The spring 2026 Hard Freight open mic was held on Tuesday, March 17, in the Titelman Study of the Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts. The event is sponsored by Hard Freight, Penn State Altoona’s student literary arts magazine. Students interested in serving as editors of Hard Freight may enroll in ENGL 209: Journal Practicum. The one-credit course is offered every semester and is open to all majors. Students may take the course up to eight times.
Since the event was held on St. Patrick’s Day, attendees who wore green were eligible for Irish-themed door prizes. The winners’ names were drawn by Penn State Altoona Chancellor Ron Darbeau. Winners were McCailey Flaugh, Aeryal Pallazi, and Isabel Garcia.
Student Addison Connelly performs a song by The Strokes.
Student Natalie Vora reads an original poem.
Student Isabel Garcia reads an original poem.
VAST senior Talon McKendree shares his original artwork several pieces of which will be exhibited in his senior art show this spring.
Sam O’Keefe reads an original poem.
Erin Murphy, professor of English and advisor of Hard Freight, reads an original poem.
Student Reilly Keen performs an original monologue about Big Foot.
Penn State Altoona English professor emeritus Tom Liszka reads several poems.
Student J.J. Colombo sings a song.
Hard Freight Editor-in-Chief Emmett Moniz reads an original story.
The crowd enjoys the event.