Three Autistic Musicians Walk Into a Bar

Date: June 23, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM to 10:15 PM
Venue: Avant-Garde Bar
Address: 135 Besserer St, Ottawa
Performers: Vincent Bishop, Erin Adair, and Spencer Scharf
Admission: $20. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Proceeds: Donated to Autistics for Autistics / A4A, an autistic-led self-advocacy and activism organization.

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Event Description

Three Autistic Musicians Walk Into a Bar brings Vincent Bishop, Erin Adair, and Spencer Scharf to Avant-Garde Bar for a night of music by autistic folk musicians in celebration of a belated Autistic Pride Day.
The show features three very different autistic musicians sharing original songs, covers, stories, and whatever else happens when you give an autistic person a microphone.

Whether you\’re autistic yourself, have autistic family members or friends, or simply enjoy live music, you\’re welcome to come out and join the evening.

Proceeds from the evening will be donated to Autistics for Autistics / A4A, an autistic-led organization that advocates for autistic rights, self-advocacy, and policy change.

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Autistic Pride: Why It Matters
Autistic Pride Day is celebrated each year on June 18. It is a day that focuses on acceptance, self-advocacy, and recognizing autistic people for who they are rather than viewing autism only through the lens of challenges or deficits.

Although this concert takes place a few days later, it is intended as a way to continue that celebration. The performers hope the evening will not only showcase local musical talent but also encourage conversations about neurodiversity, inclusion, and belonging.

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The Performers:

Erin Adair
Erin Adair is an Ottawa folksinger, multi-instrumentalist, adaptive music teacher, and community song leader rooted in folk, protest music, and singalong traditions. A CBC Searchlight Top 4 finalist and Canadian Folk Music Award nominee, Erin has performed at Mariposa, Bluesfest, Folkfest, Jazzfest, and the NAC’s Fourth Stage. Their performances are heartfelt, funny, and participatory.
Instagram: @erinadairmusic
Website: erinadairmusic.com

Spencer Scharf
Spencer Scharf is an Ottawa-based folk, rock, and blues multi-instrumentalist known for his one-man-band performances. Performing on guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, keyboard, harmonica, and vocals, he has appeared hundreds of times across the region and has been invited repeatedly to perform at Ottawa Bluesfest and CityFolk.
Instagram: @scharfspencer

Vincent Bishop
Vincent Bishop is an Ottawa-based bilingual folk/country singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. A Carleton music graduate, he has released three albums and received the Robert Paquette Fund and Réseau Ontario’s “Coup de Foudre Salut!” award. He has also been nominated annually for Francophone Artist of the Year at the CMAOntario Awards since 2022. He performs with guitar, ukulele, banjo, mandolin, clarinet, jaw harp, bass, beatboxing, and live looping. His music explores optimism, identity, and his experience as an autistic artist.
Instagram: @vbishopmusic
Website: linktr.ee/vincentbishop

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Accessibility Note:
Avant-Garde Bar has two steps to enter and is not wheelchair-accessible. The venue is a bar environment, so there may be crowd noise, amplified music, and general sensory intensity. Ear protectors, earplugs, and some sensory items/fidgets will be available. We are confirming details about seating and space for mobility devices. Please contact us with specific access questions.

For more information, you can contact:
Erin Adair: [email protected]
Admin/Scheduling: [email protected]