Next Friday, The Dolphin Swims Again

How many people drive up North Ashland and wonder what's happening with Green Dolphin Street? Closed for a year, the historic jazz club and restaurant withstood scandal, concept changes, and renovation, and now is emerging on the other side as Dolphin. Gone is the jazz and dining, a trendy dance club concept in its place.

Veteran DJ and radio host Joey Swanson spearheads the revamp, blending state-of-the-art aesthetics with top-notch musical acts like opening-night performer The Crystal Method. Swanson says all staff and talent are "rock stars, tried-and-true pros."

Designed to compete with River North clubs, Swanson says it's "closer to The Mid than Cuvee." The 13,000 square-foot interior features four rooms, five bars, and a variety of VIP sections. Video-mapping, EDM, and a 100,000 watt soundsystem assaults the senses.

They're breaking ground in March on an 8000 square-foot patio to feature daybeds, cabanas, waterfalls, reflection pools, and an outdoor grill station; hoping to open it in summer. There's no food for now, but Swanson says they're looking at catering options and even a food truck.

Violence put Green Dolphin Street in the city's spotlight, Swanson says, prompting them to close and get everything in the place up to code. Popular dance nights at the old place morphed into a full-on theme. But will club-hoppers travel northwest out out of ground zero for nightlife? Swanson and Dolphin are banking on it.

Visit the Facebook page or call 773-750-8090 for the full music schedule and ticketing.

· Dolphin [Facebook Page]
· Man Stabbed at Green Dolphin Street [~ECHI~]