“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
Mar 2026
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
|
Mar 27, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Royal Oak - Blair @ Pineview
Royal Oak – Blair at Pineview, Ottawa Ontario |
|
Mar 27, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Royal Oak - Blair @ Pineview
Royal Oak – Blair at Pineview, Ottawa Ontario |
|
Mar 26, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Lumbertown Ale House
Lumbertown Ale House, Arnprior Ontario |
|
Mar 26, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Lumbertown Ale House
Lumbertown Ale House, Arnprior Ontario |
|
Mar 26, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Lumbertown Ale House
Lumbertown Ale House, Arnprior Ontario |
|
Mar 21, 2026 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm |
Fish Fry @ Montgomery Centretown Legion
Montgomery Legion, OTTAWA ONTARIO |
|
Mar 20, 2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
Royal Oak - Wellington at Hinton
Royal Oak – Wellington at Hinton, Ottawa Ontario |
|
Mar 17, 2026 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm |
Lockmaster's Taphouse - St. Patty's Day!
Lockmaster’s Taphouse, Smiths Falls Ontario |
|
Mar 17, 2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
Keystorm Pub - St. Patty's Day!
The Keystorm Pub, Brockville Ontario |
|
Mar 14, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
SpencerCity Bar & Grill - St. Patrick's Event!
SpencerCity Bar & Grill, Spencerville Ontario |
|
Mar 14, 2026 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
Westport Brewing Company / St. Patrick's Event!
Westport Brewing Company, Westport Ontario |
|
Mar 14, 2026 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
Westport Brewing Company / St. Patrick's Day!
Westport Brewing Company, Westport Ontario |
|
Mar 13, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
St. James Gate - Carleton Place
St James Gate, Carleton Place Ontario |
|
Mar 12, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Barley Mow - Almonte
Barley Mow – Almonte, Almonte Ontario |
|
Mar 08, 2026 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm |
Southside Tap and Grill
Southside Tap and Grill, Ottawa Ontario |