Editor’s Note: This is the 14th in a monthly series about iconic Gahanna businesses.
Gahanna’s Dolphin Lounge, which features live music and a 1970s-style sunken bar with lava lamps and jellyfish lights, is celebrating 50 years of family ownership this year.
Lori Ebright, also known as Lori Dolphin, or LD, by regular, became the owner of the business at 345 Agler Road after the death of her mother, Nancy Ebright, who founded it in 1972.
“Mom had 35 years, and I’ve had it for the last 15 years,” Ebright said. “We had live music from the first day the bar opened.”
She said the Dolphin Lounge is like the TV sitcom “Cheers” where everyone knows your name – from the bartender to the stage host open to the customers.
“It’s a great dive bar vibe,” Ebright said. “We offer daily drink specials.”
She said the Blue Dolphin, a mix of rums and pineapple, is the blue colored signature drink.
In 2019, Ebright said, the business was named Top Jump Bar by Big 7 Travel, ranking 30 out of 50 nationwide.
An excerpt from the listing says, “Known for its incredible live music and open mic nights, it has a sunken bar and outdoor patio. We’re thinking it hasn’t changed much since the 70s, which is why it’s so amazing.”
Ebright said that famous musicians, including Eric Clapton, are on stage.
“The talent is incredible,” she said.
Guitarist Bob Hughes said he played at all the big blues festivals in the country and abroad.
“I started fiddling with the blues when I was 8 years old,” he said. “As near as I can tell, this is the longest running blues jam (38 years) in the US.”
Hughes said he loves the mood, atmosphere and vibe of the blues jam.
“It’s the heart and soul of Lori and Lori’s mother’s understanding and provides a venue for people who love the blues,” he said. “They have inspired the understanding, the soul, the attitude and the ability to understand the music and the people who play it. It is very, very important. It’s an art form that is kept alive by very special people like Lori.”
Wade Barnett said he has been patronizing the Dolphin for the past 20 years.
He is a fan of blues music and sings and plays guitar and drums.
“What sets the (Dolphins) apart is that you have hard-core blues players in this place on Monday night,” Barnett said. “It’s fun time here every Monday night.”
Ebright said Ric Boals started a blues jam Monday night.
“My Mom was always open to any idea,” she said. “The first jam, there were six people on stage, and that was it. No audience. Over 38 years, it has grown to exactly where we have four rows. The music is incredible, amazing.”
She said the jams offer opportunities to connect bands that might be looking for a bass or keyboard player.
“Other bands have been created out of our jams,” Ebright said. “I have three hosts who run it. It’s a great way to meet other players and form bonds.”
Thom Cimicato has been working with Ebright for the past 10 years and has been the host of Monday’s open stage for the past year.
“I love the history of this place and the community,” he said. “He supports this blues jam, the longest in the country. It is a privilege. There have been thousands and thousands of players over the past 38 years that the program has been going on. They are the best musicians, and they come here to play. That’s what I like about it. It’s amazing.”
As well as the blues jam on Mondays, the Dolphin offers an open stage with Andy Spreng on Tuesdays, karaoke on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and bands on Saturdays.
Said Ebright Paint & Sip Nights are offered monthly, and comedy nights are held once every three months.
Patron Brandy Allbrite said it’s always nice to see Ebright’s smiling face behind the bar.
“It’s important to me that she’s present in her community and that she always gives back to the community,” Allbrite said. “It’s always nice to support local people, especially nowadays. Lori goes out of her way to support other places.”
Over the past 15 years, Ebright has hosted and organized more than 75 fundraisers to help those battling cancer, even a dog.
“It raises money and creates more love and support as they go through their treatments so they don’t have to worry about running back to work and paying the bills,” she said. “I always like to do something to give back. Since my mom died of cancer, I don’t have time to volunteer anywhere else. I like to work and bar-tend and be here. I feel like this is my way of giving back.”
Ebright said the Oct. 50 celebration party on Oct. 15 serves as a fundraiser for longtime Gahanna resident Rick Henry, who is battling leukemia.
She said there would be live music on the day from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m., with food trucks, a silent auction and raffles planned.
The Dolphin Lounge is open from 4 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Monday to Saturday. It is closed on Sundays.
