Comedy comes back to MOA A new era for Twin Cities comedy clubs begins Wednesday when Rick Bronson's House of Comedy opens at Mall of America. The 350-seat venue will supply instant competition to Acme and smaller clubs such as the Joke Joint and the Comedy Gallery. It also will provide a much-needed spark for the megamall's fourth floor. The club will schedule shows Wednesdays through Sundays, with an open mike on Tuesdays. Comedian Jeff Capri kicks off the first week of shows. Bronson, who runs the Comic Strip in Canada's Edmonton megamall, said he'll book such big names as D.L. Hughley and Norm Macdonald (who performs in October). The 6,000-square-foot theater will be accompanied by a restaurant called R Burger Bar. Check back soon for a full report.

First show: 8 p.m. Wed. Fourth floor, Mall of America. $13. 18 and older. 952-858-8558. www.houseofcomedy.net.

Wakeboard Jam Wakeboarding is a lake thing around here. But on Saturday, wakeboarders will bring the water sport to the streets of Uptown for a peculiar event called "Recession Session Mpls." The side street between Stella's and Cowboy Slim's will shut down tonight, and two pools will be erected for Saturday's wakeboarding show. At the show, a dozen wakeboarders will show their stuff -- jumping, spinning and flipping as they're pulled from one pool to the next by a winch. DJs will provide the music. The crew behind this rare stunt is led by Doug Herman of Freshtip Design (Scion is sponsoring). Herman said he's using the event as an unconventional way to promote wakeboarding and to raise awareness for small businesses. As the pools are being built tonight, you can also watch a trio of nationally known graffiti artists paint a 32-foot-long mural (which will serve as the backdrop for Saturday's show).

2-10 p.m. Sat. Near the corner of Lake St. and Girard Av. S., Mpls. Free. More info: e-mail fresh@freshtip.tv.

Salsa Police to the rescue The Salsa Police are famous for their busy dance nights at the Loring Pasta Bar in Dinkytown. On Sunday they're planning an all-day affair down the block at the Varsity Theater, which will feature workshops, salsa performances and a late-night dance party. They'll offer four classes between 1 and 5 p.m. At 8 p.m. they'll have a salsa showcase featuring professional dancers. The dance party begins at 10 p.m. with a red-carpet entrance.

Sun. 1308 SE. 4th St., Mpls. Classes $15, or $40 for four. $10 for showcase and dance. $50 for all. 1-9 p.m. all ages. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. 18 and older. 612-722-2016. www.myspace.com/thesalsapolice.