“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 |
|---|---|
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May 01, 2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
Negi's Bistro
Negi’s Family Bistro and Pub, Arnprior Ontario |
Apr 2026
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
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Apr 30, 2026 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
Fat Les's on King
Fat Les’s on King, Brockville Ontario |
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Apr 26, 2026 10:00 am - 12:00 pm |
Lansdowne Spring Market
Aberdeen Square Lansdowne, Ottawa Ontario |
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Apr 25, 2026 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm |
Private event
Private venue, Ottawa |
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Apr 24, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
St. James Gate - Carleton Place
St James Gate, Carleton Place Ontario |
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Apr 19, 2026 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm |
St. James Anglican Church - 200th Anniversary Concert
St. James Anglican Church, Maitland Ontario |
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Apr 18, 2026 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm |
Almonte Legion
Almonte Legion, Almonte Ontario |
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Apr 17, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Nappo's Sports Bar & Pub
Nappo’s Sports Bar & Pub, Gananoque Ontario |
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Apr 16, 2026 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm |
Stonewater Pub
The Stonewater Pub, Gananoque Ontario |
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Apr 11, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Russell Legion
Royal Canadian Legion – Russell, Russell Ontario |
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Apr 10, 2026 8:00 pm - 11:59 pm |
Keystorm Pub - Brockville
The Keystorm Pub, Brockville Ontario |
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Apr 09, 2026 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
Fat Les's on King
Fat Les’s on King, Brockville Ontario |
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Apr 04, 2026 7:30 pm - 11:00 pm |
Lockmaster's Taphouse
Lockmaster’s Taphouse, Smiths Falls Ontario |
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Apr 03, 2026 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
Redneck Bistro
Redneck Bistro, Calabogie Ontario |
Mar 2026
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
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Mar 28, 2026 8:00 pm - 11:59 pm |
Royal Oak - Hunt Club / Uplands
Royal Oak – Hunt Club, Ottawa Ontario |