“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 |
|---|---|
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Jul 01, 2026 11:00 am - 1:00 pm |
Canada Day - Toledo
Royal Canadian Legion Branch #475 – Toledo ON, Toledo Ontario |
Jun 2026
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
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Jun 28, 2026 9:00 am - 11:30 am |
Canadiana Day Market - Downtown Arnprior
Downtown Arnprior, Arnprior Ontario |
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Jun 27, 2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
Cornwall's Pub
Cornwall’s Pub, Rockport Ontario |
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Jun 26, 2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
Brauwerk Hoffman Rockland
Brauwerk Hoffman Rockland, Rockland Ontario |
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Jun 20, 2026 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm |
Base Camp Brewing
Base Camp Brewing Inc., Almonte Ontario |
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Jun 20, 2026 10:00 am - 12:00 pm |
Metcalfe Farmer's Market
Metcalfe Fairgrounds / Metcalfe Agricultural Society, Metcalfe Ontario |
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Jun 19, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
St. James Gate - Carleton Place
St James Gate, Carleton Place Ontario |
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Jun 17, 2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
Broadway Bar & Grill
Broadway Bar & Grill, Nepean Ontario |
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Jun 13, 2026 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm |
Smiths Falls Night Market
Downtown Smiths Falls, Smiths Falls Ontario |
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Jun 13, 2026 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm |
Rockport Schoolhouse Jam - Thousand Islands
Rockport Recreation Hall, Mallorytown Ontario |
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Jun 12, 2026 8:00 pm - 11:59 pm |
Keystorm Pub - Brockville
The Keystorm Pub, Brockville Ontario |
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Jun 07, 2026 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
The Pews - Merrickville
The Pews, Merrickville Ontario |
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Jun 06, 2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
Rio Tap & Grill
Rio Tap & Grill, Eganville Ontario |
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Jun 06, 2026 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm |
Community Fun Day - Briargreen
Briargreen Public School, Nepean Ontario |
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Jun 05, 2026 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm |
Lockmaster's Taphouse
Lockmaster’s Taphouse, Smiths Falls Ontario |