Anson Olds was a multi-talented Berkshire musician, singer, songwriter, and teacher. He was born on April 13, 1956, in New Haven, Connecticut. He graduated from E.O. Smith High School in Storrs, Connecticut,  received his Bachelor's degree from The Evergreen State College in Washington State, and later earned his Master's degree in Creative Arts and Education from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. 

Anson had always known what he wanted to do: play the guitar and sing for a living. From his teenage years of practicing guitar for hours into the night to his studies in American music, he kept this one goal in mind.  He searched out musicians with specific musical skills under whom to study. He learned yodeling from national champion yodeler Bill Staines, and studied with national flatpicking champion Roger Ferguson. While in the Pacific Northwest, Anson played primarily in bluegrass bands, but also played street music in open-air markets and on ferry boats out of Seattle. Back in New England, Anson won the 1985 Berkshire Mountain Bluegrass Festival flatpicking contest, judged by Tony Rice.

As a musician, he played frequently throughout the Northeast as both a solo performer and valued member of several bands, including the October Mountain Band, and Old Croken Stillers. His solo recording includes “Safe to Dream”.  He recorded with the October Mountain Band (“From the Hillside”), and The Northeast String Band (“Live”), all on ForestEdge Records. Anson also hosted the “Northeast Folk Festival” radio show on WAMC.

Anson dedicated his life to music. He not only gave private lessons, but he taught music at Undermountain Elementary School for grades pre-K-5 for twelve years -- where his proficiency in Spanish and American Sign Language came in handy -- until his untimely death on May 24, 2011.

This website is a tribute to Anson Olds, created to explore his work and contributions to music. He leaves a deep legacy among family, friends, fans, colleagues, and many students.

Anson Storrs Olds 1956-2011