Honolulu Weekly

Jumping Flea at Chinatown Boardroom / Hawaii’s love affair with the ‘ukulele started in the summer of 1879. A boat fresh in from Portugal with plenty of immigrants brought the first petite stringed instrument. The sea-sick musician caught many Hawaiians’ eyes, his fingers moving as fast as jumping fleas. Hawaiians soon adopted it as their own. King David Kalakaua was hot on the ‘ukulele’s heels and even designed his very own ‘ukulele. This coveted instrument is not losing any steam, with some people paying thousands of dollars for high-end ‘ukulele and forcing many sellers to put them on back-order.

Here in Honolulu, the home of the first jumping flea sighting, you can find an ‘ukulele all your own for an affordable price. Chinatown Boardroom wants you to come celebrate Jumping Flea. And possibly buy your own kit. Eighteen artists (including one from Maui and also two from Canada and California) bought, assembled and are doing whatever their little artistic hearts desire to these pieces. Manufactured in Japan, the kits come with the body assembled and all you have to do is attach the neck and strings, then presto, you have music! And you’ll be doing some good when you purchase one, as part of the sales go to the ‘Ukulele Foundation of Hawaii.

Stop by the Boardroom tonight to meet the artists, including local faves Heather Brown, Otto and Roy Venters. The ‘ukulele will also be on display most of the month, so mosey over when you have a minute.