After receiving submissions from across the South Cumberland Region, three talented vocalists have been selected as finalists for Christmas in The Caverns: Symphony & Sing Off. Louise Block, a student at Sewanee, Julie Nickell from Tracy City, and Rachel Swerske from Monteagle will perform live with the Sewanee Symphony Orchestra during the free community holiday concert on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, in The Caverns’ underground concert hall.

Free tickets for the concert are available to residents of the South Cumberland region at

https://www.thecaverns.com/

. Doors open at 6 p.m. CT, and the concert begins at 7 p.m. CT. Seating is limited, and RSVP is required.

In addition to performing with the Sewanee Symphony Orchestra, all three singers will compete for prizes, including cash awards of $1,000, $500, or $250, along with concert tickets, merchandise, and a professional video of their performance. A panel of judges at the event will determine first, second, and third place among the finalists, while the audience will select a crowd favorite, who will also receive a special package of goods and services donated by local and regional businesses.

This special evening offers a rare opportunity to experience live orchestral holiday music deep underground while celebrating the region’s finest local singers.

Christmas in The Caverns: Symphony & Sing Off is presented in partnership by The Caverns, the University of the South, and the South Cumberland Community Fund.