Fager’s Island will host a benefit for Tranzfusion guitarist Hank Koenig on March 10. Koenig’s century-old home in Berlin suffered severe damage during a fire in December. Pictured, from left, are bassist Al Cook, drummer Bobby Malaby, keyboardist Bob Davis and Koenig.

Historic home ravaged by fire last year; money raised will help Koenigs to rebuild

By Josh Davis, Associate Editor

(March 1, 2018) A fire on Main Street in Berlin severely damaged the century-old home of Hank and Julie Koenig last December.

The massive blaze was extinguished firefighters from the Berlin Fire Company with help from the Showell, Ocean Pines, Newark and Ocean City fire departments.

Since then, the Koenig family has vowed to rebuild all they can of the home, built in 1914 and known locally as “The Pruitt House.” Last month the family month earned unanimous support from the Berlin Historic District Commission to do so.

To aid those efforts, Fager’s Island on 60th Street on Ocean City will host a fundraiser for the family on Saturday, March 10 from 2-6 p.m.

Koenig knows Fager’s well, having played there as lead guitarist for Tranzfusion for four decades.

The classic rock group started as “Just Us” in Cambridge around 1975. Koenig joined the band in 1981 and two years later it was renamed Tranzfusion.

Drummer Bobby Malaby said the group started playing at Fager’s during the late 1970s and frequented other Ocean City venues such as the original Green Turtle and the Sundown Lounge.

The band has played benefits for friends and area nonprofits for as long as they’ve been together, but Malaby said it was a first to hold a concert for one of their own.

“It’s good to be able to do it,” Malaby said. “Because we’ve been together for this long, we can help support him and get his house rebuilt. It’s been a hard time for him.”

The benefit will include live music from Tranzfusion, Opposite Directions and Kevin Poole, as well as deejay sets from DJ BK and DJ Wax, and special appearances from other area musicians.

A silent auction and raffle will also be held during the event, and food, craft beer and wine are included in the ticket price, $40 per person.

All proceeds will go to the Koenig family.

“It’s awesome to have all these local musicians coming out to support Hank,” Malaby said. “And for longtime fans, I think it’ll be cool for people to see some really great players and singers sitting in with us.”

Tickets can be purchased at the door or online in advance at www.fagers.com/events/hank-benefit.