Join She Is The Music for an intimate and revealing conversation with Bay Area artist Kelly McFarling, moderated by journalist Emma Silvers. This special event offers a personal look at Kelly’s journey as an artist exploring moments of joy and misfortune, creative growth, and the realities of building a life in music in the Bay Area. Blending storytelling with song, Kelly will also perform a few acoustic selections, creating a warm, close-up experience that celebrates artistry, resilience, and the power of women’s voices in music.
About She is the Music
SITM is a nonprofit organization increasing the number of women working in music – songwriters, engineers, producers, artists and industry professionals. They are an independent, global network that operates as a unifying organization for women from across the industry, creating strength and impact on a global scale. As an umbrella nonprofit, they also provide resources and support for women-focused initiatives that are working to create meaningful change – both through their own programs, as well as external efforts around the world. Programs include global all-women songwriting sessions, mentorship and education programs, and the largest industry database of women creators and executives with more to come. Their initiatives serve women in the industry today while fostering the development of future generations. A first-of-its-kind collaboration spanning the music industry, SITM is powered by creators, publishers, record labels, talent agencies, industry groups, media companies, streaming services, and more. Together, they are creating change for women and building an equal future for music.
Kelly McFarling rolls out thick, lingering grooves, and the vibe is feminine. She plays with a lush six-piece band that is heavy on vocals and harmony. Think Bonnie Raitt, JJ Cale, and Dottie West navigating late-stage capitalism on a continental shelf.
Emma Silvers is a San Francisco journalist with 15+ years of experience covering the people and policies shaping arts and culture in the Bay. She is a cofounder of the worker-owned alt-weekly-style outlet COYOTE Media Collective, and has previously covered music and culture for Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, the San Francisco Chronicle, and KQED, among others. She grew up in Albany and lives in the Mission.
Find out more about joining the Bay Area chapter at Sheisthemusic.sf@gmail.com or @sheisthemusicsf
W San Francisco is a vibrant urban hub where sound, creativity, and culture collide in the heart of SoMa. Designed as a gathering place for artists, tastemakers, and music lovers, the hotel pulses with energy - from DJ‑driven nights and immersive sound experiences to creative programming that amplifies local voices. Home to signature activations like W After Dark, featuring curated DJ sets to live sonic moments like Vinyl Nights every Tuesday and Thursday, W San Francisco celebrates music as a connector and a catalyst for self‑expression. With panoramic skyline and Bay Bridge views, inspired spaces to gather, and a deep connection to San Francisco’s creative scene, W San Francisco is where the city’s sound comes alive.