Legendary luthier and Maryland native son Paul Reed Smith has expanded operations at his Stevensville headquarters to include the “West Street East” museum, a store and factory tours. The opportunity to tour the facility is big news in the music community. PRS guitars and amps are considered some of the finest in the world and have earned a cult-like following among musicians who demand the best. PRS devotees include rock icons Carlos Santana, Ray Davies, Dave Navarro, Richie Sambora and many, many more. Tours run 90 minutes and are held Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information, visit prsguitars.com.

If your co-workers are looking a bit red-eyed in the morning and water cooler conversations are lasting a bit longer than usual, the return of Netflix’s House of Cards and legendary bad guy Frank Underwood could be to blame. In the six weeks leading up to the February 27 release of the wildly popular Maryland-based production, House of Cards' Facebook and Twitter following grew by more than 300,000 including a staggering 742 percent jump in a single day, and the show's release has thrust Maryland back into the limelight. In addition to showing off great Maryland locations, the series’ use of local film industry professionals highlights the skill and dedication of these Maryland film and television professionals.

The 87 winners of the 2015 Individual Artist Awards were announced March 3. The class of outstanding photographers, writers, composers and performers were selected from more than 400 applicants. The Maryland State Arts Council recognized the Maryland artists for creating work of exceptional quality within a range of disciplines. Prizes are $1,000, $3,000 and $6,000. A celebration in honor of Maryland’s 2015 Individual Arts awardees will be June 8, 2015 at the American Visionary Museum, Baltimore.
Pictured: Detail of Rivering Night by Aline Feldman, 2013 Individual Artist Award Recipient.

Two iconic Maryland destinations are in the running for the top spot in a pair of USA Today “Best” polls. St. Michaels is in the running for “Best Coastal Town" and Fort McHenry has been nominated in the category of “Best National Monument." You can vote once per day. “Best Coastal Town” voting ends at noon, March 16; follow this link to vote. Voting for best National Monument ends at noon on March 30; follow this link to vote. Get out the vote and help these Maryland destinations get the recognition they deserve!

Each week, the Maryland Minute provides highlights and insights on this weekend’s events around the state. Maryland Minute is featured on CBS radio stations in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. and on Baltimore’s WBAL-AM 1090.