Unless the laws have just changed, there is no charge to the performer just for performing. That liability belongs to the owner of the venue or the promoter who has contracted for the place to put on a show. For that there is a yearly license that can be bought. I am a member of BMI, and the fee schedule they sent me shows, for recordings, 6 cents per salable copy per song, so if you record a copyrighted song and make a thousand copies you would owe $60. As to finding the composer or licensee, write to the Harry Fox Agency in NY, and they will tell you who holds the cr and at least a start on how to find them or their agent(s).

Chet