CANADIAN rock star Bryan Adams surprised a small club audience when he turned up unannounced to perform several duets at the Jazz and Blues Café in Maidstone last night.

The musician, best known for his 80s and 90s rock ballads, took to the stage at the end of a concert by Nashville-based singer-songwriter Gretchen Peters. The two musicians have penned several songs together.

The show was presented by Maidstone Country & Roots Music Club and was part of Peters' latest UK tour.

Ciaran O'Quigley, owner of the café and the adjoining Zaffa Mediterranean Restaurant, said that even members of staff had no idea the star was coming, bodyguard in tow.

He said: "One of the waiters was going to turn him away because the restaurant was full but he said, 'I'm Bryan Adams and I'm playing in the back.'

"He was standing at the bar drinking a tonic water and talking to customers freely. When he got on stage, the crowd were all looking at each other. They all stood up and started clapping."

This summer, the music club will be presenting country acts at the venue including Tom Russell, on Bank Holiday Monday, May 31, Beth Nielsen Chapman, BR549, Hot Club of Cowtown, Lambchop's Paul Burch, Heather Myles and guitarist Jackie Leven with Michael Weston King's Decent Men.

For more information call 01622 765014.