“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
May 2025
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
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May 24, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm |
Brockville Shop the Street
Downtown Brockville BIA, Brockville Ontario |
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May 23, 2025 7:00 pm - 10:30 pm |
Bob Dylan Birthday Bash - Danby's Roadhouse
Danby’s Roadhouse, Richmond Ontario |
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May 17, 2025 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
Wilno Tavern Restaurant - Prime Rib Night
Wilno Tavern Restaurant, Wilno Ontario |
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May 17, 2025 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm |
Windmill Brewery - Brewfest
Windmill Brewery, Johnstown Ontario |
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May 16, 2025 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
St. James Gate - Carleton Place
St James Gate, Carleton Place Ontario |
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May 16, 2025 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
St James Gate
St James Gate, Carleton Place Ontario |
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May 13, 2025 11:30 am - 2:00 pm |
Private event
Private venue, Ottawa |
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May 10, 2025 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
Paul's Creek
Paul’s Creek Campground, McDonalds Corners Ontario |
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May 10, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm |
Metcalfe Farmer's Market
Metcalfe Fairgrounds / Metcalfe Agricultural Society, Metcalfe Ontario |
Apr 2025
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
|
Apr 26, 2025 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
The Tap Room
The Tap Room, Smiths Falls Ontario |
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Apr 25, 2025 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm |
Southside Tap and Grill - Newfie Night!
Southside Tap and Grill, Ottawa Ontario |
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Apr 24, 2025 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm |
Arnprior Doctors Dining Duel
Nick Smith Center, Arnprior Ontario |
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Apr 19, 2025 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm |
Prescott Legion
Royal Canadian Legion – Prescott, Prescott Ontario |
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Apr 18, 2025 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm |
Hunter's Public House
Hunter’s Public House, Ottawa Ontario |
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Apr 12, 2025 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Private event
Private venue, Ottawa |