Grand Finale: The Jumpers Close Concert Series

With the summer sun dipping below the Bloomfield Avenue horizon, area residents gathered in Crane Park Thursday night for the final installment of the West Caldwell Gazebo concert series.

The concluding performance featured The Jumpers Orchestra, an 11-piece band boasting an impressive brass section and even more ear-catching vocalists.  

Bearing beach blankets and lawn chairs, residents of all ages gathered to hear the soulful sounds of the orchestra. Complimenting the music were a 50/50 raffle and a barbecue provided by the West Caldwell ShopRite.

"I loved the music," Roseland resident Margaret Bertoldi said. "Every year it's great. It was terrific."

The orchestra performed classic tunes from the American Songbook, with a rock-and-roll twist. The set list included fan favorites like "Mack the Knife," "Over the Rainbow" and "Jump Jive and Wail."  

The Crane Park crowd reciprocated the high energy of The Jumpers Orchestra performance. The tunes got the crowd moving, with audience members dancing on the lawn, boogying in their chairs and singing along with the band.

"I love this town," Jumpers lead singer Robert Hinck said. "I love Jersey."

While the group's look and vintage sound appealed to the older crowd, its rock edge kept the children in the audience entertained. The broad appeal of gazebo acts has been the driving force behind the concert series.

"That's what it's all about," said Mike Maguire, a gazebo committee member. "The community banding together, coming out on a Thursday night, having fun and getting ready for the weekend."

Maguire, who has lived in West Caldwell for 10 years, has served on the gazebo committee for more than five years. 

"July was a great month," Maguire said. "The weather was fantastic and sponsorships were great."

Sponsors included Capital One Bank, ShopRite, Rita's Italian Ice, Hog Wild BBQ and Patch.com.

Although the number of performances was down to just four this year—due to budget cutbacks and economic concerns—each concert still boasted a large crowd. 

This year's concert series included an eclectic mix of family-friendly entertainment. Emil Stucchio and the Classics, a lively ensemble performing hits from the 1950s, opened on July 8. The Beth Anne Clayton Band performed a blend of country and rock on July 15. The third concert featured Jobananno and The Godsons of Soul bringing their soulful sounds last week. 

Although it was its first visit to West Caldwell, The Jumpers Orchestra has performed throughout the Northeast. In the three years since the group's formation, the orchestra has played events in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.

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