Rock & Ride: A New Chapter of Collaboration, Classic Sounds, and Crowd Energy
Barry Vonada has long been known for his passion for music and his knack for connecting with audiences through timeless songs. But his latest chapter is Rock & Ride, a dynamic duo with guitarist Randy Jones. This duo is quickly proving to be one of his most refreshing yet. Rooted in classic rock and country influences, the project is about more than just sound. It’s about chemistry, growth, and showing up to the gig with the work done.
The formation of Rock & Ride came from unexpected timing. Barry had previously played in another duo before his former partner stepped away. “I started jamming with some local guys who weren’t really doing anything,” he said. “I knew Randy played guitar, but I didn’t know how good he was. I asked if he was interested in playing with me, and that’s how it started. It was just the right place at the right time.” For Barry, a longtime bass player, this new configuration opened up musical possibilities while leaning into his strengths.
The name Rock & Ride came about in part thanks to some playful AI experimentation, which solidified what they were already feeling. This was a blend of classic rock swagger and country storytelling. “It suggested a fusion of the two, and that’s exactly what we’re going for,” Barry explained.
Working as a duo has been both a creative shift and a welcome one. “It’s not a full band, so we only have each other to bounce ideas off of,” Barry said. “But that also gives us the freedom to tailor songs to our own sound.” Rather than playing straight covers, the pair focuses on taking familiar tunes and shaping them into something that reflects who they are as musicians.
Their sound blends influences like Alan Jackson and George Strait on the country side, with southern rock staples like ZZ Top and CCR adding grit and groove. “It’s the stuff audiences recognize and love. It takes them back,” Barry shared. When it comes to songwriting, they’ve found a rhythm that’s both fluid and surprisingly efficient. “I might bring a melody, and he adds the flavor. Sometimes we pull a song together in fifteen minutes. It’s not hard when it clicks.”
That ease has carried over to the stage, even with Randy new to performing live. “It’s been really good,” Barry said. “We’ve brought in big crowds, and the response has been great. People are up dancing or just enjoying the set. It’s been a very positive experience. You never really know how fun it can be until you’re up there doing it.”
Their upcoming return to Jaudon Public House, just south of Kansas City, is a show they’re especially excited about after drawing a strong crowd there previously. Barry said the duo setup has also allowed more flexibility in booking: “I like doing solo shows too, but I really enjoy splitting the load with Randy. We can play more instruments, share vocals, and cover a wider range of material.”
While there’s no EP or album in the works just yet, a few original songs are starting to take shape. For now, the focus is on growth. “We’re looking at getting into more private or corporate events, and finding opportunities for bigger crowds,” Barry noted.
At the heart of Rock & Ride is a simple hope that people leave their shows feeling good. “We want folks to walk away happy, maybe even a little nostalgic,” Barry said. “If we’ve done that, we’ve done our job.”
Photo by Bethany Mathur.
Reflecting on this unexpected new venture, Barry sees how it’s pushed him musically. “Randy brings songs I wouldn’t have considered, like REM. I like the band, but those weren’t songs I’d have chosen. Now I’m exploring outside my usual comfort zone. That's progress.”
Looking back a few years, he admits he wouldn’t have predicted this. “I didn’t see this coming at all. But now we work on a song, we each show up with our parts ready, and we build it together. That’s something special.”
Be sure to follow Loud and Heavy Booking for more content like this, to book Rock & Ride email Barry at bwvonada@gmail.com.
