The Jumpin Flea Circus Players of Los Angeles

Cerritos of Anaheim, aka the Souther California Ukulele Festival

2011-08-11T15:30:00.000-07:00

The Fleas are on the bill! We're playing the Southern California Ukulele Festival in Anaheim on Sept 24 at 4pm. We'd LOVE to have you in our numbers. Our set list will include the following songs. If you need a copy, email Clay poste-haste! If you need Clay's email, it's on right side of this page. If you don't know who Clay is or how email works, there are a lot of other great ukulele groups out there for you! ;)

Start practicin! Rehearsals to be scheduled soon.

SOUND OF SILENCE

STEALIN - w solos

HIGH HOPES

THIS TRAIN

HELP ME RHONDA

DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE

STAY A LITTLE LONGER

ONE MEATBALL

Hastings Library a Smashing Success!

2011-06-21T06:59:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to all who participated. We sounded twice as good as we looked! A link to the performance will be posted soon. Stay tuned!

And thanks to the Goffman's for the photos!

The Fleas at Performance Speed!

Minds, hearts exploding

Rebecca inspires the Fleas of tomorrow

Natasha in post-show glow.

Clay and Big Ray ham it up

YUM! Thanks Cory!

NO MEETING JULY 7

2011-06-21T06:58:00.000-07:00

Due to a travel situation that will be extremely good for this Flea's soul, our meeting on the 7th of July is cancelled. The fleas will ride again on the 21st of July!

Gig at the Hastings Library!

2011-03-28T05:36:00.000-07:00

The Fleas are headed out into the world with a performance at the Hastings Library in Pasadena. The date is June 11th (sorry Ed and Judy :( ) and the time is still TBD, though it will likely be in the middle morning. We played this library last year and had a blast doing it. We drew a sizable crowd of about 30 folks, with a good mix of kids and adults. I'm really looking forward to playing again.

As with all Jumpin Fleas performances, participation is voluntary and open to all members. The only catch is that we hold a few practices outside the club, usually lasting an hour or so, and your presence is required. But fun, as always, is guaranteed!

The set list is as follows (but not in order):

SOUND OF SILENCE

ON A COCONUT ISLAND

WALKING MY BABY BACK HOME

SPLISH SPLASH!

SWINGING ON A STAR

I WANNA BE LIKE YOU

CALIFORNIA STARS

HANO HANO

ONE MEATBALL

SINGING IN THE BATHTUB

I'M A BELIEVER

If you need any of these songs, email me immediately. I'm happy to send them your way!

Thanks Ian!

2011-03-22T06:49:00.000-07:00

Ian is always a treat to see. He stopped by our last meeting and gave us a brief history of his impact on the ukulele revival - he's been at it since the late 60s! - as well as some talk on theory. He led a nice sing-a-long out of his new book and we all transcended time and space and were pure beings of love, joy and harmony, just as I predicted would happen. See also, below.

Ian plays one from his endless catalogue of songs.

Teach hams it up after learning the Formby strum.

Ian's visit also marked an anniversary for the club. His visit in 2005 (also on St. Patricks Day, weirdsville!) was in the very early days of the club, and marked the starting point for two of our long-standing members, John Arnold and David Watkins.

Thanks to Bob for all the photos!

Ian shows us that fancy strummin! Still working on it!

Awarded one of Darren's famous plaques!

Croonin just for the Fleas! What a treat!

Ian Whitcomb On the Way

2011-03-11T13:20:00.000-08:00

The foremost Tin Pan Alley man of our time is stopping by the club this Thursday! What a treat! Ian's not only a recording legend with a #1 hit to his name, but he's also the man behind the music in the ukulele cinema classic "Stanely's Gig." (Note: He also appears as "Smilin' Jack" in the film.)

He's got a great new book of music and it'll be a treat to hear him play and sing some songs with him. Be sure to come on by!

Li'l Rev stops by!

2011-02-15T13:53:00.000-08:00

What a night, what a treat! Li'l Rev stopped by and taught the gang a sweet little chord melody version of Freight Train and then dazzled the crowd with some incredible strumming and signature songwriting. It was a terrific night. Huge thanks to Rev and all who participated.

Lookit em learning!

Rev strummin at the speed of light!

Rev's daughter has an eye for quality ukes!

Next up: Ian Whitcomb and Ali Lexa! Stay tuned!

Position Available Under the Big Top!

2011-02-02T05:40:00.001-08:00

If you were at our rowdy and raucous holiday party, you may remember a lot of people made a lot of bold claims. Bob Fleer told everyone he had taken six additional wives, Susanna said she knew how to fly a helicopter (emergency situations only) and Rob was on and on about how he had an offer to be the 12th man for the Clippers.

