Nelson Marquez & The Moderators perform at the Santa Monica Pier during the 27th annual Twilight Dance Series on Thursday, August 4, 2011.

Nelson Garcia Marquez appeared on three Grammy award-winning recording projects and has performed at such legendary places as the Hollywood Bowl (Playboy Jazz festival), supporting one of his musical mentors Israel Lopez "Cachao". He has produced for Virgin recording artist Crystal Sierra and has licensed many of his own original compositions to numerous film and television projects. He has performed through out the world, appeared on many television broadcasts including "The Late Show", and "Fiesta Broadway" for the Telemundo network. For many years, Nelson was bandleader of the Venice Beach-based latin/soul/funk band, "Mango Bang" and released their projects on his own label. For years, he also did acting on the side, and achieved credits in many films. However it was his appearance with his Godfather,Andy Garcia, in the film "The Lost City" which allows the hyphenate "musician/actor."