Kirsten Vangsness & Brendan Bradley
Photo Credit: Alex J. Berliner

Chrisette Hudlin & Reginald Hudlin
Photo Credit: Alex J. Berliner

Katharine McPhee & Wendy Goldberg
Photo Credit: Alex J. Berliner

Roger Birnbaum & Leslie Birnbaum
Photo Credit: Alex J. Berliner

Murray Reynolds & Vicki Reynolds
Photo Credit: Alex J. Berliner

Maggie Drake & Joe Drake
Photo Credit: Alex J. Berliner

Wendy Goldberg, Leonard Goldberg & Nicholas Pileggi
Photo Credit: Alex J. Berliner

Jamie McGurk & John Garamendi
Photo Credit: Alex J. Berliner

Jackie De Shannon & Claire Birnbaum
Photo Credit: Alex J. Berliner

Lisa Eisner & Eric Eisner
Photo Credit: Alex J. Berliner

Jamie McGurk & Jordan Smith
Photo Credit: Alex J. Berliner

Melissa Draper, Tim Draper & Jesse Draper
Photo Credit: Alex J. Berliner

Photo Credit: Alex J. Berliner

Celebrating its 30-year tenure as a leading summer program for ambitious young artists, the California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) welcomed back alumni and influencers to its CSSSA30 Gala on Thursday, April 7. Held at West Hollywood’s Fig & Olive restaurant, the star-studded affair drew guests like Vicky Reynolds and Wendy and Leonard Goldberg for an elegant seated dinner, lively auction and top-tier performances from CSSSA graduates. Sharing the stage with emcee (and “Criminal Minds” star) Kirsten Vangsness was “The Voice” winner Jordan Smith who sang two sets, as well as fellow alum Zac Efron who accepted an honorary award via video. Singer-songwriter Katharine McPhee—who came straight from performing on American Idol in its farewell season—joined guests in toasting the school’s 30th anniversary and later took home the prestigious CSSSA Alumni Inspiration Award. Proceeds from the evening gala benefitted the CSSSA scholarship fund.