From a business standpoint, I've never been a big fan of artists paying to get on shows. Often times, the shows are shitty and aren't well promoted. Take your bread and invest it into something thats going to provide a return on your investment (ROI) i.e. setting up your own shows/tours and so on. How does paying to get on a show benefit you as an artist? Some promoters run game as if they are providing you with exposure to a "new" audience but couldn't you do the same if you invested that same amount of money into promotion, marketing, and branding? Point blank, if an artist(-s) brings a decent crowd and adds value to the show, he/she/they should be paid accordingly.
Learn the business and find your own lane. Make dope music and put out A+ product. Build your fan base and relationships organically.