John Tesh

John Tesh struck a chord with about 1,200 fans in 2007 at Living Word Community Church in York Township.

Part concert pianist, part stand-up comic, Tesh filled the packed auditorium with laughter when he opened his show with a monologue that compared York to Los Angeles.

WARM general manager Todd Toerper said that Tesh's producer booked the show in York because of how popular Tesh's radio show is in the area.

"The John Tesh Radio Show: Music and Intelligence for Your Life" airs 7 p.m. to midnight Sundays to Fridays on WARM-FM (103.3). According to http://www.tesh.com, the show plays on 260 stations across the country and draws 8 million listeners.

Living Word Pastor Brian Rice said that Tesh often discusses relationships on his radio show.

"It was an unexpected bonus that (Tesh's) show would dovetail into a new series we are starting," Rice said.

Living Word's "The Me in We" sermon series on relationships begins Sunday and will run for nine weeks.

"Everybody is aware that relationships are difficult," Rice said. "We are trying to give people the best help they can get."

After rehearsal at 4:30 p.m., Tesh shared a meal with 100 VIPs. He answered questions and signed autographs.

Robert and Jill Curry of Hanover said they listen to "The John Tesh Radio Show" daily and even play it in the restaurant they run.

"We know what time it is when John Tesh comes on," Jill Curry said with a laugh.

The Currys saw Tesh's last performance at the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center. Prior to that show, Robert Curry had never listened to Tesh. After the show, he became a big fan.

"When I heard about the show, I bought the tickets for us right away," Curry said. "It was supposed to be a surprise, but I had to tell (my wife) right away."

Tesh, a former host of TV's "Entertainment Tonight," said music has always been his passion. "I played the piano and trumpet when I was a little kid," he said. "I got into radio and TV by accident."

Since leaving his "E.T." gig, Tesh has released three albums. "Power of Love," was nominated for a Grammy in 2003. His next album, "A Passionate Life" is set to be released in May.

As for his faith, Tesh said he grew up in the Methodist church but "went a little crazy" while in college.

"Fifteen and a half years ago I met my wife, and she put me back on the right road," he said.

Tesh lives in California with his wife, Connie Selleca, daughter, Prima, 13, and their dog.

He said living in Hollywood as a Christian is sometimes challenging.

"When you are young, that lifestyle will eat you alive," he said. "You have to guard your heart."