On October 19, 2025, at 2:00pm the Betty Strong Encounter center welcomes talented guitar player/singer Mark Buckingham. Admission is free, but freewill donations are encouraged.

Mark Buckingham started playing guitar at age of 12. Playing rhythm guitar with his dad, a Honky-tonk piano player, Mark has played in many different places. While serving in the US Army, Mark started playing banjo. He has been in a variety of bands types, including Bluegrass, Americana, and Country.

Currently, Mark plays at various places: assisted living homes, nursing homes, music festivals, and more. Mark plays a variety of instruments, including piano, guitar, bass, harmonica, lap steel guitar, banjo, and penny whistle. Mark is looking forward to playing a variety of music styles, from Country to Bluegrass to 60s/70s and gospel.