Editor's note: This version corrects the date of the concert.

It was without question a mild winter. But admit it — during that one blizzard, or the cold, soggy rains of February, or while kicking through the sludgy piles of post-Thanksgiving dead leaves, you were dreaming of the "Music in the Meadow" concert, weren't you?

And why not? Held each June in the outdoor theater on the grounds of the Connecticut College Arboretum overlooking that idyllic pond, the multi-act "Music in the Meadow" concert is certainly a beguiling way to inaugurate All Things Summer.

This year's show on Friday features the event's founding host act The Rivergods, harmony-folk trio the CarLeans, and New London's exquisitely funky Franklin Brothers.

Four years ago, inspired by the long-running success of the Flock Theater's summer Shakespeare productions in the arboretum, it occurred Rivergods leader Ben Parent that a similar presentation — only with music — also might be successful.

"The arboretum is one of the most beautiful spaces in southeastern Connecticut," Parent says, "and it made perfect sense to have music in the open meadow by the pond, surrounded by trees and wilderness. (Arboretum director and musician) Glenn Dreyer and I were talking, and I said, 'If they can do this with theater, we can do this with music.' Glenn really wanted to see more happening in the Arboretum for the greater community. And it's taken off from there."

Those familiar with the setting — a few hundred yards down a gradual slope from the arboretum's front gates — immediately agree with Parent's assessment that the area is "so beautiful and magical, really." But did the location ever intimidate Parent — just in terms of stage set up, electricity and equipment load-ins and -outs?

"The logistics weren't so bad once we figured it out," Parent laughs. "Initially, the lighting was a bit of a challenge, but Flock helped us out. And there actually is ample power run down there in a few spots. So it's not as remote as it seems. And the food trucks and restrooms are close by — just up the hill — so it works out. Frankly, I think the rusticness of the event is part of the charm."

Given The Rivergods' well-earned excellent reputation as a visionary Americana band, the concerts understandably have emphasized a roots-driven sound. The 'gods, for almost 20 years old now, have won numerous state-wide awards for their melodic and crafted sound, most recently enjoyed on their "Never Grow Old" EP.

The motif continues this year with the CarLeans, a relatively new act featuring Jim Carpenter and Corina Malbaurn of The Hoolios and Sarah MacLean of the MacLean Sisters. The CarLeans recently released their debut album, "Drowning Moon," and last week won two trophies at this month's Whalie Awards ceremony celebrating local music.

Adding the Franklin Brothers to the bill is a bit of a stylistic departure — depending on how your ears work. An accomplished and sophisticated group — sonic touchstones might be Steely Dan or Bonerama — the Franklins should add a bit of syncopation to the Meadow proceedings. Parent says putting them on the bill was an easy and inspired idea.

"I see what the Franklin Brothers do as a natural extension of the blues-based tradition that underpins a lot of what's classified as Americana music," Parent says. "Maybe there's a few more horn and keyboard solos instead of pedal-steel guitar, but the Franklin Brothers are about as good as it gets around here, musician-wise. You'll be grinning the whole time — and probably on your feet dancing, too."

That applies across the board at the Meadow shows, where the crowd demographics are probably best described as "family-friendly."

"Playing in bars and clubs certainly has its charms, but I think festivals and outdoor gigs allow everyone to kick back and relax a little more," Parent says. "Kids love music and intuitively respond to good music, especially younger kids. When you see a bunch of kids running around in circles, bopping up and down to the music, you know you're doing something right. Plus, as a parent myself, I know it gets logistically more challenging to get out regularly once you have kids. I think a lot of families are looking for opportunities like this where the kids have a good time — and so do the parents."

Advance tickets are available in the arboretum office, 103 Olin Science Center, on the Conn campus. Fans are welcome to bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnics and mosquito repellant. Muchies Food Truck will be on hand. Parking is available along Williams Street or on campus at the Horizon House (admissions).

Music in the Meadow, 7 p.m., gates 6 p.m. Friday (rain date 4:30 p.m. Sunday), the Arboretum, 270 Williams St., New London; $10 adults, $8 advance, $5 children under 12; (860) 439-5020.