Comedy is here (Hippo), there (the Web) and everywhere (WUSM).

Music may be omnipresent in today's society. It may be there at the coffee shop, in the elevator, even the ringtone that lets you know someone wants to talk. The same cannot be said for comedy.

Comedy has come a long way since someone stood in front of a brick wall reciting jokes and offering witty observations.

Today's best comedy dangles before us something far more advanced than what we all hate about flying, driving or hundreds of other activities represented in gerund form.

While the variety show disappeared long ago, our generation continues to look back fondly on this time.

Sharon "Mama" Spell is a comedy artist blending comedy, tragedy and art into her performances.

Since funny people often are the offspring of hilarious families, I thought I'd begin my interview with the maternal one with a simple question: If comedy was part of her DNA.

"Are you trying to get in my genes?" Mama quickly retorted, "because really, they are too small for you to see. I mean if I turn sideways, you'll miss them completely."

After that side-splitting exchange, Mama then revealed that her family is her No. 1 influence and the glory days of "Saturday Night Live" also left an imprint on her.

"I loved watching Gilda Radner and Steve Martin," Mama said. "But it was my family that reinforced my creativity and allowed me to be influenced by everything that was around me."

Mama's show is a one-woman extravaganza where she's Liza wrapped up in Lucille Ball mixing comedy, tragedy and art.

"All you have to do is hear me sing," said Spell, explaining her unique blend. "With this mixture, I'm just trying to cover my bases. If somebody doesn't find me funny, then it's sad. If it's not sad, then it's funny. Either way, it's all art."

This Southern Miss graduate now resides in Pittsburgh and is taking her show on the road this summer to compile highlights for a DVD. Sharon will perform tonight with The Archtop Orchestra opening at The Thirsty Hippo.

If you simply can't see Mama in person, you can visit her Web site at mamarama.net

....To enjoy more of the interviews with Sharon "Mama" Spell, Jon Wurster and Jesse Thorn, visit the WUSM Web site.

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