ALLEYLOOPS

Above, photos of AlleyLoops in action in Portland and Boise

AlleyLoops is Emily Larkin, Patrick Short and the Boss RC-505 MkII Looping Machine

Founded way back in 2024 at CSz Portland, AlleyLoops creates improvised songs based on audience stories about the good things in their lives.

Sets range from 30 - 60 minutes. Some songs are created when audience members select the number of a pre-recorded loop or keyboard setting (we have 150+ of those) and some are created from the beat on up - Emily beatboxes, we add loops in layers on top of that and invent the lyrics as we sing along to the result. Our show ends with an audience sing-along, bringing everyone together for a beautiful moment of community.

Emily, Larkin, originally from the Twin Cities, began performing at an early age. She flew out west to study at Willamette University. She has performed improv, sketch, and drag at CSz Portland, Curious Comedy, Kickstand Comedy, Bridge City Improv, and more. Her combination of musical theater and improv backgrounds make AlleyLoops the perfect opportunity to explore her favorite elements of performance!

Patrick Short is the former owner and GM of CSz Portland (1993-2025) and has been performing, teaching and facilitating improv training since 1987. He loves all kinds of improv, but especially musical improv. In addition to AlleyLoops, he produced and directed Vision🖤 Euro (Portland), an improvised song contest in 2025. You can find his albums of pop music at patrickshort.bandcamp.com

The extremely cool Boss RC-505 MkII Looper is the reason AlleyLoops exists. We always have to mention its full name, and we (Patrick) sometimes hit the wrong buttons, and then we have to improvise around that. It's all about fun, positivity and hope!

We’ve played many times at CSz Portland, and have played shows in Seattle and Boise as well. We are open to a variety of venues and situations. There is some tech involved, but we can even provide the PA system if needed.

AlleyLoops is suitable for all audiences.

Contact AlleyLoops via Patrick Short: patrick@portlandcomedy.com