On a slushy February evening, amidst a fizzled-out (but no less inconvenient) snowstorm, Justine Covault climbed the stairs of Crystal Ballroom in Somerville.
She was early for a Women in Music Boston event: Specifically, a speed networking session that matched students and developing musicians with established mentors in the music industry. As a leader of the Boston chapter, I can confirm Covault was one of fastest — if not the fastest — professionals to join WIM’s cause when asked.
For hours that night, Covault selflessly shared wisdom about myriad aspects of her career, divulging nuggets about working as a musician, promoter, and founder of local label Red on Red Records. By the end of the evening, the entire WIM leadership team and dozens of mentees were brimming with gratitude for her time — not just at the event, but in the Boston music scene at large.
In light of what came next, it’s an evening few will ever forget.
In June, Vanyaland was saddened to report that Covault had died, per a statement from her daughter on Facebook. Her band Justine and the Unclean had just released their new record, titled The Signal Light. But Covault’s influence won’t be forgotten, and The Signal Light won’t go dark.
Tonight (October 6), friends, fans, and colleagues of Covault will gather at a sold-out Crystal Ballroom again to acknowledge her giving spirit and far-reaching presence in Boston and New England music. Seven bands will perform to honor Covault’s music and memory at A Night for Justine: A Tribute Concert for Justine Covault, including two of her own bands — The Unclean and The Black Threads — and The Croaks, of which her daughter Haley Wood is a member. Local label Rum Bar Records, who released two of The Unclean’s three studio albums, coordinated the tribute.
Whether or not guests realize it, the show puts the emotional themes of The Signal Light into practice, cementing a moment of community out of an overwhelming mixture of grief, appreciation, and perseverance.
“The Signal Light is about struggling with the real stuff of life,” Covault previously explained in a statement. “With losing, with failing, with falling down, with spinning out into depression and despair. And, with finding your strength and courage. With getting back up and continuing the good fight, working hard to stay positive, create music, and keep our community of family and friends strong. I believe there are things you can say with a song that you might not speak out loud in polite company.”
She concluded: “Life can be brutal, ugly. And it can be astounding, full of miracles of resilience and hope.”
A NIGHT FOR JUSTINE :: Friday, October 6 at Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Square in Somerville, MA :: doors 6:30 p.m., all ages :: Event page :: Ticket link
