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

Jul 2023

Date/Time Event
Jul 07, 2023
9:00 pm - 11:59 pm
Buster's Bar & Grill
Buster’s Bar & Grill, Ottawa Ontario
Jul 06, 2023
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Hammond Golf Course
Hammond Golf Course, Hammond Ontario
Jul 05, 2023
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Wilderness Tours - Patio
Wilderness Tours Adventure Resort, Foresters Falls Ontario
Jul 05, 2023
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Arnprior Legion - The Lunch Bunch
Arnprior Legion, Arnprior Ontario
Jul 01, 2023
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Canada Day Celebration!
Private venue, Ottawa
Jul 01, 2023
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Canada Day Celebration!
Private venue, Ottawa

Jun 2023

Date/Time Event
Jun 30, 2023
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Locks at Perth
The Locks at Perth, Perth Ontario
Jun 28, 2023
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Music @ Eganville Centennial Park
Eganville Centennial Park, Eganville Ontario
Jun 23, 2023
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Royal Oak - Wellington at Hinton
Royal Oak – Wellington at Hinton, Ottawa Ontario
Jun 22, 2023
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Stittsville Porchfest
Stittsville Porchfest, Stittsville Ontario
Jun 18, 2023
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Red Hot and Blue Rockabilly Weekend
The Old English Pub, Gaganoque Ontario
Jun 17, 2023
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Private event
Private venue, Ottawa
Jun 17, 2023
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Metcalfe Farmer's Market
Metcalfe Fairgrounds / Metcalfe Agricultural Society, Metcalfe Ontario
Jun 15, 2023
8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Stonewater Pub
The Stonewater Pub, Gananoque Ontario
Jun 14, 2023
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Metcalfe Farmer's Night Market
Metcalfe Fairgrounds / Metcalfe Agricultural Society, Metcalfe Ontario
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