Justin Timberlake performs at Oracle Arena, November 22, 2014. Photo: Clay Lancaster

Justin Timberlake descended on Oakland this Saturday at Oracle Arena on the last leg of his massive “#JT2020Tour”, and what a show.

Emerging from the shadows at the back of the stage was a tuxedoed Timberlake, with his own big band (the Tennessee Kids) rising from underneath the floor as they all slid into “Pusher Love Girl”.

You’d never guess that JT and his band have been running laps around the world on this tour, as the energy on stage was mind-boggling. Timberlake never stopped sprinting between each side of the arena, except to break into synchronized dance segments with his crew, and had only the biggest of grins on his face the entire time. His backup singers were just as lively, and even the horn section was rocking harder than most entire bands do.

The setlist was about what you’d expect: all the hits, mixed in with other highlighted album tracks. However, if you think you’ve heard “Sexyback” enough at this point, you’d still be excited to hear the new arrangements the band has going for all the well-known tunes. Everything had a fresh coat layered on it, and it was particularly impressive to watch Timberlake manipulate his dance moves to match all the new added orchestra hits and beats.

Oracle Arena erupted into one big party throughout the 2+ hour show (which included a 10 minute intermission), but the highlight of the night was when the stage moved across the room.

As “Let the Groove Get In” kicked off, the clear plastic stage we had been watching all night starts to rise above the heads of the audience, before slowly transporting itself to the other side of the area. As it moved, Timberlake would jog from side to side, giving the higher-up seats  a chance to feel front-row.

Justin Timberlake performs at Oracle Arena, November 22, 2014. Photo: Clay Lancaster

Justin Timberlake has evolved into a world-class performer. At no point did he take his audience for granted, and instead bantered with people, sang to people, shook hands, etc. He never showed any sign of fatigue, despite the physically demanding set. His voice was never in anything but the best form, and his band didn’t miss a note.

Check out the 20/20 World Tour if you can! It’s well-worth the ticket prices.

All photos by Clay Lancaster (www.claylancaster.com)