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

Dec 2024

Date/Time Event
Dec 01, 2024
11:00 am - 1:30 pm
Kars Christmas Market
Kars Community Recreation Association, Kars Ontario

Nov 2024

Date/Time Event
Nov 30, 2024
8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Final Score Sports Bar
Final Score Sports Bar, Renfrew Ontario
Nov 30, 2024
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Navan Christmas Market
Navan Memorial Center, Navan Ontario
Nov 29, 2024
7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Keystorm Pub - Brockville
The Keystorm Pub, Brockville Ontario
Nov 24, 2024
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
No Go Coffee Co
No Go Coffee, Osgoode Ontario
Nov 23, 2024
8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Hunter's Public House
Hunter’s Public House, Ottawa Ontario
Nov 22, 2024
8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Stonewater Pub
The Stonewater Pub, Gananoque Ontario

Dec 2023

Date/Time Event
Dec 30, 2023 - Nov 23, 2024
8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Hunter's Public House
Hunter’s Public House, Ottawa Ontario
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