“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 2026
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
|
May 31, 2026 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm |
Prescott Ribfest
Fort Wellington National Historic Site, Prescott Ontario |
|
May 30, 2026 10:00 am - 12:00 pm |
FUNdraiser Market - Collab Centre (near Hunt Club & Merivale)
Collab Centre, Ottawa Ontario |
|
May 29, 2026 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm |
Spencerville Legion
Royal Canadian Legion – Spencerville, Ottawa Ontario |
|
May 24, 2026 11:00 am - 2:00 pm |
Hunter's Public House
Hunter’s Public House, Ottawa Ontario |
|
May 23, 2026 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm |
Private event
Private venue, Ottawa |
|
May 23, 2026 9:00 am - 10:30 am |
Ottawa Farmer's Market - Main Street
Grande Allée Park, Ottawa Ontario |
|
May 22, 2026 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
Carrots 'n Dates
Carrots ‘n Dates, Cornwall Ontario |
|
May 16, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Golden Lake Park Campground
Golden Lake Park Campground, Golden Lake Ontario |
|
May 16, 2026 9:00 am - 11:30 am |
Brockville Farmer's Market
Brockville City Hall, Brockville Ontario |
|
May 15, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Bob Dylan Birthday Tribute Open Mic - No Go Coffee / Vibration Studios
Vibration Studios, Osgoode Ontario |
|
May 09, 2026 8:00 pm - 11:59 pm |
Keystorm Pub - Brockville
The Keystorm Pub, Brockville Ontario |
|
May 09, 2026 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Brockville Country Club
Brockville Country Club, Brockville Ontario |
|
May 08, 2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
Rio Tap & Grill
Rio Tap & Grill, Eganville Ontario |
|
May 03, 2026 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
Ten Toes Coffee House
Ten Toes Coffee House, Ottawa Ontario |
|
May 02, 2026 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm |
Lockmaster's Taphouse
Lockmaster’s Taphouse, Smiths Falls Ontario |