SI Advance

This Sunday, the seventh annual Steve "Hangdown" Harrell Memorial Jam will kick off at noon at Nansen Park.

A newly promoted FDNY lieutenant at Ladder Co. 157/Engine Co. 255 in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, Steve Harrell perished on Sept. 11 while saving others in Tower One of the World Trade Center.

But the day is not one of mourning.

Instead, it is an event meant to celebrate the life of a husband, father and friend who had a flair for music and an uncanny sense of humor.

"Steve was as impressive on the fire floor as he was with a saxophone," recalled Kevin Kelly of Harrell. "He leaves a void in our hearts that will never be filled."

Kelly, Jim Steinhilber, Mike King and the members of the firehouse are responsible for orchestrating the fundraiser. And Kelly's wife, Kathleen, also pitches in, coordinating the "mayhem of the many children's activities that day."

True to Harrell's musical nature, several singers and bands are set to take the stage: The Ridgemen, Jimmy Steiny, Bob Alverson, Woof Woof, D.E.A., The Hangdown Band, The Moonshiners and Pill Hill Radio.

"You can't ask for a better day than this," said Steinhilber, a longtime friend of Harrell's. "Hanging out, jamming and telling Stevie stories."

The donation, which covers the food, refreshments and activities, is $40 for adults and $15 for children aged 6-14 years. Those under the age of 6 are free.

All proceeds from the event, fittingly, go to the FDNY's Elsasser Fund and the Firefighter's Transport Fund.