Hard Freight is Penn State Altoona's literary arts magazine, combining the best student writing in nonfiction, fiction, and poetry, with stunning visual art. The magazine's name refers to Altoona's long history with the railroad industry and its culture. Hard Freight is edited and produced by Penn State Altoona students, and students may register for English 209 to receive credit for this experience. Interested in submitting your work, visit our submissions page.
Hard Freight Open Mic Café
In addition to our online magazine, an open mic Hard Freight Café is held once a semester. The event, which is open to the campus and community, provides students with an opportunity to showcase their writing, music, and other performances. Dates will be announced in advance.
More than sixty students, faculty, staff, and community members attended the spring Hard Freight Café open mic on Tuesday, March 29, in the Titelman Study of the Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts. The event kicked off with readings by English professors Todd Davis and Erin Murphy who launched their new books of poetry. Attendees then read from their original poems and stories, performed music, and shared work by their favorite writers. The event was sponsored by Penn State Altoona's English program and Hard Freight, Penn State Altoona's literary arts magazine.
A student presents to the audience at the spring 2022 Hard Freight Café
Image: Erin Murphy
A Penn State Altoona offers a reading at the spring 2022 Hard Freight Café
Image: Erin Murphy
Student perform at the spring 2022 Hard Freight Café.
Image: Erin Murphy
A student offers a reading at the spring 2022 Hard Freight Café.
Image: Erin Murphy
A student offers a reading at the spring 2022 Hard Freight Café.
Image: Erin Murphy
Todd Davis, professor of English and environmental studies, offers a reading of his work at the spring 2022 Hard Freight Café.
Image: Erin Murphy
A student offers a reading at the spring 2022 Hard Freight Café.
Image: Erin Murphy
A student offers a reading at the spring 2022 Hard Freight Café.
Image: Erin Murphy
A student offers a reading at the spring 2022 Hard Freight Café.
Image: Erin Murphy
Erin Murphy, professor of English, offers a reading of her work at the spring 2022 Hard Freight Café.
Image: Erin Murphy
Ian Marshal performs at the spring 2022 Hard Freight Café.
Image: Erin Murphy
A student offers a reading at the spring 2022 Hard Freight Café.
Image: Erin Murphy
A student offers a reading at the spring 2022 Hard Freight Café.
Image: Erin Murphy
A student offers a reading to the audience at the spring 2022 Hard Freight Café.
Image: Erin Murphy
A student offers a reading at the spring 2022 Hard Freight Café.
Image: Erin Murphy
A student offers a reading at the spring 2022 Hard Freight Café.
Image: Erin Murphy
A student offers a reading at the spring 2022 Hard Freight Café.
Image: Erin Murphy
A student offers a reading at the spring 2022 Hard Freight Café.
Image: Erin Murphy
A student offers a reading at the spring 2022 Hard Freight Café.
Image: Erin Murphy
A student offers a reading at the spring 2022 Hard Freight Café.
Image: Erin Murphy
