The Kennedy Affair

The Kennedy Affair blends Texas-style blues grit with deep soul, R&B, and groove-driven rock. Rooted in tradition but never stuck in the past, the band delivers a sound that’s raw, emotional, and built to be felt as much as heard.

Fronted by blues guitarist and vocalist Matt Kennedy, the band channels a hard-edged, no-frills blues energy. Kennedy’s playing is often described as raw and hardcore, driven by the belief that blues should make you listen — and feel something real. His influences run deep, drawing from legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Ray Charles, and Buddy Guy. A self-described Texas bluesman with a taste for R&B and soul, Kennedy brings both fire and intention to every performance.

On bass and vocals, Bill LaValley anchors the band with experience, groove, and songcraft. Originally trained as a trumpet player, LaValley is the band’s chief songwriter and a longtime force in the Michigan blues scene. He has helped assemble and propel several well-known regional blues outfits, bringing a melodic sensibility and subtle funk and rock influences into the band’s original material.

“It’s a classic blues band with a little rock and R&B mixed in for good flavor,” says LaValley.

On drums, Eric Busch brings both deep musical roots and a unique perspective to the band’s sound. A Bachelor of Music graduate from Western Michigan University and a board-certified music therapist, Busch is a fourth-generation musician raised in a family blues tradition. His playing blends feel, dynamics, and musical intuition, supporting the band not just rhythmically, but emotionally — shaping the energy of each performance in real time. His background in music therapy informs a highly responsive, intentional approach to groove, timing, and interaction on stage.

Together, Matt Kennedy (vocals/guitar), Bill LaValley (bass/vocals), and Eric Busch (drums) form a tight, high-energy trio dedicated to honoring the blues while pushing it forward. With a mix of original music and blues-rooted influences, The Kennedy Affair delivers powerful live performances built on authenticity, connection, and soul.