I would focus on perhaps recording them and putting them on you-tube.

And I would let capitalism work or not work. Let someone earn $50 or $100 or a percentage of take in exchange for doing the work of setting up, publicizing etc...there are plenty of semi-retired people who could use an extra $100...figure out what to do if there is not much "take" at the door, how to split it. Lots of performers have day jobs or are somewhat retired and don't necessarily need huge amounts of money, but might not have time to set up things themselves.

I like the idea of a monthly or oftener thing in the libraries..can they accept donations there? Afternoons are great..easier to get to etc. Child friendly is good if kids are well behaved.

You are under no obligation to provide this service..focus on what you can do that others can not do..a high school student could set up chairs and take money and set out cookies..you are needed to do the writing, the historical stuff and I hope the web presence. mg