After performing at New Yorks Hammerstein Ballroom on Halloween, Ryan Adams stuck around his hometown for a few days to play with his occasional collaborator, Phil Lesh, at New Yorks Nokia Theater Times Square. Adams took the stage by surprise at the start of Leshs third set Friday and fronted Phil Lesh & Friends on a version of Wharf Rat, the first song he played with the former Grateful Dead bassist during their initial meeting at the 2005 Jammy Awards. Adams then remained onstage with Phil Lesh & Friends for the remainder of the groups set, playing on such selections as Franklin’s Tower, Stella Blue,’ Fire On The Mountain, Dark Star, Pink Floyds Eclipse, Terrapin Station and Sugar Magnolia (Eclipse featured some offstage backing vocals from Ollabelles Amy Helm and Teresa Williams). Adams surprise appearance marks the first time the often erratic guitarist has performed with Lesh since October 2006, though Lesh still includes a mix of Adams originals in his regular rotation.

Phil Lesh & Friends will return to the Nokia Theatre Times Square this evening. The group has also added a hometown show at San Franciscos Warfield Theater on November 27, which is being billed as Jackie Greenes Golden Birthday Celebration.