Sharptons plan to separate

New York — The Rev. Al Sharpton and his wife, Kathy Jordan Sharpton, have announced their separation after 23 years of marriage.

The Sharptons said in a statement Friday that they would “remain on the best of terms.”

The pair “have extremely active careers and their separation allows them to continue pursuing their work interests,” the statement said. “They will continue to work together in their civil rights work and in their other business ventures, including those in the entertainment industry.”

Shaw among Jazz Masters

Seattle — Former big band leader Artie Shaw is among seven artists who have been named National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters.

Since 1982, the National Endowment has awarded the title to a handful of living jazz musicians and promoters to recognize their contributions to the music form.

Those honored also include guitarist Kenny Burrell, clarinetist-saxophonist Paquito D’Rivera, composer Slide Hampton, singer Shirley Horn, keyboardist Jimmy Smith and jazz impresario George Wein. The announcement was made Thursday at a gala hosted by Seattle’s Earshot Jazz Society.

The seven will officially receive their awards at a Jan. 7 concert and ceremony in Long Beach, Calif.

‘Late Late Show’ call-backs

New York — “The Late Late Show” is asking four guest hosts to stay a little longer.

Actors Craig Ferguson and Michael Ian Black, comedian D.L. Hughley and MTV “Total Request Live” host Damien Fahey have been invited back for one-week tryouts as host of the CBS late-night talk show, which is searching for a replacement for Craig Kilborn.

Ferguson is up first, starting next week, followed by Hughley, Fahey and Black.

Fahey will have to make the quickest impression. He drew Thanksgiving week, when there will be only three shows.

Worldwide Pants hopes to announce its selection next month.

Keith loves this bar

Oklahoma City — Country music star Toby Keith broke ground for a 600-seat restaurant and music hall along a canal in the Bricktown entertainment district.

I Love This Bar & Grill will be built at a cost of $4.7 million and is scheduled to open next spring. Keith lives in the Oklahoma City area.

“When I’m home, I plan to come by my bar for a cold one, kick back and enjoy the music,” the 43-year-old singer said.

The 12,000-square-foot venue is named after a popular Keith song, “I Love This Bar.”

“The whole concept reflects my passion for Oklahoma and where everyone will feel comfortable,” he said.