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by DEN BALSAMINI
It's billed as a memorial, but in three years, the annual Steve "Hangdown" Harrell Jam has become a celebration of a loving family man, serious musician and loyal friend.
He was also among the courageous 343 of New York's Bravest who gave their lives on 9/11.
The Third Annual "Hangdown" Harrell Memorial Jam happens Sunday at Camp Kaufman, 1131 Manor Rd., Sea View from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A $20 donation (kids are free) gets you food, music and family fun. There will be games for the children, pony rides, face and hair painting, paddle boats and general mayhem.
The musical lineup includes Mystery Pitch, described as a "funkengroovin trio;" The Pirhana Brothers, who will "rock to burn your socks;" D.E.A., who bill themselves as the Island's sole "four-piece trio," (fans of The Red Hot Chili Peppers will love D.E.A.); Woof Woof, "drinkabilly with a pop sensibility" and, in what has become the event favorite, "Hangdown," the local all-star band made up of Harrell's buddies.
Proceeds benefit the Harrell family, the Elsasser Fund and the Fireman's Transport Fund.
A native of Midland Beach, the 44-year-old Harrell resided in Warwick, N.Y. Promoted to lieutenant in 1998, Harrell was assigned to Ladder Co. 157 in Brooklyn, but he was working at Ladder Co. 10 across the street from the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. He was among the first units to respond when the first Tower was hit.
Steve's older brother, Harvey, 49, who also died on Sept. 11, was a lieutenant with Rescue Co. 5 in Concord. The event organizers are firefighters Jim "Steiney" Steinhilber, Mike King, Cal Kelly and the Members of Engine 255 and Ladder 157.
"Hangdown always did the right thing, and this day celebrates that spirit," King said.
Marveled Steinhilber, who was Steve Harrell's best friend: "This event gets bigger every year, and we plan to make it bigger and better as long as we are breathing."
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