Say what you will about local music, but you can't deny that local musicians look out for each other. When it became known that WAMI-winning keyboardist Sam Steffke was suffering from a rare blood disease, his compatriots sprung into action.

There will be a "Jam for Sam" benefit concert, Sunday, Feb. 26 from 1 to 6 p.m. at Long Wong's 5320 W. Bluemound Rd. to help raise money for the treatment required by Steffke, a veteran local musician who has performed with Streetlife, Eddie Butts Band, Greg Koch and many others.

"Sam has been extremely influential both as a teacher at Bradford Music and as a working musician with Streetlife, Grooveology, Mr. Lucky Swing Syndicate and Deidre Fellner and the Whole of Soul," says Westown Association director Ellen Winters, who is also a jazz singer. "If there is a top band in Milwaukee, they either know of Sam's talents or they have worked with him."

Steffke is currently recovering at home after spending a month at Froedtert Memorial Hospital undergoing a bone marrow transplant and chemotherapy. The benefit will attempt to help Steffke and his family make up for lost income and help cover his hospital bills.

"The benefit came about as some of Sam's dear friends were sitting around talking about his looming health issues and the amount of time he was going to be out of commission," says Winters.

"The catalyst behind it is Debi Kossoris of the band Pavanne. Debi has known Sam for 20 years and wanted to physically do something to help him. She invited me to be her partner in this because I was able to put together a similar benefit concert for Jack Grassel in 2004, which raised upwards of $14,000. This is very much a group project but Debi was the catalyst."

So far, the benefit concert will include performances by Winters, Butts, Koch, Streetlife, Mrs. Fun and others. The response from local musicians has been overwhelming, according to Winters.

"Eddie Butts, Streetlife, Mr. Lucky Swing Syndicate, Greg Koch and others have been beating down our doors to play at the benefit. I think it is also important to note that two other ailing jazz artists -- Kaye Berigan and Rick Aaron -- are offering to play at Sam's benefit," she says.

The list of performers and other details are available on a benefit concert Web site, jamforsam.com, which is being continually updated as more performers are added.

"We are hoping for a turnout of 200-300 people and while we know that is ambitious, we also know that this event is going to be amazing with regards to the lineup," says Winters.

"We think and hope that the fans of each individual band will help bring people in the door. Plus, we expect that people will come in and out throughout the five hours that we're doing this. Through the benefit and the silent auction, we are hoping to raise $5,000-$10,000 for Sam and his family.

Admission is $10 at the door and there will be a silent auction and a special menu (not included in cover charge) available.

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