Myself, I said that it was time the Fleas did some community outreach activity and give back to the commuity by playing sing-alongs at local nursing homes and assisted living communities. I wasn't blowing smoke, either. I really think we should.

But, I've also been recommitting myself to excellence in charting. Rob has been shouldering the burden solo since about Otis has been born, and I've been enjoying getting back into the collaboration.

Thus: Position available! The Fleas are looking for an Outreach Program Director. We need someone to make some calls and schedule some dates. If this is something that interests you, email me or yank my sleeve when we see each other next.

Do it, as always, for the little guy.

A Ukulele Society of America Sing-along

2011-01-27T13:32:00.000-08:00

Got this notice forwarded to me and thought the hams who number our membership might appreciate to honor a 102 year old woman in Camarillo.

Because that's what ukulele players do. That's who they are. They're strange animals, indeed. You don't try to change that. You embrace it.

And so:

Greetings!

My grandmother lives in Leisure Village, and will be celebrating her 102nd
birthday the 1st week in March.

My family has asked me to perform a ukulele sing-long for her and the party
guests from all over the country. I will have Powerpoint lyrics and chords
so everyone can join in.

Are there any ukulele players in the Camarillo area who can participate? It
would be a great thrill form my grandmother Mimi if I could surprise her
with a whole ukulele band.

Please email me at ukulele@tx.rr.com if interested, and I can send details.

Thanks again!

The Fleas Play Cerritos

2011-01-21T15:50:00.001-08:00

Old news, but still worth a look, right?

Li'l Rev visits the Fleas!

2011-01-21T15:33:00.000-08:00

LI'L REV, the midwest's favorite folk rambler, is coming to our club on FEB 3! He'll be stopping by for a demo, which means he'll play some songs, demonstrate techniques and take questions. He'll be teaching a chord melody song at the end of the night. I've been working with Rev extensively on the format for the evening and I think it will be both entertaining and educational. Fun music, lots of great books and merch! A night not to be missed! There is no additional charge for club members, but if you extend the invitation to those outside the club, Rev asks for a $10-$20 dollar donation.

Don't miss it!

SEPTEMBER SCHEDULE WEIRDNESS - MAKE A NOTE!

2010-08-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

Well, I've really done it this time. We had everything worked out perfect. We were clicking along first and third Thursdays and I had to go a foul it all up. You don't want the details. Believe me. They're unflattering, to say the least. But it'll all work out in the end, dear friends. You'll see. If you have any faith left in this old horse, hold onto it and let me shape your September.

Club meetings will be held on Thursday Sept 9 and Thursday Sept 30. Not the 2nd and 16th. No time change.

Makai Ukuleles - A Lot of Punch For the Price!

2010-08-22T07:50:00.000-07:00

Since I have been out of the ukulele buying mode (for obvious reasons) for quite some time, I have really not paid a whole lot of attention to any new manufacturers. Besides, my last few purchases were vintage ukes.

More recently, I was asked to help buy a ukulele for my aunt.
Since I was in Japantown, in SF, I went by the Alohawarehouse alohawarehouse.com
to see what i could find for less than $100.

I was pointed toward a rack that had some ukes by a San Francisco company, called Makai.
Being a local from the big island of SF, this peaked my interest, of course.

I picked up and strummed a couple of them, and right away, I could tell that they were made in China, which I swear I would never buy an instrument from (typically, they have done a bad job, notably thick necks); However, these ukes were different. Although the finish was plastic-like, the overall build of the ukulele was very nice. (thin neck, bindings, bone nut, gotoh tuners, aquila strings.) Suprisingly enough, on first strum, the mahogany uke sounded really nice. As a matter of fact -too nice...it sounded almost as good as any vintage soprano i had; However, i then tried out a spruce top soprano, and that ukulele really sang. Not to mention, the neck wasn't thick, and the frets didn't cut into my hand. This was not a bad uke at all. More surprising was the cost. Although Edgar (the owner) had the ukulele priced at $79.99, he was able to offer another 10% off. So, I walked out of the store with a decent soprano uke for just about $70.

