Some fresh faces showing up on stage at the Friday Night Jamboree lately but none fresher (or younger) than this group of kids from Maryland (that’s right, Maryland). Calling themselves the Rip Off Con Artists, these kids are fresh off a first place showing in the Old Time Band division of the 2005 Fiddlers’ Convention in Carroll County, Maryand, and they lived up to their name, literally stealing the show Friday night by amazing everyone with their musical skill and mixing traditional bluegrass with some folk-rock ballads.

They grew up in the Martin Family Sring Band, which has been performing nationally for the past 10 years but recently went out on their own to perform their own mix of old time country, Irish, folk, pop and whatever. That’s Emily Martin on Mandolin, Lydia Martin on clawhammer banjo and Claude Martin on fiddle. Patrick Ruffner’s (right) drum set is a variety of pots, pans, buckets, cowbells, and a dishrack (he also plays standup bass).

They hope to come back next week or maybe the week after. If they do, you should make a point to see and hear some musical talent that’s coming out of Maryland.