“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
Aug 2026
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
|
Aug 22, 2026 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm |
Calabogie Brewery
Calabogie Brewery, Calabogie Ontario |
|
Aug 22, 2026 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm |
Stittsville Sweet Corn Festival
Village Square Park – Stittsville, Stittsville Ontario |
|
Aug 21, 2026 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
Music in the Square - Renfrew
Renfrew Town Hall, Renfrew Ontario |
|
Aug 21, 2026 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm |
Private event
Private venue, Ottawa |
|
Aug 15, 2026 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm |
Stoodley's Kitchen and Beverage
Stoodley’s Kitchen and Beverage, Elgin Ontario |
|
Aug 15, 2026 10:00 am - 12:00 pm |
Metcalfe Farmer's Market
Metcalfe Fairgrounds / Metcalfe Agricultural Society, Metcalfe Ontario |
|
Aug 15, 2026 10:00 am - 12:00 pm |
Metcalfe Farmer's Market
Metcalfe Fairgrounds / Metcalfe Agricultural Society, Metcalfe Ontario |
|
Aug 14, 2026 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm |
Happy Green Acres - Celtic Roots Festival
Happy Green Acres Campground, Mallorytown Ontario |
|
Aug 10, 2026 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm |
Wilderness Tours
Wilderness Tours Adventure Resort, Foresters Falls Ontario |
|
Aug 09, 2026 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm |
Kemptville Farmer's Market
Kemptville Farmer’s Market, Kemptville Ontario |
|
Aug 08, 2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
Buster's Bar & Grill - Art Show
Buster’s Bar & Grill, Ottawa Ontario |
|
Aug 08, 2026 10:30 am - 1:00 pm |
Winchester Dairy Fest
Sweet Corner Park, Winchester Ontario |
|
Aug 07, 2026 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
Private event
Private venue, Ottawa |
|
Aug 06, 2026 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Bowman's Bar & Grill
Bowman’s Bar & Grill, Ottawa Ontario |
|
Aug 02, 2026 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm |
Paul's Creek
Paul’s Creek Campground, McDonalds Corners Ontario |