Submitted by the San Juan Community Theatre

Both a unique name and a unique sound characterize the Seattle-area band performing at San Juan Community Theatre on Saturday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m.

Kuinka is a distinct breed of string band — one proudly defiant of preconceived notions of what fits under the label “Americana.” The band’s name comes from Finnish for “how”; and as the band states on its website, the group explores the question, “How does a band bristling with spirited creativity continue to evolve artistically and challenge themselves while staying true to their own roots?” Their answer is a faith in their cumulative love of songwriting and shared experience.

Brothers Zach and Nathan Hamer, along with Miranda Zickler and Jillian Walker, came together in 2014 with the debut of The Wild North, propelling the band out of the woods and onto stages across the country. Their 2016 breakout LP, The Heartland, led to featured performances at dozens of festivals and several successful national headlining tours.

The songs on their recently released album, Stay Up Late, are alive with the vibrancy of exploration and discovery. “We’ve spent our time as a band in pursuit of a unique sound that captures our energy and essence,” says Zickler.

The Business Partner for the evening is Friday Harbor Suites. Tickets are $20 for adults, $12 for student reserved, with $5 student rush one hour before the show if there are still seats available. The Box Office is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or tickets may be purchased at www.sjctheatre.org.