The Short List: This Week's Recommended Shows

Brett Dennen ~ Saturday, March 14

"This guy is a camp counselor with a guitar" could be criticism of any flash-in-the-pan acoustic axeman to make a splash on adult-contemporary radio. But unlike the long- and short-hairs who ape James Taylor to death, Brett Dennen has an ace in the hole: He really is a camp counselor with a guitar, via the Mosaic Project, a nonprofit targeting kids in California. And he's seemingly content to make a living merely by extending his campfire. There's no hint of delusion that he's penning the next Mud Slide Slim or Tea for the Tillerman. He's just a sandy-haired kid who pens songs kids like to roast s'mores to. With Angus & Julia Stone. Showbox at the Market, 1426 First Ave., 628-3151. 8 p.m. $22.50 adv./$25 DOS. All ages. CHRIS KORNELIS

Roger Kisby

 . . . And you will know us by the trail of spray paint.

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Von Iva ~ Monday, March 16

Electro-punk trio Von Iva first gained notoriety in the Bay Area for their Suicide Girl pinup-model looks and explosive live performances. They pour whiskey on their fans, gyrate atop speakers, and strut in stilettos, all while playing kick-ass dance music influenced by disco, electronica, and punk. The band's 2008 EP Girls on Film sounds like something the Donnas would record, except rawer and sexier. Von Iva frontwoman Jillian Iva trumps her competition when she throatily sings lyrics like "Reveal your back seat dreams to me/Put your tight skirt on and bend for me." Admittedly, it's hard to distinguish whether Von Iva is a musical or an exhibitionist act. Maybe it's a little of both. With Semi Precious Weapons, the Greatest Hits, The Knast, Creem City, and Sister Hyde. El Corazon, 109 Eastlake Ave., 381-3094. 7 p.m. $8 adv./$10 DOS. All ages. ERIKA HOBART