Unlikely Collaborators Spark Salon with Vijay Gupta

For Vijay Gupta, music was never just performance. It became a way to survive, a way to make sense of pain, identity, and human connection.

In this Spark Salon, Gupta shares the story behind his new memoir, Restrung, a deeply personal account of ambition, collapse, addiction, and rebuilding a life beyond achievement. By 25, he had already performed at Carnegie Hall, trained at Juilliard and Yale, and joined the Los Angeles Philharmonic. But beneath the success was a growing disconnection from himself and the people around him.

What followed reshaped not only his life but his understanding of music itself. Through his work in shelters, clinics, and community spaces across Los Angeles, Gupta began to experience music less as something to perfect and more as a way of listening, connecting, and being fully present with others.

Blending reflection, conversation, and a live performance with , this evening explores what happens when familiar definitions of success fall apart and a new sense of meaning begins to emerge. Gupta reflects on identity, perfectionism, addiction, belonging, and the transformative power of learning to listen differently—to ourselves and to one another.

All in-person attendees will receive a complimentary copy of , releasing June 9.
6:00 p.m.: Doors open, reception
7:00 p.m.: Program begins promptly, doors close no late admittance
8:00 p.m.: Book signing and reception

Prior to the event you will receive an email from Unlikely Collaborators’ building registration system (coming from: [email protected]) to confirm your attendance and to offer pre-check in for the event. During the in-person check in process each attendee will be required to:

• Present a government-issued ID
• Take a photo for the building registration system
• Review and sign a general liability waiver and a house rules agreement (can be completed during pre-check in)
• Wear an event badge that displays your first name

No exceptions.

Attendance is complimentary, full and completed registration is required. Admission is granted on a first come, first served basis until capacity is reached. Doors open at 6:00pm and close promptly at 7:00pm. Late entry is not permitted as the event is being filmed and livestreamed.

No pets allowed (except for service animals), no outside food or beverages allowed.

Gupta is the author of Restrung: A Memoir of Music and Transformation, releasing June 9.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Unlikely Collaborators