Jumpers Orchestra Closes Out Summer Concert Series (With Photos & Video)

On Sunday, the Somerset County Park Commission ended its summer concert series with a lively performance by the Jumpers Orchestra at Duke Island Park.

The band's repertoire ranges from jazz hits to some of today's chart toppers, along with their own original numbers. But on this evening, lead singer Robert Hinck Jr. and the rest of the orchestra mainly focused on swing and big band numbers, such as Louis Prima's "Jump Jive an' Wail" and Bobby Darin's version of "Mack the Knife."

The crowd of several hundred relaxed at the park in lounge chairs, while tapping their feet and singing along with the band. Occasionally, a couple would get up and dance to the horns popping and the Jumpettes singing backup on some of the more energetic numbers.

Everyone got into the music, even if no one was laughing quite as loud at Hinck's jokes as he would have liked. 

Helen Genovese, of Manville, said she was a fan of the Jumpers' musical selection. Of the songs played throughout the evening, she said she particularly enjoyed anything from Sinatra, such as "I've Got You Under My Skin" and "The Lady is a Tramp."

Betty Wolfgang, also of Manville, attended the concert with her son, Richard. Aside from two shows that she missed due to poor weather, she said she had attended every concert at the park this summer.

"I think it's great," she said. "Every show they put on is wonderful."

Download the movie