I actually don't think you are understanding my point (or we just don't agree, which is fine). It might indeed be useful to the venue (again, probably only if owned by a corporation with multiple venues), because it would cost them very little to get a judgment. Almost certainly the performer wouldn't answer the complaint, and the court would issue a default judgment. Would cost them more than $450, but maybe not much more. Many companies do business this way - you can't just look at the $450 to make the assessment of whether the juice is worth the squeeze. And the clause is certainly worth it to them - doesn't hurt them at all to include it, and they could also use it to apply pressure if they need to.
Bottom line: I wouldn't sign this contract without modifications.