Last night the Black Crowes celebrated Halloween at New Yorks United Palace Theater. Though the group did not open with a homage to another band, as they have on several Halloweens since the 1990s, the group did offer some surprises. Patti Smith, who recently befriended Crowes guitarist Rich Robinson, opened the evenings festivities with her band. The punk-poet then took the stage with the Crowes at the end of the original Nonfiction and offered an extended vocal jam. Though no official word was made, it is believed the group decided to forego its traditional Halloween cover set after Rich Robinson injured himself and was forced to perform on crutches. The Black Crowes will hit the stage at Philadelphia’s Electric Factory tomorrow night.