Bio

“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 2024

Date/Time Event
Aug 08, 2024
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Gananoque Farmer's Market
Town Hall Park, Gananoque Ontario
Aug 07, 2024
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Wilderness Tours
Wilderness Tours Adventure Resort, Foresters Falls Ontario
Aug 04, 2024
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Paul's Creek - Rock Hits
Paul’s Creek Campground, McDonalds Corners Ontario
Aug 03, 2024
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Lombardy Fair
Lombardy Agricultural Society, Lombardy Ontario
Aug 02, 2024
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Rio Tap & Grill
Rio Tap & Grill, Eganville Ontario
Aug 01, 2024
8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Stonewater Pub
The Stonewater Pub, Gananoque Ontario

Jul 2024

Date/Time Event
Jul 31, 2024
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Music @ Eganville Centennial Park
Eganville Centennial Park, Eganville Ontario
Jul 29, 2024
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Wilderness Tours
Wilderness Tours Adventure Resort, Foresters Falls Ontario
Jul 28, 2024
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Music Sunday @ Finkel's Shore Park
Finkel’s Shore Park, Bath Ontario
Jul 27, 2024
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Locks at Perth
The Locks at Perth, Perth Ontario
Jul 26, 2024
8:00 pm - 11:59 pm
Keystorm Pub - Brockville
The Keystorm Pub, Brockville Ontario
Jul 25, 2024
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Darcy McGee's - Sparks St
Darcy McGee’s – Sparks St, Ottawa Ontario
Jul 22, 2024
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Wilderness Tours
Wilderness Tours Adventure Resort, Foresters Falls Ontario
Jul 20, 2024
9:00 am - 11:30 am
Cumberland Farmer's Market
Cumberland Farmer’s Market, Cumberland Ontario
Jul 20, 2024
9:00 am - 11:30 am
Cumberland Farmer's Market
Cumberland Farmer’s Market, Cumberland Ontario
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