Student's Take: A Celebration of Music and Community
By Edward Hng, Arts and Culture Head, 12th Executive Committee, Students’ Medical Society
On Saturday, 8 March 2025, the Arts and Culture Committee of the Students’ Medical Society hosted Peanut Butter & Jam (PBNJ) 2025, an annual student-led concert that brought the LKCMedicine community together through music, performance, and shared experiences. Held at the Ong Tiong Tat & Irene Tan Auditorium at Novena Campus, the event drew over 300 attendees, including students, faculty, and family members – all gathering to support their peers and celebrate the vibrant artistic spirit within the School.
This year’s concert featured 13 acts, including performances by LKCMedicine’s mainstay bands, some of which have been a staple at PBNJ for four consecutive years. Their return to the stage was met with enthusiastic applause, as they have become familiar and well-loved names in the School’s music scene. Alongside these established bands, newer performers also took the spotlight, showcasing a diverse range of musical talents, from high-energy rock performances to a flute solo that offered a refreshing change of pace. The concert also saw a special performance by Dr Chew Kwei Yong, an Alexander Fleming house tutor, who joined the lineup in a rare but special appearance, further emphasising that music is a shared passion that transcends student and faculty roles.
Beyond the performances, PBNJ 2025 was a reflection of the strong sense of community at LKCMedicine. The audience was filled with friends, house families, and seniors who came to support their juniors, creating an atmosphere of encouragement and camaraderie. Many attendees arrived with flowers in hand, ready to congratulate their friends after their performances – a small but meaningful gesture that highlighted the supportive culture within the School. The event also provided opportunities for casual interactions beyond the concert hall – food booths offering free popcorn, cotton candy, and ice cream rolls gave attendees a chance to take a break, chat with friends, and enjoy the night beyond the music. A photobooth was also set up, where students captured moments with their peers, ensuring that memories of the evening would last long after the final act.
In addition to the performances, audience engagement was a key feature of the night. Interactive segments like “What’s That Song?” and a Lucky Draw kept the crowd involved, adding an element of fun and participation to the evening. These activities reinforced that PBNJ is not just a concert but a communal event, where everyone—whether performing or cheering from the audience—plays a role in making the night special. The mix of live music, interactive games, and shared experiences created an event that was as much about the people as it was about the performances.
As the night came to a close, PBNJ 2025 once again proved to be more than just an annual concert. It was a celebration of camaraderie, creativity, and the bonds that define the LKCMedicine experience. The continued presence of returning bands, the emergence of new talent, and the overwhelming support from the audience reflected how deeply ingrained this event has become in the School’s culture. More than just a showcase of musical ability, PBNJ was a reminder of the friendships, teamwork, and encouragement that make the LKCMedicine community unique.
With another successful edition wrapped up, we look forward to seeing how PBNJ 2026 will continue this tradition of music, connection, and celebration.
