The Jumpin' Flea Circus Players of Los Angeles

It began in 2004 when Darren Wong met the legendary Jim Beloff at an event, and asked Jim if he knew of any ukulele groups in the L.A. area. Jim responded, "Why don't you start one?" And the Jumpin' Flea Circus Players of Los Angeles was born. Darren not only started the group, he also designed the handsome logo that we use to this day.

Soon, Clay Allen was brought on as ringmaster, and the Fleas performed under Clay's tutelage for over a decade. Clay acted as teacher, group leader, coach, friend, and mentor. He set the tone for a group where players young and old, whether novices or virtuosos, come together in a circle of fellowship, dedicated to the brotherhood of the uke. And coffee. Clay was very strict about the coffee.

Rob Curry was Clay's right hand man, and Rob spent countless hours arranging music for the Fleas to perform. The majority of the songs we play are original arrangements by either Rob or Clay, created exclusively for the Fleas.

When work and a quiet life in the mountains summoned Clay to move out east, longtime Flea Francis Stokes took over the leadership. Gina Debuque put together this site, with the help of Mark Bitter who is in charge of the Fleas’ Twitter and Instagram accounts. Facebook is handled by Stokes, who envisions the Fleas reaching a broader audience via social media.

We now meet once a month and play in a song circle format, in which members have the option to contribute a song for the group if they like. We're still a circle of fellowship for players of all levels, young and old, to come out and enjoy the brotherhood of the uke.

Join us!

Darren Wong and Clay Allen, photo by Jeff Leroy

Thanks to Flea Louise for sharing her lovely home with us, and to Flea Frank for being party planner extraordinaire!

Getting ready for our performance. Best crowd ever for the Fleas! More photos to follow.