Conference Opener - Abel Silvas

Abel Silvas is a Native American/Californio, whose ancestry comes from the Juaneno Band of Mission Indians of the Acjachemen Nation and is a direct descendant from the Silvas Family, one of the first families to settle in Southern California.

An actor, mime and comedian, Mr. Silvas studied mime under Marcel Marceau and appears in comedy clubs as a stand-up comedian. He was the subject of a 30 minute television special titled "The Legend Of Grandfather Running Grunion," produced in 1992 by KPBS(TV-15), a San Diego public television station. Abel is a member of the Screen Actors' Guild and has appeared in films, commercials and television projects as well as numerous stage shows. He was the lead California entertainer in Knott's Berry Farm's Indian Trails Show in 1992 and 1993 and is currently acting as Artists' Representative on the Board of Trustees of Young Audiences of San Diego and as Artistic Director of the 505th Annual Grunion Festival on June 30, 1995.

Mr. Silvas has taught and performed for children and adults over the past ten years in schools and community centers throughout the United States, Canada and Europe, helping his audiences to explore their own heritage and the interrelationships between different cultures.

For Bookings and Further Information: Abel Silvas at 2144 Balboa Ave. #5, San Diego CA 92109 / (858) 274-1326