Amplifying the Hobbes

What I need is equipment that will allow me to record storytelling shows that I'm doing. It's all spoken word, but the show may occasionally include one or two musicians.

For the microphone, the SM58 has come highly recommended by the musicians I know. What I need now is way to connect that microphone through another device to the computer. I'm guessing that I need to connect it to an amp, pre-amp, or some kind of sound board.

Any advice to offer there? What type of equipment would I need to ensure the quality of the sound output, and then be able to connect it to a laptop so that I can record the event (I already have the necessary software to do the recording).

**Edit**
Okay, I would think I could use the following equipment to do what I'm looking to do:

• Microphone
• USB recorder (I've used one these before to record in a soundproof room)
• Mixing board (too much for my needs?)

Opinions? Could I get away with just the microphone and the USB recorder, or do I need the mixing board too?