GREG 'BUBBA' RINKER

GREG ‘BUBBA’ RINKER
1972-2018
Greg Rinker; known as ‘Bubba’, was born in Lewiston New York and was a lifetime resident of Niagara County. For over 25 years, he was an extraordinary soundman on the Western New York music scene. From 1996 until his untimely passing in 2018, Bubba was the house engineer at the Evening Star Concert Hall.

He provided audio, lights and stage support as well as all the booking and promoting of the venue’s events that showcased live performances of local, national and international recording acts. He was also an in-demand sound and lighting engineer at Audio Images, Big Dogs Sound Company, Breaker Box, Niagara Falls Hard Rock Café and Buffalo Iron Works.

Anyone who ever worked with him, knows that Greg Rinker was one of the premier live sound engineers in our region. He came in contact with a great portion of the musicians who performed in our community. While providing up and coming local musicians with audience exposure and experience, he also shared his knowledge and experiences to enhance their live performances including touring advice. Greg's unwavering passion for his craft touched countless people.

He cared so much about what he did, and that dedication to his craft was received by musicians and patrons alike. Whether the venue was filled with fans or just a few friends and followers, he treated every gig like it was the biggest gig in the world and made everyone enjoy the performances, especially the musicians! Bubba’s love of live music and especially local original music was infectious.

For a number of years, he hosted and collaborated on The Green Acres Music Festival, a one-day music festival held in an open field in Niagara County, featuring local ‘original music’ bands. As their dedicated soundman, Bubba went on tour with Western New York original bands Klear; God’s Children, 2019 Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame Inductees; and the South American Prog Rock band, Aisles in 2017.

It is our pleasure to honor and welcome Greg ‘Bubba’ Rinker as a Legacy Inductee of the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame Class of 2021.