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.
The spring 2023 Hard Freight Café open mic event was held on Tuesday, March 28, in the Titelman Study of the Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts. Students and faculty performed music and shared poems, stories, essays, and visual art. Kicking off the evening were readings by Ian Marshall, professor emeritus of English and environmental studies, and Lee Peterson, associate professor of English. The event was sponsored by Hard Freight, Penn State Altoona's student literary arts magazine.
The crowd listens to Ian Marshall reading from his novel.
Ian Marshall, professor emeritus of English and environmental studies, reads from his new novel, Adventures of Ordinary Man!
Ian Marshall's new novel.
Lee Peterson's new book of poetry.
Lee Peterson reads from her new book of poetry, In the Hall of North American Mammals.
The crowd listens to Lee Peterson read her poetry.
Aidan Pellegrino, Editor-in-Chief of Hard Freight, welcomes the audience.
Student Madison Eisaman reads a poem.
Student Yeyya Wane reads a poem.
Student Emera Gregor reads a poem.
Student Lydia Guttshall reads a short story.
Student Logan Wertz reads her work.
Student Nia Hubbard reads a poem.
Student Abbie Woods reads her work.
Student Talon McKendree shares his artwork.
Student Maddy Colello performs a song.
Tom Liszka, professor emeritus of English, reads a poem.
Brittany Shroeder reads a creative nonfiction essay.
Patricia Jabbeh Wesley, professor of English, reads a poem.
Student Danni West-Habjanetz reads a poem.
Student Maya Connell performs a song.
Student Makaylah Bangura performs a song a cappella.
Student Emma Moniz reads a short story.
Student Rose Ried reads a poem.
