Right now, performance checks have a seemingly uniform difficulty regardless of where you are, and the result of them is purely cosmetic. I have a couple ideas to make them feel more interesting that shouldn't interfere with the city gigs system.
A) Make performance checks easier or harder based on where you are, with an echo saying how tough the crowd is when you start a performance. The Panopticon is a movement hub that people can pop into at any time so they've probably heard a lot of Deshret's shittiest karaoke. Under Heaven has a dedicated, maintained stage and hired performers so patrons there will have higher standards. Symphony audition halls will have higher standards still.
B) Add low-stakes consequences to performance checks. They don't have to be significant, but adding double-digit mark tips to successful performances. Said marks should have their own daily cap and contribute to your overall weekly cap. In addition, like the bull at Holy Cow, there should be some minor penalties for poor performance checks, like bruises from getting a full beer can thrown at you. I think these consequences wouldn't be major enough to majorly change the game for performers but would go a long way in adding flavor to the performance skill and would let it feel like it has impact.