Alaska Jumping Flea Society brings ukulele chords and community

The group meets weekly at Guido's Pizza in Anchorage and is set to perform at the Anchorage Folk Festival.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 1:47pm

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The Alaska Jumping Flea Society, an all-ukulele musical group founded in 2014, gathers every Friday evening at Guido's Pizza Restaurant in Anchorage to play and sing together. Led by Wendy Luft and Jerry George, the diverse group of musicians, from children to seniors, has created a welcoming community space that celebrates the ukulele and the joy of making music together.

Why it matters

The Jumping Flea Society represents a grassroots, community-driven music group that has thrived in Anchorage for over a decade. In a city that has seen significant changes, the group's ability to bring together people of all ages and skill levels around the shared love of the ukulele highlights the power of music to foster connections and build a sense of belonging.

The details

The group was founded in 2014 by Jerry George, a former engineer and music enthusiast who was drawn to the ukulele as his hearing began to deteriorate. George connected with Wendy Luft, who became a co-leader and guide for the group, helping new members learn the instrument. The Jumping Flea Society found a welcoming home at Guido's Pizza, where the owner, Richard Mercier, has gone above and beyond to support the group, even allowing them to play during the COVID-19 pandemic when the restaurant was closed.

  • The Alaska Jumping Flea Society was founded in 2014.
  • The group has been meeting every Friday evening at Guido's Pizza Restaurant in Anchorage for over a decade.
  • The Jumping Flea Society is scheduled to perform at the Anchorage Folk Festival on Sunday, January 31, 2026.

The players

Wendy Luft

The co-leader of the Alaska Jumping Flea Society, known for her love of music and strong organizational skills that have helped the group thrive.

Jerry George

The founder of the Alaska Jumping Flea Society, a former engineer and music enthusiast who turned to the ukulele as his hearing began to deteriorate, finding joy and community in the instrument.

Richard Mercier

The owner of Guido's Pizza, who has generously opened his restaurant's doors to the Jumping Flea Society, going above and beyond to support the group and create a welcoming environment for their weekly gatherings.

Lois Fedele

A bass ukulele player who has been a member of the Jumping Flea Society for over 10 years, initially joining to sing but later learning the instrument with the help of the group.

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What they’re saying

“I can hear the rhythm and so I can start songs. If I can start them, people can follow along. It's kind of harmonious after that.”

— Wendy Luft, Co-leader, Alaska Jumping Flea Society

“I looked at, why was I in music? What am I doing? I can't hear. Why am I in music? And it was because of the camaraderie, the friendships, the family.”

— Jerry George, Founder, Alaska Jumping Flea Society

“He is just the most genuine person you'll ever want to meet. He loves what we do for the community, and wants to support us.”

— Jerry George, Founder, Alaska Jumping Flea Society

What’s next

The Alaska Jumping Flea Society is scheduled to perform at the Anchorage Folk Festival on Sunday, January 31, 2026, giving the group an opportunity to share their music with a wider audience.

The takeaway

The Alaska Jumping Flea Society's story highlights the power of music to bring people together and create a sense of community, even in a changing urban landscape. Their inclusive, welcoming approach to the ukulele has fostered connections across generations and skill levels, proving that grassroots, mission-driven initiatives can thrive and enrich the lives of local residents.