Tim Robbins jams with local Illinois band

updated 6:21 p.m. ET June 8, 2007

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - Patrons of a downtown bar in this city of 24,000 people were surprised when Tim Robbins strolled in and started jamming with a local band.

The 48-year-old actor, who was in Edwardsville for his upcoming movie, “The Return,” brought a guitar and played classic R&B at Laurie’s Place on Wednesday evening, The (Alton) Telegraph reported.

“I have never had a big celebrity come in and sit in with the band,” said bar owner Laurie Chavez.

Robbins had wrapped up a day of filming for the drama, also starring Rachel McAdams, before coming into the bar for the impromptu concert. He played songs including “Backstreets” by Bruce Springsteen.

The crowd, snapping pictures with cell phone cameras and filming with small camcorders, grew as the news of Robbins’ miniconcert spread.

“I gave him a T-shirt and had him autograph my wall,” Chavez said. “He then shook my hand. He fit right in here, without a doubt.”

Before the evening was over, Robbins signed autographs and posed for pictures.

Slideshow   The Week in Celebrity Sightings Affleck and Garner play ball, Paris struts one last time, ‘Idols’ rock New York and more. more photos

Robbins won an Oscar for his role in 2003’s “Mystic River.” His screen credits also include “The Shawshank Redemption” and “The Player.”

After he was told by a newspaper editor that he was going to be on the front page for a story about the surprise concert, Robbins cracked a joke.

“It’s good to be put on the front for that rather than something else.”

MORE FROM CELEBRITIES

Celebrities Section Front

Lawsuit over DiCaprio basketball court ends Court postponed in Sutherland head-butt case Robert Redford marries longtime girlfriend Richard Dreyfuss dismisses suit against dad Chappelle surprises Portland fans with show Tony and Jessica: What went wrong? New kid on the block: Joey McIntyre to be a dad Artie Lange pleads not guilty to DUI Self-destructive stars seem to shine brighter Access Hollywood section Celebrities Section Front   Add Celebrities headlines to your news reader: