Bluesy roots guitarist John Fries is busier than ever - and not just because he became a father. (Congrats!)

In addition, he's expanded his band. Along with drummer Michale Crivellone and bassist Corina Malbaurn, Fries has added percussionist David Allan Rivera and keyboardists Vin DeLaria and Matt Zeiner.

In terms of performance, Fries continues to add a variety of dates for the full band as well as for an acoustic-duo construct with Malbaurn. On Friday, the JFB has scored a delicious opportunity, opening for the Bernie Worrell Orchestra at Westerly's Knickerbocker Cafe.

Plus, the Fries/Malbaurn duo plays three more shows: on Saturday in New London's Hot Rod's Cafe; on Sunday as part of the "Neighbor Day" celebration; and on Tuesday for "Art After Dark" at the Mystic Arts Center.

- RICK KOSTER

John Fries Band, 8 p.m. Friday, Knickerbocker Cafe, 35 Railroad Ave., Westerly; opening for Bernie Worrell Orchestra; $12 advance, $15 door; (401) 315-5070, theknickerbockercafe.com.

John Fries and Corina Malbaurn, 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Hot Rod's Cafe, 114 Bank St., New London; free; (860) 447-2320, hotrodscafenewlondon.com; 3 p.m. Sunday, Neighbor Day, Riverside Park, Adelaide St. at Crystal Ave., New London; free; (860) 514-7101; 6 p.m. Tuesday, "Arts After Dark," Mystic Arts Center, 9 Water St., Mystic; free; (860) 536-7601.