I agree you can win with an oral contract but my point, from watching Judge Judy is, the oral contract is for you to play friday for 200 dollars. You didn't play friday, for whatever reason. So I think unless there was a very specific agreement about who, why, when a cancellation could occur and what are the penalties you're out of luck. If you actually showed up for the job and them was told they didn't need you you might have a case. And for future dates you might have to prove you turned down other work on those dates.
I'll bet your wedding contract has a specific cancellation clause.

I have been to court a few times myself, like you, over weddings or private parties but in that case, like I said everything is spelled out in advance.
This is just my opinion I could be wrong, I agree the whole thing stinks.
I wish you good luck. and if you decide to go ahead keep us informed we could all learn from your experience.

[This message has been edited by mikeathome1 (edited 10-02-2007).]