Yes, it's that time of year - runs, races and challenges galore. Whether you simply enjoy walking or are training for the Ironman Triathlon, whether you want to support a cause you believe in, achieve a personal best or try something completely new, there's something for anyone and everyone this summer.

My introduction to People In Planes was one of those happy accidents. I went to see a band play, and People In Planes was opening. I was so blown away, I almost didn't stay for the headliners.

People in Planes are the perfect balance of energy. They are confident without being too arrogant - at least by music standards. Their stage presence is strong. Their MySpace page is just a small samplings of their talents.

People In Planes' My Space Page with 4 songs.

I first heard about Clinic in one of those innocent ways that one may often learn about a band. I was having a passing conversation with a co-worker about concerts we were going to see in the near future and she mentioned going to see Clinic. As we have similar taste in music, I decided to investigate.

Clinic reminds me of a wedding....something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. Their alternative funk sound is one-of-a-kind with a hint of something familiar. There's a constant touch of sadness and melancholy throughout the songs. They have found a very good formula to their music and they've used the music samplings on their MySpace page for good.

Clinic's MySpace page with 6 songs

Since I'm not a hard-core punk or ska fan, it's a style that can be overwhelming at times. Served with too much too fast, sometimes I feel like I ate my supper too quickly. It can be a very heavy genre, and even the slower songs can have a heavier feel to them. But luckily there are bands out there who are a comfortable balance for the leery listener.

The Flatliners have found a happy medium of music I can punk-out to. They have managed to maintain the core ska/punk feel without selling out to the radio-friendly watering down feel that can happen. They're heavy without being too much. They weave between styles seamlessly and they make it work. And their MySpace page is the perfect taste of what they have to offer.

The Flatliners MySpace page with 5 songs.

I happened upon Creature purely by chance while channel surfing the other day. As I paused on a channel, I was drawn to their unique video for Pop Culture. Actually, I may have been initially fascinated by vocalist Kim Ho's subtle, yet meticulously trimmed facial hair, but the song caught on almost immediately as well.

Don't let the sparse pickings for songs on their MySpace page fool you - those three songs are jammed full of goodness. They claim that they are "Putting the F back into Punk!!" and that they are.

Creature's MySpace Page with 3 songs.

The Horseshoe Tavern has seen some of the greatest bands of our time grace its stage. It has also been the starting point for many bands who played there early in their careers. Lucero could be one of these stories, if their MySpace page is any indication.

Based in Memphis, Tennessee, Lucero takes their southern roots seriously and aren't afraid to show it.

Lucero's MySpace page with 6 songs.