John Legend and Questlove Turned Nordstrom’s 5th Floor Into a Holiday Cabaret

Usually, you’d find a collection of carefully-curated activewear and lingerie pieces on the 5th floor of Nordstrom’s flagship store in New York City. But on Friday evening, the racks of clothing were swapped out for plush velvety chairs and disco lights to celebrate the holiday season. As guests made their way up the escalators, they were greeted by a sign anchored between decorated Christmas trees that read “A Legendary Holiday.” Those words were simply the best way to describe the evening, especially since the apex of the night when John Legend serenaded the crowd with his iconic tunes and classic holiday ballads.

The good times were rolling long before Legend hit the stage. Attendees were served a delicious assortment of hors d’oeuvres, from truffle grilled cheese bites to tuna tartare. And, of course, there was plenty of Champagne pouring to toast the night. Pete Nordstrom, Executive Vice President of Nordstrom Inc., was there to welcome guests and introduce the first act. Shaina Shepherd, a Seattle-based singer, opened the evening with a soulful set that included her “Never Be Another You” cover.

Katherine Cousins, the Global Brand President of Sperry, introduced the man of the hour: John Legend. It was super fitting, especially since Legend just released his very first design with the footwear, clothing, and accessories label. “Sperry and I have been working together for a few years now,” Legend told Vogue before his performance. “I’ve been doing edits. I’ve been doing shoots with their shoes. But we finally decided it’s time to create a John Legend Sperry official collaboration.” Naturally, he hit the stage in a beautiful pair of boots from the collection.

With no band or backup singers by his side, Legend nearly brought the crowd to tears with a heartfelt, slowed-down rendition of “Save Room.” “When I play by myself, I don’t have a setlist. I just kinda go with the flow,” Legend told Vogue before the show. His heartwarming voice and the melodic humming of the keys were enough to move the entire room. After covering his timeless hits, Legend transitioned to holiday tunes—like Donnie Hathaway’s “This Christmas.” The cheerful songs lifted everyone’s spirit, including Nicole Ari Parker. The Star of And Just Like That excitedly told Vogue that the joyous performance “was right on time.”

Once Legend’s set concluded, the night transformed into a true disco with Questlove DJing a set playing all of the best hits, from Prince The Revolution’s “Kiss” to Chic’s “Le Freak.”

Legend said it best, “When the Christmas season comes around, it’s all about music, fun, family, entertaining, cooking for each other.” And Nordstrom’s soirée certainly checked several of those boxes.