Near my house, I found a store that carries all instruments made in China. With that being said, their whole ukulele collection was Makai. I sat down and now had a choice of exclusive models, limited runs, and regular runs of any combo you can think of:
Koa, Spruce with Mahogany, Cedar, etc. I played them all, but when I got to the Cedar Uke stringed with aquilas, that first strum punched me in the nose. It was sharp, loud, and had perfect intonation up and down the neck. I was sold. I needed another Uke like i needed a "hole in my head" but this Concert-sized gem really got my attention. The tag had a suggested retail of $249, but when I asked the salesman, he offered it to me for $129. - How could I resist? I have been really playing a lot again, and have only been playing this Makai Concert Cedar, which by the way, sounds as good as any of my other ukes.

Rest In Peace, Travis Harrelson - We'll Miss You!

2010-08-01T22:45:00.001-07:00

Today, I was saddened to hear of the passing of one of our local ukulele greats, Travis Harrelson.

Travis was one of the people who really got me excited watching and learning how to play the uke.
When I was fortunate enough to finally meet him after watching him on Jim Beloffs Joy of Uke Video, i was awestruck by his ability to seem like he was playing with a few extra fingers.

HIs virtuoso techniques and style lent itself well to the Tin Pan Alley and Hapa Haole songs he enjoyed playing and teaching us all.

I also bought my first vintage instrument, a Kamaka Soprano Gold Label from him 6 years ago, and became friends with him shortly thereafter, and was able to interview him.

A delightful, entertaining man who was always a joy to see, and always willing to share tips and tricks with fellow enthusiasts.

Elderly music:
"Travis Harrelson had been around uke and guitar players since his early youth. His mother was involved with Hawaiian/Polynesian musicians and jazz players, and Travis would occasionally sit in on jams and try to emulate the good players. Then came years of school, college, the Navy, raising a family, Travis writes, explaining that he was "never really serious about it" and that he played "only on rare occasions." In 1984, after reading about a ukulele group playing at a senior citizen center in Corona del Mar, California, he decided to "free the lonesome little box from its years of imprisonment."

Aloha Nui Loa, Travis. Thanks for the fond memories.

Singin In The Bathtub

2009-10-18T11:18:00.000-07:00

What A Difference 5 years make

2009-08-12T07:39:00.002-07:00

A little greyer.. a wee bit wider...these are from Bob Fleer's JFCPLA One Year Party Pix and the Cruz Show!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fleer/sets/440941/

2009-08-12T07:39:00.001-07:00

JFCPLA 5 year party! We got pics!

2009-08-09T19:10:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!
I uploaded ALL of the pictures from our 5th Year Party. See the full sets on Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/18022236@N02/sets/
You click on the thumbnail to view the picture larger and then select "ALL SIZES" Where you can choose small, med, large to
download.
once you click on the size, the photo will automatically save to your desktop for you to print out. - ENJOY!

JFCPLA 5th Anniversary, Man In the Moon Shots

2009-07-24T18:02:00.000-07:00

Hey Gang! - Photographer Frank Deras put this together and sent it over...pics available soon on Flickr along with Julie's, Pamela and my Photos! Stay tuned, but for now, sit back and enjoy! The video ratio was created at wide screen..don't worry..you are all in the frame! check it out directly on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1kID_hLNe4

The Fleas Celebrate Their 5th in style...

2009-07-24T06:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks again for helping the Jumpin' Flea Circus Players the most Eclectic Ukulele Club in L.A.! Stay tuned for full review of our boat cruise...and pictures!

JFCPLA 5-Year Anniversary Party!

2009-06-22T20:37:00.000-07:00

A reminder: SAT. JULY 18TH, 5PM-8PM. I sent an EVITE around last week, to those who already expressed interest or said YES. If you received the Evite, please respond "YES" so we can start getting a headcount. Payments due to Darren Wong by July 9.

Fleas at the Northridge Hawaiian Festival

2009-06-14T09:54:00.001-07:00

"If You Want to Sing Out..Sing Out!" Flying Uke moment

Roger P practicing his patented "Shaka Windmill" strum before our performance.

Fast Eddy ready for a Ukulele Battle

All photos by Roger Park. You can see more on the Flickr set:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/builtboyle/sets/72157619390061072/

Fleas at the Imua Ho'olaule'a

2009-05-27T10:20:00.000-07:00

Come out and support America's Favorite Uke Club! This Saturday, we will be perfoming a half hour set at the Ho'olaule'a in Northridge, from 6:45-7:15pm! Kudos to "2ch" for the flyer design.

Sweet Lorraine by Nat Cole

2009-05-20T20:53:00.000-07:00

Rik Sauer Teaches the Blues

2009-03-11T07:16:00.001-07:00

Cheap Suits Trash the House At Freight & Salvage

2009-01-28T20:01:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, I drove up to San Francisco to visit my family and to catch the once-a-year performance from the Cheap Suit Serenaders at the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley.
I had caught them 2 years ago, and they had only a partial band that night due to a family emergency cancellation by stringed instrument great, Bob Brozman.

