You'd have to be a true curmudgeon to detract from the loving spirit, noble intentions and what will assuredly be an evening of wonderful music Saturday at Pettypalooza, taking place in New London's Hygienic Art Park.

Yeah, it's already been a year since Tom Petty soared off into the Great Wide Open, and feel free to insert the wistful and more than understandable "How time flies" comments at any point.

On the bill for the tribute will be New York City ace guitarists Earl Slick and Jeff "But I WAS born in New London" Slate, Learning to Fly and The Rivergods — along with plenty of special guests. There aren't enough hours in an evening to play all the great Petty tunes, but this group of folks will have a great time trying.

Oh, that curmudgeon thing: I'd sort of like to pick Slick's brain a while or hear some of his own great tunes as per the "Razor Sharp" album — or maybe just some anecdotes from his time as lead guitarist on Lennon/Oko's "Double Fantasy" album; tours and sessions with David Bowie; and various other collaborations with such diverse folks as Robert Smith, John Waite and David Coverdale. 

Maybe some other time. Saturday's all about Tom — and that Slick and Slate are taking part is a very cool thing. The show's sponsored by New London's Spindrift Guitars, and a portion of the proceeds benefit the Connecticut Humane Society.

Pettypalooza, 6 p.m. Saturday, Hygienic Art Park, 79 Bank St., New London; $15 advance, $20 day of show; hygienic.org.