Scene in 2009

GREASE IS THE WORD: Students from the two Nelson colleges joined forces in June to perform the musical Grease under the directorship of Richard Carruthers.

THEATRE CLOSURE: In November, the Independent Theatre in Nelson was forced to close and founder, director and actor Grae Burton left in search of a new career in Auckland. Burton was upbeat, 17 years after taking the stage in Summer Shakespeare as a 15-year-old. ``I'm not angry. Theatre is always going to be a risk."

YOUNG TALENT: The Nelson Winter festival was a chance to shine for three Nelson musicians as, from left, Sam Springett, 15, Elzanne Bester, 15, and Holly Dunn, 16, performed with the Schola Musica

HEAVY METAL: Who said brass bands weren't cool? Nick Sharpe on tuba and other members of Tasman Brass blew the myth apart with some fine performances during the year.

MEMORIES: South Korean acupuncturist and artist Il Woo Nam brought his family to New Zealand 10 years ago, but died six years later. In June, his work was exhibited at the Suter Gallery for the first time. At the exhibition were the artist's wife, Jade Namgung, and their children, from left, Balgmi 11, Saeromi, 23, Saesol, 21, Daroon, 9, and Gido, 19.

Rugby relived: Munster's famous game against the All Blacks was relived in September in the Theatre Alive production of Alone it Stands. From left, Andrew Challis, left, Tyran Koura, and Kevin Lutterman pack down, as Shaye Petterson plays the part of halfback.

HIGH FLYER In April, Jaz van Gosliga, 15, was awarded the highest marks in New Zealand in the Trinity speech and drama exams. A former Nelson College for Girls student, Jaz spent 2009 studying at the Brent St Talent Development High School in Sydney.

RUGBY MAD: Doug Nottage cheers on the All Blacks in the Independent Theatre Company play C'Mon Black, performed in May.

EERIE: Dan Campion curated and took part in an exhibition called The Illuminati, at the Refinery Artspace in June.