This past weekend, however The Cheap Suits had the full crew which included Director Terry Zwigoff (Crumb, Ghostworld, Art School Confidential) on Cello, Robert Armstrong (Mickey the Rat Cartoonist) on Steel Guitar and Saw, Bob Brozman on Steel Guitar, Al Dodge on Ukulele, Mandolin. and Professor Gizmo on Trombone and Jug, and finally Tony Martin on the Guitar.

Deja Vu hit me while waiting in line, as I saw the same faces from 2 years ago.

The Sweet Hollywians from Japan opened with 4 songs, and were really tight.

The Cheap Suits performed some of my favs: Hapa Haole Hula Girl, Home, Singing in the Bathtub, and My Gal Sal. They were really tight for a band that only gets together for one night a year, and are all accomplished musicians in their own right.
My evening ended with a playlist I was able to get from Brozman, that all the Cheap Suits signed.

I am thinking about making this an annual tradition, and maybe we can get the jumpin fleas van pool to go up next year!

Happy Birthday Bill Tapia - "Young At Heart"

2009-01-02T01:16:00.000-08:00

A Very Happy Birthday to Bill Tapia who turned 101 yesterday. This is a clip from his 100th Birthday celebration concert last year.
Bill, according to the Guiness Book of World Records is THE oldest living performer in the world. We are really lucky that he is in our neck of the woods, and I hope to get him back to visit the club again soon.

Auld Lang Syne - Happy New Year!

2008-12-29T20:45:00.000-08:00

A few versions to ring in the New Year!

Jumpin' Fleas Strum in the Holidays

2008-12-07T11:38:00.000-08:00

Last night the Jumpin' Fleas congregated at a local Steakhouse, called Damon's in Glendale. 30 of the Fleas finest were available, with good food, drink, and of course strumming!

During the Open Mic / Sing-A-Long, Suzanna, Kathy, Diane, Bob Fleer, and Jeff Sure knocked out a rendition of Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! with crazy effects provided by Jeff which included: Galloping coconuts, Shredded newspaper snow, Jingle Bells..and Foil???! okay... Other highlights included Greg Lum with his impersonation of Elvis singing "Blue Christmas" and the "Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" medley sang for our server, Mary. Not sure how long it went, but I know when I left at 11pm, there was still a small group strumming and learning from each other. Great Times! Happy Holidays! P.S. if there are other pics that we can link up to, give us a shout out! THIS JUST IN: More photos by Bob Fleer. Go to: http://gallery.me.com/fleer#100135

Vintage Clips

2008-10-26T08:24:00.000-07:00

Some fun clips found - enjoy!

Cerritos 2008 Club Night - The Fleas Bring the Nest Down!

2008-10-06T16:05:00.000-07:00

...And so ends another Ukulele Festival in Cerritos.
This year the Jumpin Flea Circus Players of Los Angeles were asked to join 6 other clubs in performing for the largest Ukulele gathering in the nation.

After months of practices and preparation, the Fleas busted out a memorable performance which included:

"Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams" - a Dean Martin standard

"One Meatball" - A crowd pleasing, sing-a-long, that included a medley of "Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby" which brought the crowd to applause

"I'm Satisfied With My Gal"- which included additional lyrics by Stacy

"Sea of Love" Medley with "Na Moku Eha" - another huge crowd pleaser including a mean Steel Guitar solo by Ali Lexa.

"26 Miles" to wrap up the set with crowd singing along

The fleas delivered in a big way. Emcee and organizer Tom Noble writes on fleamarketmusic.com:

"The Friday night Club Night has turned into a true highlight not to be missed. This year 7 delightful groups performed with enthusiasm and delight. Over 150 folks paraded onto the stage to share their best music to the excitement of a packed, attentive audience. What a great spirit. Every group was simply "the best" in their own right! I'm closely associated with several of the groups so don't want to show favorites, but I must say that Ali Lexa leading the "Jumping Flea Circus of Los Angeles" just blew me away....due to their quirky, fun, creative selection and performing of great tunes! But truly each group was wonderful and a blast was had by all."

Again, thanks for all who participated, and all who supported in spirit! If you want to see more photos from the event, check out the rest of Pamela Vanderway's Flickr photo album:

flickr.com/auntieom

Looking forward to the next gig!

Darren

The Cliff Edwards Story (Ukulele Ike)

2008-08-29T13:24:00.001-07:00

Interesting short news piece on Ukulele Ike.

