Peter Simon’s retrospective photo exhibit Reggae Bloodlines ‘Lens of A Generation’ will debut tonight at 7pm at Puls8 night club in Kingston, Jamaica.  Simon’s installation of powerful portraits of Jamaican culture from the early 1970s to present day include prominent reggae artists of each respective era. Plans for additional exhibits in the United States are underway in New York City, NY and Martha’s Vineyard, MA.
 
The opening coincides with a new venture between Simon and New York-based record label VP Records. The reggae powerhouse will have access to Simon’s historic catalog of Jamaican-themed images to incorporate into their musical collections and related merchandise — including an exclusive line of t-shirts. VP Records is preparing for the summertime release of Reggae Bloodlines – The Natty Dread Era, a multi-disc compilation inspired by Peter Simon’s 1977 book Reggae Bloodlines: In Search of the Music and Culture of Jamaica. The acclaimed book, photographed by Simon and written by Stephen Davis, chronicles the reggae scene of the 1970s. It features many of Jamaica’s key players during this pivotal era — including Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Burning Spear, Jimmy Cliff, Toots Hibbert, Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, Big Youth, Joe Higgs and Fred Locks.
 
“The show will be a celebration of Peter and his life’s work” says Patricia Chin, the co-founder of VP Records. “Peter is a longtime friend and supporter of the music and we’re proud to be working with him on this new venture,” she continues. Ms. Chin is expected to make remarks at tonight’s opening in Kingston.
 
Peter Simon also expressed his enthusiasm on collaborating with label. “I’m very excited to see my work incorporated into the various forms that are planned by VP. I look forward to a whole new audience being exposed to these images,” he states.
 
Throughout his career, Simon has published multiple books on Jamaica and is one of the significant contributors who helped spread the culture worldwide.