guitar and saxophone, Michael Ramos on keyboards, and Carmella Ramsey on violin, mandolin, and vocals.
Live from Noblesville, Indiana, today, Saturday, September 23, this year’s 2023 Farm Aid Festival is celebrating 38 years of the organization. Originally founded in 1985 by Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, and Dave Matthews, Farm Aid’s mission is to address the severe economic challenges faced by American farmers and keep them on the land.
Farm Aid is more than an annual music festival though, it’s an organization actively engaged in advocacy and educational efforts. This sizable donation from Jim Irsay will no doubt have a lasting impression on family farmers across Indiana and beyond!
You can too help Farm Aid continue to fight to keep family farmers on the land by purchasing your Farm Aid 2023 merch, donating, and taking action.
Farm Aid 2023 is currently live now. WATCH HERE.
We are grateful to @JimIrsay and the @Colts for your continued commitment to Farm Aid and our mission to build a vibrant, family farm-centered system of agriculture in America. Thank you for your donation! #FarmAid2023 pic.twitter.com/w7xHAr3jHl
— Farm Aid (@FarmAid) September 23, 2023
