When the rock band Krush took the stage at Jazziz Nightlife, the celebrity judges and standing-room crowd just smiled.

The children were just 10 years old, and the other nine bands competing in “Jam for the Cure, Battle of the Bands ALS” were at least teenagers.

But lead singer’s Ben Meller’s T-shirt said “watch this,” which should have been the first clue. And by the end of their song, the whole room was on its feet, screaming.

Krush won the $1,000 prize. Watch their Jan. 25 winning performance at

“If I had a hat, I’d be taking it off to you,” said judge Nicko McBrain, Iron Maiden drummer and Coral Springs restaurateur.

“You were worth the trip. I am sold,” said Tommy Mitchell, former lead singer for Blood, Sweat & Tears.

“We’ve been playing together for a year and a half,” Ben said backstage. Nicholas “Nicky” Rothschild, 10, has only been playing guitar for three years, the Boca resident said.

Among the other Boca bands that competed for exposure and the charity that night were the Mason Pace Band, Anastasia Max, Phinally Famous and Lobster Socks.

“We haven’t been in a lot of competitions,” Mason said before the show.

Entertainer Deborah Silver decided to raise money for ALS with her sister battling the illness, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Her son, Spencer Silver, a student at Claire & Emanuel G. Rosenblatt High School at Donna Klein Jewish Academy, created and produced the show. He played guitar and sang with his band Milkage as the opening act, but didn’t compete.

“Deborah got the heavy hitters,” said emcee Dale McLean, arena host for the Miami Heat. Also at the judges table and offering pointers were Dennis Lambert, who wrote 600 songs from “We Built this City” to “Baby Come Back”; vocal coach Mary Walkley, and music producer and Latin Grammy winner Paul Hoyle.

“You started off a little shaky but started to gel,” McBrain told one band a la “The Voice” and “American Idol.”

The Mizner Park venue was listed as the official Jam sponsor.

“It’s the right thing to do for the right cause,” said Dr. Steven Fagien, who co-owns the club and restaurant with his twin brother Dr. Michael Fagien and his wife Dr. Zakiya Fagien. “When Debbie Silver approached us, there was no hesitation. Our whole purpose is to bring music to our community and with this health care issue, too, we’re physicians.”

Mayor Susan Haynie read a proclamation on stage and listened to the bands with Deputy Mayor Constance Scott and Councilman Bob Weinroth and his wife Pamela.