DirtRoad Ruckus

Central New York’s premier county band, Dirtroad Ruckus, was founded in 2004 and has been wowing audiences all over Central New York. The band describes itself as “a modern country band with a side of southern.” Eric Scott, the founder of Dirtroad Ruckus, has assembled an exquisite group of musicians who play modern country, southern rock, and some classic rock. 

Dirtroad ruckus has provided direct support for numerous county acts, including Cole Swindell, Thompson Square, Old Dominion, Brothers Osborne, Kellie Pickler, Granger Smith, Craig Morgan, David Fanning, Dylan Scott, and LoCash. Eric Scott and the talented musicians of Dirtroad Ruckus have as much fun as the audience, singing and dancing along to their music. Like any great band, Dirtroad Ruckus brings excitement, humor, and fun to the stage during their live performances. Their mix of high-energy country hits and classic rock favorites is sure to get you up on your feet and dancing. 

Jim Eckert and his guitar are interwoven. Jim’s love for guitar began in 1982, at the age of 15, when his uncle brought a guitar home from a yard sale. It was at that moment when endless hours of practicing and playing guitar began. Jim would stay up all night long to listen, read, and master new guitar skills. Over time he has become an outstanding musician through his teaching mentors Tommy Guernsey, Jimmy Lloyd, John Scaglione, and Rick Balestra to name a few; and to his fortune some local influences like Dave Wolever, Mike Place, Eric Wilson, Terry LeRoi and so many others. His long hours practicing and learning paid off, and at the age of 17, Jim joined one of the most notable local bands of the 1980’s.

It was in 1984 that Jim began with Magic, which then became Jolly Roger. Jolly Roger consisted of a great deal of original tunes that Jim collaborated on writing, such as, “I Guess That’s Love”, “From the Ground Up”, and “Take Me To Heaven”. They also covered many bands from this decade, such as AC/DC and Whitesnake. While in this band he played with some notable musicians such as Terry LeRoi, Mike Brown, Eric Wilson, Frank Damiano, John Matthews, John Wilson, and John Bletch. During his time with Jolly Roger, many memorable performances were had locally, but also all across the East Coast. This exposure landed Jolly Roger a record deal. They signed with the Zanzibar record label. They opened for bands such as Metallica, The Cult, Skid Row, and Foghat. Jolly Roger held a reunion in 2021, with 3 of 5 original members. The crowd was amazing, and the fans could still rock to the music. Clearly an attestation of music being lifelong.

In 1992, Jim decided to heighten his musical career and sought formal education. He headed to LA to study. He completed his music degree at the Music Institute of Los Angeles and had the privilege of studying with many prestigious musicians who fostered the skills that Jim has built today.


After school Jim returned to Oswego, playing in a number of different bands.

In 1993 and 1994, Jim joined Toys in the Attic, paying homage to decades of music by one of America’s legendary rock bands, Aerosmith. This allowed Jim to play all throughout the United States and Canada. Many nights on a tour bus, playing music, making memories, and playing in popular event centers and many pubs and taverns, that truly were hidden gems. He had all these experiences with band-mates: Matt Balen, Rick Grabencamp, Tom Guernsey, and John Wilson.


Soon after, in 1995, Jim started with The Corporation. This band brought music from the 90’s including artists such as Hootie and the Blowfish and Live and consisted of fellow band members: Pat Puffer, John Wilson, and Lane Perrone. The Corporation played their tunes until 2000, when Jim’s next venture began with one of his very favorite bands Ten Penny in 2002.

Ten Penny played an array of rock tunes from various decades and Jim had the honor to play in this band with local greats, Dave Wolever, Michael Brown, and Eric Wilson for a number of years in the 2000’s. Their trajectory continues and most recently they have been reuniting a few times a year to bring back this Oswego great. Catch them on October 28th with Off the Record at the Ancient Order of Hibernians.


During this same period of time, beginning in 1997, Jim began teaching at A&J Music, joining none other than “V” John Bletch and spent 23 years teaching both guitar and bass. This was only after holding lessons for years, 1987 onwards, in his parents’ garage. In 2017, Jim and Bletch decided to make a move and opened their own studio together on West Bridge Street. This has allowed for the opportunity to give back to the community through his love of music and has been the most rewarding yet. He has been fortunate enough to share the skills he learned from practice, playing, and his education at the Music Institute of LA to thousands of students in Oswego and outlying areas. The greatest reward is seeing his student’s passion and love of music, the times during lessons when they show him the callouses they’ve built because they can’t put the guitar down, and the satisfaction they feel when they finally master that one riff. So many times, his students have carried their musical path through college and beyond.


In 2015, for only a short period, Jim played in the band Frequency with the talented members Paul Endres, Ronnie Spereno, John Wilson, and Michelle Hearten.

Today Jim plays with the aforementioned Ten Penny. Also, On the Brink, (2017 to current), a party band, bringing a mix of 80’s, 90’s, and 2000’s. This band started as a duo with Bobby Garafalo and Jim and has grown with the addition of Billy Cook on drums and at times Pat Galvin on Bass. This band has proven to be fun and entertaining for the band and patrons alike.  Also in 2022, Jim started a project, as lead guitarist, with a talented group of musicians, a Pink Floyd tribute band, called In the Flesh. He has again reunited with John Wilson on drums, Jamie Burritt on vocals and keyboards, Don Beshures on bass, and for the first time the honor of playing with Ron Richards on lead vocals and guitar. For a short period, he had the privilege of playing with Mike Sheil as well. Jim’s confident this band is going to bring the complete Pink Floyd experience all over New York and beyond. Coming soon to the Kallet Theater.

Finally, Jim is always challenging himself, most recently in enhancing his skills with Jazz; looking for new musicians and bands to experience and orchestrate music with; and finding ways to bring what he learns to his students. His most recent addition being camps for all ages and levels with specific goals in mind.


Music is an art that bring dreams and emotions to life. Jim has been part of many masterpieces over time. This is something he couldn’t have done without so many muses and for that he is forever grateful. Jim feels deeply blessed and humbled and would like to thank all of those that have made his journey possible and have recognized the accomplishments he has attained.