Professor Phineas Poon and the Red Dog Saloon: The Haunting in Juneau

Professor Phineas Poon and the Red Dog Saloon: The Haunting in Juneau

A legendary saloon. A piano that defined the room. And a performer some say never truly left. This is the haunting story of Professor Phineas Poon.

This episode is a narrative exploration of Alaska’s history, culture, and folklore, based on publicly available historical records, oral traditions, and multiple secondary sources. Details are presented for educational and storytelling purposes and may reflect differing historical interpretations.

Legends and traditional stories are shared respectfully and in context. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any historical institution, cultural group, or cruise line.

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Hey cruisers! If you’ve ever visited Juneau on an Alaska cruise, chances are you’ve heard of the Red Dog Saloon. It’s one of the most famous stops in town, known for lively piano music, sing-alongs, and a rowdy frontier atmosphere that feels like stepping back into another era. But like many historic places in Alaska, the Red Dog also carries stories that go a little deeper than what you see during a busy cruise day.

One of those stories centers on a legendary piano player named Tyler Dean Eckles, better known by his stage name, Professor Phineas Poon. For years, he was part of the heart and soul of the Red Dog’s music scene, entertaining crowds and shaping the unique personality of the room. Even today, longtime locals and performers still talk about the impact he had on the saloon and the generations of visitors who experienced the music there.

But in Juneau, the story doesn’t quite end there. Like many places with a long history and a lot of personality, the Red Dog Saloon has picked up a few legends along the way. Some of those stories involve strange sounds after closing time. Others focus on the idea that certain places hold onto the people who helped define them. Whether you believe those stories or not, they’ve become part of the folklore that surrounds one of Juneau’s most recognizable landmarks.

In the latest episode of CruiseTipsTV Unplugged: Alaska Lore & Legends, we take a deeper dive into the history of the Red Dog Saloon, the life of the man behind the piano, and the haunting legend that still lingers in downtown Juneau. If you enjoy Alaska history, local folklore, and a good mystery that’s tied to a real place you might visit on your next cruise, this is one story you won’t want to miss.

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