Another festival returns to Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park is back in action with the return of yet another major festival this spring and summer.

On Friday, Peachtree TV announced that Screen on the Green, the popular outdoor movie series, would return to Piedmont Park after two years in Centennial Olympic Park. Last month, city officials announced the annual Atlanta Jazz Festival would also return to the 185-acre park in Midtown. Both festivals are able to return to Piedmont Park now that drought restrictions have been lifted.

"We are thrilled as a result of the cooperative weather, as well as our well-digging efforts, that we now have the ability to take care of the problem with regard to water," said Yvette Bowden, president and CEO of the Piedmont Park Conservancy.

This will be the 11th year of Screen on the Green, which takes place May 27 through June 24. Movies in the lineup range from classics to newer releases including "National Treasure," "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen," "Dreamgirls," "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope" and a final film to be determined by viewers' choice. In the running this year are "Jurassic Park," "Casino Royale" and "The Incredible Hulk" (the 2008 version). Viewers can vote for their choice April 12 through April 30 at peachtreetv.com.

Moviegoers are invited to bring picnic baskets and alcoholic beverages, but not glass containers, grills, umbrellas or high-backed chairs. In addition, pets are not allowed. It takes a lot of rain for the event to be canceled, said Sarah Schmitz, spokeswoman for Turner Classic Movies and Peachtree TV, but if bad weather does occur, the movies are not rescheduled.

The 33rd annual Atlanta Jazz Festival's 31 days of jazz around the city culminates with the traditional Memorial Day weekend celebration in Piedmont Park. Events taking place during the 31 days include a May 11 appearance by Corinne Bailey Rae at Center Stage, Friday Jazz at the High Museum on May 21 and a gospel jazz brunch at Park Tavern on May 30.

The lineup for the May 29 and 30 festival in Piedmont Park features these additions to May 29: Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue and Swing Streets to Swing Beats. "Trombone Shorty" Andrews is a 23-year-old trombone and trumpet player who performs high-energy funk rock, while Swing Streets to Swing Beats features Esperanza Spalding and Raydar Ellis among a group of contemporary jazz artists united for a celebration of jazz and hip-hop. Also on May 29 will be a previously announced act: Marcus Miller and featured performer Christian Scott will perform "Tutu Revisited, the Music of Miles Davis."