“You know the Blues, it makes me feel alright,” sings Ottawa-based folk rock and blues multi-instrumentalist Spencer Scharf.
“A fantastic musician with a great repertoire of songs…usually travelling with about a dozen different instruments, he never fails to put on a show.” – Aerik Clinton Watson, Renfrew Concert in the Park
The one-man band has done hundreds of solo shows, captivating audiences with expressive fingerstyle guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, keyboard, harmonica and smooth tenor vocals. Inspired by the powerful guitar tones of Neil Young and Leo Kottke, his genre-crossing style also has the upbeat optimism of bluegrass picking and driven celtic strumming.
AJ Sauvé, RBC Bluesfest’s Director of Media Relations called him “an absolute genius” and he’s been invited time and again to Ottawa Bluesfest and CityFolk festivals.
Always a force on his instruments, it was his 3rd album, I Can’t Hide (2014), that began Spencer’s road as a songwriter. Working with Juno award winner Lynn Miles, he followed that with his 2017 album Times of Change:
“Spencer’s songwriting is evocative, his singing is filled with emotion…his originality and artistry shines through…I hear how big his heart is and how deep his groove is when he sings about ‘playing songs on refuse people can reuse.’” – Adrian Matte, Ottawa-based musician & educator
His latest release, 2020’s The Other Side, is a reflection of the unusual times we’re in, with its emotional highs, lows, and optimism for the future. His music is featured regularly on FM radio stations CKCU, CANOE, Valley Heritage, and Amherst Island.
Spencer also gives lessons on all the instruments he plays & vocals in the Ottawa area – including 6 & 12 string acoustic guitar, dobro (slide guitar), 8 string baritone guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, guitalele, piano / keyboard & harmonica.
To book Spencer for gigs, private events, house concerts or lessons, or send him a message, email him at spencer@spencerscharf.com, or visit the Contact Page
Past Events
Oct 2026
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
|
Oct 16, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
St. James Gate - Carleton Place
St James Gate, Carleton Place Ontario |
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Oct 11, 2026 9:00 am - 12:30 pm |
Cumberland Farmer's Market
Cumberland Farmer’s Market, Cumberland Ontario |
|
Oct 09, 2026 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm |
Private event
Private venue, Ottawa |
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Oct 09, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm |
Private event
Private venue, Ottawa |
|
Oct 04, 2026 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm |
Oktoberfest Ladysmith
Thorne Community Recreation Association, Ladysmith Québec |
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Oct 03, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Golden Lake Park Campground
Golden Lake Park Campground, Golden Lake Ontario |
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Oct 02, 2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
The Blackstone
The Blackstone, Stittsville Ontario |
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Oct 01, 2026 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm |
Stonewater Pub
The Stonewater Pub, Gananoque Ontario |
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Oct 01, 2026 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm |
Perth Legion - National Seniors Day Celebration
Royal Canadian Legion – Perth, Perth Ontario |
Sep 2026
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
|
Sep 27, 2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
Stoodley's Kitchen and Beverage
Stoodley’s Kitchen and Beverage, Elgin Ontario |
|
Sep 26, 2026 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm |
Kitchen Party - Brockville Legion
Royal Canadian Legion – Brockville, Brockville Ontario |
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Sep 26, 2026 9:00 am - 12:30 pm |
Cumberland Farmer's Market
Cumberland Farmer’s Market, Cumberland Ontario |
|
Sep 25, 2026 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
Brauwerk Hoffman Rockland
Brauwerk Hoffman Rockland, Rockland Ontario |
|
Sep 20, 2026 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
MacDougall Park Art Show
MacDougall Park, Russell Ontario |
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Sep 19, 2026 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
Knights of the Maritimes
Saint John Chrysostom Parish, Arnprior Ontario |