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, allows students to showcase their writing, music, and other performances. Dates will be announced in advance.
Todd Davis, professor of English and environmental studies at Penn State Altoona, reads from his new book of poetry.
Levi Custer performs an original song on piano.
Nia Sierra reads a poem.
Todd Davis discusses his poetry.
Erin Murphy, professor of English, read from her new book of poetry, Fluent in Blue.
The crowd enjoys a joke by Jeffery Stoyanoff, assistant professor of English and women's, gender, and sexuality studies at Penn State Altoona.
Student Gwendalynn McGinley reads an original poem.
Student Talon McKendree shares his original artwork.
Student Bloom West reads a short story.
Student Kathryn Maille reads one of her poems.
Student Ishmael Bruney reads an original poem.
Student Nathan Colyer reads an original poem.
Student Liz Green performs a song by Mary J. Blige.
English faculty emeritus Thomas Liszka recites one of his original poems.
Student Alayna Mark reads her work.
Student Ember Brown reads an original short story.
The audience enjoys the open mic event.
Student Jay Schmidt shares an original poem.
Student Ollie Mearkle reads an original poem.
Kylea Myers, theatre and gallery coordinator for the Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts at Penn State Altoona, shares an original creative nonfiction essay.
Student Genevieve Henderson shares her writing.
Student Emma Moniz reads an original short story.
