Jason Weems
Austin Detours

Jason Weems is a tour guide for Austin Detours and has been in Austin for more than 18 years. He was able to find a community in Austin and started playing and even hosting shows, like the long running Austin Songwriters Showcase that owned the Tuesday night slot at Trophys (now CBoys) for just under a decade. As soon as he recognized what was happening here in regards to Austin being such a cultural magnet, there was never a question of where he’d grow roots - he was in from day one.

“Tour guide is the job function and I adore telling folks about the sights, but that isn't really what we do. We help people find that story of Austin that they'll share with all their friends and family and neighbors for years to come. What an honor! I hear again and again that our city is so friendly. That we're so creative. That there's something... different... going on here. That's exactly what I sounded like when I got here. So many people think that old Austin is gone, but nothing could be further from the truth. It just got bigger. I'm so proud that while learning to balance a whole new set of issues and opportunities, our community has kept its center in so many important and relevant ways. I hope we always keep it weird.”

Photographed at the Rainey Street food truck park.