{image1} To say Nuna has been through a lot is a huge understatement. The energetic hard rock trio with catchy melodies and glimmers of punk has certainly had its share of unordinary occurrences.

"It has been a crazy ride for us," Nuna Minch says.

The last time OnMilwaukee.com spoke with the group, it was after lead singer Minch slipped and fell leaving him with a herniated disc and stuck in a wheelchair. But this didn't stop the band from performing, surprising many fans and gaining new ones, at Summerfest in 2004.

Now, Minch is back on his feet, and with his sister Anya on the bass and a new drummer in Johnny Diaz, things are looking up.

"I'm doing a lot better," says Minch. "I'm still recovering, but playing music is the best therapy. For me, music is the only thing. If I didn't have it, I'd be in really bad shape."

The band is excited to return more energy to its live shows, but not too much.

"We used to wrestle on stage because our energy levels got so high," Anya says. "We don't do that anymore. We don't want any more injuries. It's good to have him on his feet again."

Diaz says wandering the States has been his favorite part of the ride. "It's been exciting. We get to do quite a bit of traveling. We're hitting up New York next month. I'm getting around more than I ever have."

That's what sets Nuna apart from other bands today, says Diaz. "A lot of bands aren't willing to go out of state, but we love the opportunity."

And those opportunities have led to much success. One of the many gigs the band has played was AIDS Rock Ohio featuring over 700 bands from six continents. Nuna took first place.

"That was our most memorable event," Minch says. "Winning it with over 700 bands competing was a one-of-a-kind experience."

The memory is humorous as much as it is sentimental.

"We broke the trophy right after we won," says Anya. "It wasn't very sturdy. We jerked it the wrong way, and it broke on us."

And as they laugh at the past, the members of Nuna look excitedly toward the future.

"We hope to play Summerfest this year, and we've got festivals all over from here to Michigan we're set on playing," Minch says.

Watch out Europe. Nuna could be heading your way. "We need passports first, though, so we'll see," says Minch.

Even with extended periods of time on the road, Nuna is constantly creating more music. "We've got a new album in the works. Just waiting to see the layout and for the proofs to come back," Anya says.

This rock-'til-you-drop group isn't planning on slowing its music ambitions down anytime soon. They aren't just in it for themselves, though.

"We love the fans," Diaz says. "The crowds are just awesome. We do it for them."

Nuna will play at Ricky's Place, 236 Main St., in Racine on Saturday, March 5, minus the wheelchair. The show is a Thoughts For Food Benefit Concert and features 70 bands on 15 stages for $10.