Bio

“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

Mar 2023

Date/Time Event
Mar 24, 2023
8:00 pm - 11:59 pm
Royal Oak - Blair @ Pineview
Royal Oak – Blair at Pineview, Ottawa Ontario
Mar 19, 2023
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Vibration Studios - Celtic Coffehouse
Vibration Studios, Osgoode Ontario
Mar 17, 2023
4:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Keystorm Pub - St. Patty's Day!
The Keystorm Pub, Brockville Ontario
Mar 17, 2023
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Lockmaster's Taphouse - St. Patty's Day!
Lockmaster’s Taphouse, Smiths Falls Ontario
Mar 16, 2023
8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Stonewater Pub
The Stonewater Pub, Gananoque Ontario
Mar 14, 2023
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Royal Oak - Wellington at Hinton
Royal Oak – Wellington at Hinton, Ottawa Ontario
Mar 14, 2023
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Private event
Private venue, Ottawa
Mar 14, 2023
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Councillor George Darouze's Irish Tea
Metcalfe Town Hall, Metcalfe Ontario
Mar 12, 2023
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Calabogie Peaks Resort
Calabogie Peaks Resort, Calabogie Ontario
Mar 11, 2023 - Mar 12, 2023
9:00 pm - 1:00 am
The Mill Tavern - Manotick
The Mill Tavern, Manotick Ontario
Mar 10, 2023
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Private event
Private venue, Ottawa
Mar 04, 2023
8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Stonewater Pub
The Stonewater Pub, Gananoque Ontario
Mar 04, 2023
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Bastard Coffee House - Delta
Bastard Coffee House – Delta, Delta Ontario
Mar 03, 2023
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Mount Pakeham Ski Resort
Mount Pakenham Ski Resort, Pakenham Ontario

Feb 2023

Date/Time Event
Feb 25, 2023
7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Keystorm Pub - Brockville
The Keystorm Pub, Brockville Ontario
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