As Nashville’s music scene continues its slow, steady climb out of COVID-induced hardship, one local artist is taking matters into his own hands to bring awareness to the city’s resilience.

On April 9-10, blues artist James Hatem will team with the U.S. Bartenders Guild and the Music Venue Alliance Nashville, as he embarks on The Basement to Bridgestone Arena, an attempt to achieve a Guinness World Record by performing at 80 venues in a 24-hour span. The current record was set when Norwegian artist Helge Toft played 65 venues in 24 hours back in 2012.

“It’s about helping the venues. They’ve gone months without live shows, and everyone needs to be reminded that without them, this isn’t Music City,” Hatem said. “Not only will we be raising money to give back to all the venues, but our goal is to show that live music can be brought to everyone again in both a fun and COVID-safe manner.”

Hatem will bring his performances to venues of all sizes throughout Nashville, including notable venues like Bridgestone Arena, The Jackson Theatre, Exit/In, and Helping Our Music Evolve. Hatem’s crew will have access to PPE gear to keep themselves healthy throughout the world record attempt, as they travel throughout Music City with the help of sprinter vans provided by Mercedes-Benz. In addition, Nashville-based live stream platform TuneDen will check in with Hatem throughout his quest, as part of their live stream music festival taking place on the same dates.

More information on The Basement to Bridgestone Arena, including a link to donate to the cause, can be found here. All donations from fans and sponsors will go directly to the Music Venue Alliance Nashville and the U.S. Bartenders Guild.

While you wait to catch one (or 80) of his performances, get to know James Hatem by checking out his latest EP, Giving Tree, below!