“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
Jul 2026
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
|
Jul 21, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
Arts in the Park 2026 - Cornwall
Lamoureux Park – Cornwall, Cornwall Ontario |
|
Jul 19, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm |
Chesterville Community Market
Chesterville Community Market, Chesterville Ontario |
|
Jul 18, 2026 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
Westport Brewing Company
Westport Brewing Company, Westport Ontario |
|
Jul 18, 2026 10:00 am - 12:00 pm |
Metcalfe Farmer's Market
Metcalfe Fairgrounds / Metcalfe Agricultural Society, Metcalfe Ontario |
|
Jul 17, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Finnigan's Tavern - Brockville
Finnigan’s Tavern – Brockville, Brockville Ontario |
|
Jul 16, 2026 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm |
Byward Market - Night Market
Byward Market, Ottawa Ontario |
|
Jul 15, 2026 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm |
Summer Concert Series - Almonte
Augusta Street Park – Almonte, Mississippi Mills Ontario |
|
Jul 12, 2026 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm |
Private event
Private venue, Ottawa |
|
Jul 11, 2026 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
Paul's Creek
Paul’s Creek Campground, McDonalds Corners Ontario |
|
Jul 10, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Stonewater Pub
The Stonewater Pub, Gananoque Ontario |
|
Jul 06, 2026 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Wilderness Tours
Wilderness Tours Adventure Resort, Foresters Falls Ontario |
|
Jul 05, 2026 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
East Coast Summer Picnic - Maison Maitland
Maison Maitland Cooking School & Villas, Maitland Ontario |
|
Jul 04, 2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
Rio Tap & Grill
Rio Tap & Grill, Eganville Ontario |
|
Jul 04, 2026 9:00 am - 12:00 pm |
Brockville Farmer's Market
Brockville City Hall, Brockville Ontario |
|
Jul 03, 2026 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
Redneck Bistro
Redneck Bistro, Calabogie Ontario |