“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 |
|---|---|
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Mar 06, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Stonewater Pub
The Stonewater Pub, Gananoque Ontario |
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Mar 03, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Buster's Bar & Grill - Open Mic
Buster’s Bar & Grill, Ottawa Ontario |
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Mar 01, 2026 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm |
St David's Day - Brockville Legion
Royal Canadian Legion – Brockville, Brockville Ontario |
Feb 2026
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
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Feb 28, 2026 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
Fat Les's on King
Fat Les’s on King, Brockville Ontario |
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Feb 27, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
St. James Gate - Carleton Place
St James Gate, Carleton Place Ontario |
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Feb 22, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm |
Lansdowne Winter Market
Aberdeen Square Lansdowne, Ottawa Ontario |
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Feb 20, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Nappo's Sports Bar & Pub
Nappo’s Sports Bar & Pub, Gananoque Ontario |