[keat]

Well it seems clear she is owed for the currently booked shows. Screw small claims court - it's a crapshoot and some appointed non-judge will just split your claim down the middle. Hire a lawyer to send one letter demanding the $1300 plus his costs. I bet my hat that will do it.

[keat]

One more thing - with a good lawyer my plan will fly with or without a written contract. I doubt they have the stomach for a fight.

[handk]

A much cheaper alternative would be to write the demand letter yourself (in legalese), and then "cc" (courtesy copy) to an attorney of your choice, at the bottom of the letter. The recipient will assume that you've hired an attorney. Same effect. Cost? Paper plus postage.

And of course, you actually send a "courtesy copy" to that attorney.