Angry Donkey

Angry Donkey is a full rock/pop cover band based in Hermosa Beach, CA.

Established in November 2011, Angry Donkey started out as an acoustic duo called “Ben and Joey, Not the Ice Cream”. At the request of then owner of the Shore, Jason Baran, to have a fuller acoustic sound, Angry Donkey was formed by adding the other two founding members, Rob Lovejoy (Bass) and Arnold Libunao (Electric Drums). Playing for more than a year as an acoustic foursome, and by adding a female vocalist, Ms. Ashley Deniston, Angry Donkey began to evolve into a full-fledged rock and pop cover band. In early 2013, with the evolution of their skills, and the clamoring from an ever growing fan base, Angry Donkey was fully realized into a full-fledged cover rock and pop band with the addition of the two members; our fabulous lead singer (Kati Caliber), and our rapper/keyboard player (A.J. Brandt). We fined tune our line up in January 2015 with the exit of Joey Farrales and A.J. Brandt to a powerful five piece with the addition of our phenomenal keyboard player Cece Xilan Wen.
 
Angry Donkey boast an impressive list of venue partners such as: Saint Rocke, Grauman’s Chinese Theater (Hollywood), Hennessey’s (Manhattan Beach), The Lighthouse Cafe, Shore, Studio, Twelve and Highland and Morning View Studios in Malibu.
 
Angry Donkey plays a wide range of cover songs from the 50's until the present pop hits.
 
We are South bay’s true hometown cover band!
With over 20 years of vocal training, Kati’s versatility as a musician is apparent by her 4 octave vocal range, broad scope of experience, strong work ethic and demand for perfection. From St. Louis, MI, now living in Los Angeles, CA, Kati welcomes new adventures and chances to explore her creative side.

Kati Caliber (Lead Singer)

She regularly sings live gigs with Angry Donkey, as well as session work, and is currently collaborating with other talented musicians to write original music of her own. Eager to take on new opportunities and challenges with energy and excitement, she always makes the event a fun time.

Cece Xilan Wen (Keyboard Player)

Cece Wen is a film composer, songwriter and game music producer. A native of China, Cece graduated from New York University with a Master's degree in scoring for film and multimedia.

Cece has been commissioned by NYU Symphony Orchestra while a student in NYU, also has composing and conducting for four live recording sessions. Cece is a multi-instrumentalist playing piano, guitar and erhu, currently a keyboardist in Los Angeles based rock band Angry Donkey.

Arnold Libunao (Drummer)

Arnold was born and raised in Chicago, and has been drumming since age nine. He developed his early technical chops through the Drum & Bugle Corp. Taught by rock drummers & studio drummers, Arnold boasts impressive influences through Jazz, Funk, Rock and Classical. His inspirations are an eclectic mix with the likes of; Tony Williams, Dave Weckl, Steve Gadd, Bernard Purdie and Dennis Chambers.

Arnold has performed with various cover bands throughout his tenure, and brings the “fusion flava” to Angry Donkey. A recent South Bay resident, Arnold is one of the founding members of Angry Donkey.

Rob Lovejoy (Bass)

Rob Lovejoy, a boy that was truly raised in “South Detroit”, completes our back line with his “Thicka than a Snicka” Bass sound. Rob has been playing in cover bands since High School. In college year’s at Michigan State University, his band came in third place in a “battle of the bands” of more than fifty entries.
 
Heavily influenced by bands from the 90’s, he brings the “Weezer” love to the forefront. Another long time Hermosa Beach/Redondo Beach resident, Rob is another founding member of the “Donkey’s.

Ben Zachariah (Lead Guitarist)

Ben hails from the great state and city of New York. Ben began his musical journey almost twenty years ago. Coming from a musical background of a grandmother who was a concert pianist. A mother who was a former opera singer, who performed with Pia Zadora, and currently is live theater performer; Ben has music in his blood. Originally trained by Vinny Appice on percussion, Ben has played almost every instrument imaginable in every kind of band, finally settling on “shredding” lead guitar.
 
Ben truly represents the “old school rocker, hair metal fanatic” of Angry Donkey. He dates his band experience back to high school through college, and well into his professional life. His past bands have opened up, or played with the likes of Ronnie James, Dio, Blotto, The Goo Dolls, Jesus Jones and The Kinks. Now a six year Hermosa Beach resident, Ben has played in several local bands such as Senior Management, The Shit Show, 86 Proof and of course as a founding member of the fabulous Angry Donkey.

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