Just as long as there isn't house music blaring. I don't even like that for non-technical socializing. One reason bar owners like the loud music is that it induces people to drink more. If people could hear each other they may get caught up in conversation and not take as many sips of their drinks.
Trust me, I don't like loud noise as much as anybody. I pick my bars accordingly (Yelp is typically pretty good at reporting noise levels, but at an event you can just walk around until you find an appropriate location).