JFCPLA Bowling Shirt - Order it now!

2008-08-26T06:53:00.000-07:00

Hey Fleasters -
This is the bowlins shirt made famous at the Cerritos Ukulele Club Night! Rayon/Polyester blended shirt. Black with Red stripe and white piping detail. The JFCPLA logo on back, and your name or nickname embroidered on the front. The cost is $35. There are only a few left. Contact Darren at darrenwong@sbcglobal.net

Bessie Smith - St. Louis Blues

2008-06-10T20:36:00.000-07:00

Just Amazing...!

Clay on Hiatus! "Lex" Dons the Top Hat

2008-05-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

Starting next month, our ringleader, Clay Allen will be enjoying his summer in the windy city of Chicago, for a well deserved rest. Taking over, will be Ali Lexa - who promises to whip the fleas into shape for the Cerritos Festival Club performance. Ali, like Clay, is a fantastic musician and teacher, and we are lucky that our club is oozing with talent! If you were here for Ali's blues workshop a couple of months ago, you'll see that we are in great hands!

Bosko and Honey @ the Fleas' Nest

2008-05-25T08:19:00.000-07:00

This past Thursday, we had a surprise visit from "Down Under." Ali Lexa invited the ukulele duo, Honey and Bosko to perform a few ditties at our meeting.

They are on a mini-tour of the states, starting from the NY Uke fest, and have been visiting uke clubs across the nation. Bosko carves, or rather doodles out his living as a caricature artist, and learned to play the uke while sitting and waiting for customers. His partner, Honey, originally from Japan, learned from Bosko, sharing one uke bet. the two of them (she never played an instrument before previously). Their unique sound comes from a synchronization of the two ukes, which quite literally sounds like 4 ukes playing at once. Have a look at one of their videos:

Southern California Ukulele Showcase 2008

2008-05-11T15:31:00.000-07:00

Just Announced!

Our own Ali Lexa has put together the next uke showcase this year. This is a FREE Ukulele even, that has some Major talent - Brittni Paiva, Paula Fuga, Abe Lagrimas Jr. The Moonlighters (from N.Y.) and of course the hosts, Ali and King Kukulele.

Last year was a super blast, and the turnout was just incredible. Plan to be there, and lets get a sake after!

"This happens every time we get to the line about 'puka-puka'..."

2008-04-29T20:59:00.000-07:00

This month's Back of the Napkin Funnies winner, is East Coast Fleaster, Danno Sullivan, with a 43% vote. Danno will keep the ideas "brewing" while sipping out of his own JFCPLA logo mug. Stay tuned in May for the next funny...where YOU TOO could be a winner! Let's give a big hand for Danno!

Meeting Tonight!

2008-04-24T08:58:00.000-07:00

Please bring the following:
I'M TROUBLED - new
AFTER YOU'VE GONE
BY THE LIGHT OF THE SILVER'Y MOON
LET'S TALK DIRTY IN HAWAIIAN
ON A COCONUT ISLAND
FOR ME AND MY GAL
MUSCRAT RAMBLE
ON A COCONUT ISLAND
HELP
ON THE BEACH AT WAIKIKI
HOLIDAY
HONOLULU HULA GIRL
I SHALL BE RELEASED

Martin is the Weapon of Choice!

2008-04-07T22:22:00.000-07:00

Martin pulls in at #1, with 37% Kamaka is a close 2nd at 25%, followed by a close 20% from Koaloha, and 16% chose a Fluke.

Our First Group Picture

2008-04-03T21:10:00.000-07:00

I believe this photo is Circa 2005 . This was from our first concert given at the Church of The Chimes. We entertained the church goers, and they actually permitted wine to be had for the first time ever at a church event. They were extremely pleased regardless of their second act, a Hula troop bailing out. - Maybe they didnt know the difference after drinking.

Our Gang of Fleas

2008-03-31T13:20:00.000-07:00

Welcome! and thanks for coming to the world of the Jumpin' Flea Circus Players of Los Angeles. Yes, we do have the longest name in Ukulele Club history, but we also have the most diverse group of individuals in which our name reflects - A Circus of sorts. We meet every other Thursday night, from 7:30-9:30, at the Church of the Chimes in Sherman Oaks. (at Magnolia and Hazeltine) churchofthechimes.org Come join us for ukulele fun! We cover everything from Tin Pan Alley, to Beatles to Hapa Haole Hawaiian. Our club is set up in a classroom environment, and we have an instructor $10/2-hour lesson, and $3/room fee.