There are no real advantages for an individual to incorporate, it mostly adds paperwork.

The vehicle needed might be to follow the lead of the UK and form a permanent Friends of Mudcat U.S.   It could be set up either as a nonprofit corporation or foundation, either of which then makes grants to Max's operation (and/or to the progation of folk music in any other way, for that matter--the vehicle could run a festival or print a book or make other grants, etc.) Leave the Mudcat operation to be done the way Max prefers, just have a more organized way for friends to contribute funds. Advantage to the 501 or foundation is it makes it easier to leave legacy gifts when we pass on to the great hootenanny in the sky.

I love the barometer idea too, is there a graphics artist who could provide a freshly painted one weekly or whatever?