Entertainer Deke Dickerson is no stranger to change and adversity. As a rockabilly artist, Dickerson finds himself, along with his band the Ecco-Fonics, performing a blistering 300 dates annually.

Though at times road weary and worn out, Ol’ Deke continues to log miles across this great nation of ours.

Like his peers Wayne “The Train” Hancock and Big Sandy, Deke’s livelihood is found out on the vast stretches of pavement and asphalt.

“There just wasn’t enough work in California, so like Big Sandy, I hit the road,” Deke says. “It’s funny; one night you’ll be in Terra Haute, Indiana, playing to four people, and in a week there’ll be 300 people show up to see you in New York City.”

Constantly being on the road takes its toll not only on Dickerson, but also on members of the Ecco-Fonics, whoever they may be at the time. From time to time, Deke will bring different players with him to give crowds and himself a new slant on his songs.

This Friday’s show at the Maintenance Shop will be no different. Dave Biller and longtime Ecco-Fonics studio musician Jeremy Wakefield will stop in Ames for what Deke calls “an amazing lineup” and probably a “one-time deal.”

Deke says he’s still on good terms with all of the old Ecco-Fonics that have played with him over the past three years. Longtime pal Brent Harding isn’t out with Deke on this trip, but he says he just played a show with him not too long ago.

While Deke enjoys moderate success and a troubadour lifestyle, he urges aspiring youngsters to steer clear of the disappointments awaiting within a vicious industry.

“Unless you’re an amazing talent or have it in your genes, don’t get into the business,” he says. “Talent doesn’t matter anymore. I’m amazed at the work I can do and get.”

Ah, come on Deke, you aren’t serious?

“Yeah, I’m serious.”

Seems Deke has noticed a trend within the music industry that wishes to allow only those with a utopian physique and marketable features.

Donning what he calls “every rockabilly man’s worst nightmare, the inverted pompadour,” Deke continues to wow audiences show after show despite his balding appearance. Few could argue he isn’t one of the best guitar slingers on the scene right now. With his quick wit and perverse humor, “Krome Dome” leaves few questioning his ability or showmanship.

Plain and simple: Deke aims to please.

It’s this dedication and focus that has kept Deke inspired to play the part of surf rocker, hillybilly and balladeer.

It’s apparent Deke looks years before his time for influence – to a time when music wasn’t second to appearance and marketability, a time when the Man In Black was revolutionizing country music.

“These are the artists that continue to sell albums,” Dickerson says. “I’d like to make a whole album like Orbison, early Willie Nelson or Johnny Cash.”

While all of these artists are appropriate influences, Deke Dickerson has developed a sound all his own over the course of three full-length albums.

His latest, “Rhythm, Rhyme and Truth” is a release from the somewhat campy tracks of his two previous efforts.

There’s still plenty of laughs to be had on “Wang Dang Dula” and “Hot Rodder’s Lament,” both of which feature West Coast doo-wop outfit, the Calvanes.

Want jokes? Ask Deke to tell you the one about Martha Stewart.